On the 1st October 2019, the CAA is due to start accepting applications for acceptance of competency under Article 94E in the CAP 393, which will take the shape as a Remote Pilot and SUA Operator registration scheme for drones in the UK with mandatory registration coming into force on the 30th November 2019.
In 2018 the UK Government introduced a law to require operators of drones weighing above 250 grams to register with the CAA as either a Remote Pilot, SUA Operator or both.
You will have to register as an SUA Operator if you are the owner or are responsible for aircraft over 250 grams. You will be given a unique identifier number that you will have to attach to the aircraft. The CAA will provide guidance when this registration scheme launches that shows how to do this. You will (currently) have to do this every 12 months.
If you are going to pilot any remote aircraft, you will have to register as a Remote Pilot, regardless if you own or do not own an aircraft. To become a Remote Pilot you will have to take a multiple question online examination after which you will get your unique flyer number that is valid for 3 years.
Do I have to pay and register if I have a PfCO?
If you hold a PfCO, whoever is listed as an SUA Operator within your Operations Manual will have to register with the CAA through the Drone Registration Scheme as anSUA Operator.
Any Remote Pilots listed within the Operations Manual will have to take the online test with the CAA (regardless if they have done a PfCO course) and they will be assigned a Flyer Number that is valid for 3 years.
Is the Drone Registration in the UK still happening?
We spoke directly to the CAA on 19th September 2019 and they have said that they still intend to launch the service on 1st October 2019 with mandatory registration starting on 30th November 2019 as planned.
However, we have received no further details released since the consultation in June 2019. As an NQE we have tested the online registration scheme on behalf of the CAA, however due to an NDA we are unable to release any further details on how this will work.
Conclusion
If you OWN or are RESPONSIBLE for a Drone, from 30th November 2019 you will have to register as a SUA Operator and label your drone with your unique identifier number on ALL of your aircraft over 250 grams. This will need to be renewed every 12 months
If you only fly drones, but don't actually own one or are responsbile for one then you will have to register as a Remote Pilot and take an online test. You will then be given a Flyer Number that is unique to you. You must do this every 3 years.
If you hold a PfCO or if you are working under someone elses PfCO then you will still need to register either as a SUA Operator, Remote Pilot or both if required.
The registration scheme is supposed to start on 1st October 2019 but doesn't become mandatory until 30th November 2019.
We'll keep you updated if anything changes and we will let you know exactly where you need to register.
If you are still unsure please get in touch today and speak to a member of the team on 01491 526 700 or email info@flyicarus.co.uk
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