Keeping on top of when the CAA update their CAP documents can be a full-time job sometimes! But being a professional drone operator it comes as part of the job. There are only a few documents that you need to regularly keep on top of and make sure are referenced correctly in your Operations Manual.
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CAP 393 - The Air Navigation Order 2016 and Regulations
Currently, the CAP 393 - Air Navigation Order is v5.6 dated 21 March 2019.
The CAP 393 is the primary document where you will find the regulations you must abide by.
It's worth noting that the CAP 393 is due to be updated for the 31st December 2020 to incorporate the new regulations proposed in the CAP 1789 when we adopt the EASA Drone regulations.
Make sure you keep checking back on the CAP 393 as you will need to update this fairly soon!
CAP 722 - Unmanned Aircraft System Operations in UK Airspace - Guidance & Policy
The CAP 722 is where you will find all of the guidance material for operating drones in UK airspace, based on the regulations laid down in the CAP 393.
Currently, the CAP 722 - Unmanned Aircraft System Operations in UK Airspace - Guidance & Policy is v8 dated 5 November 2020.
CAP 382: Occurrence Reporting Scheme
The CAP 382 isn't actually a document anymore, it now links through to a web page on the CAA website for Occurrence Reporting.
This should still be referenced in your manual and currently, it's down as v10 dated December 2016.
ECCAIRS
Although you can access the ECCAIRS portal by following the links through the CAP 392, you should also have the ECCAIRS web address referenced in your manual. It's also best practice to download an offline version of the ECCAIRS form and have this as an appendix of your Operations Manual.
The address for ECCARS is: https://www.aviationreporting.eu/AviationReporting/
Your Drone!
You should reference the instruction manual of the drones you operate as part of your drone operations within your Operations Manual. Sometimes the manufacturers update their manuals so it's worth keeping an eye on every time you update your Operations Manual to see if the Manual has been updated.
Conclusion
Make sure you keep a close eye on the CAP 393 and the CAP 722, especially on the run-up to 31st December 2020. The CAA is currently auditing at least 5% of permission holders in the UK and they will give you 2 weeks notice to prepare.
If you want to make sure that your Operations Manual is always up-to-date then you should check out our HUBSub. The HUBSub is a monthly subscription that means your Operations Manual is always up-to-date on request and there are several additional benefits including discounts on training and hardware as well as exclusive training.
If you need any further information please contact the team on 0800 033 4400 or email hello@uavhub.com.
***This blog was last updated 6th November 2020***
