CAA policy concept for Unmanned Aircraft Operations in an Atypical Air Environment (AAE)

# What this policy concept covers Authority (CAA) has released a policy concept that sets out how unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) operators can undertake beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations inside an Atypical Air Environment (AAE). It is a supporting document for the application process, focused on air risk specifics rather than being a comprehensive rulebook.

# Who should read this UAS operators planning BVLOS activity in unusual or mixed airspace, safety case authors, and programme leads responsible for operational approvals will find the guidance practical. The document is written to help applicants decide what may reasonably be considered an AAE and which mitigations might be appropriate for their operation.

# Core requirements for applications Applicants must begin their AAE application by submitting a UK Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA) or Operational Risk Assessment (ORA). The assessment must:

• Clearly articulate the full extent of the proposed activity.
• Define specific operational volumes — the exact airspace volumes in which the operation will take place.
• Describe operational, strategic, and technical mitigations tailored to the proposed activity and environment.

The CAA expects that different operational volumes may require distinct procedures and safety arguments. The policy concept notes there is no statutory limit on the number of volumes that can be authorised within a single Operational Authorisation (OA), but in practice separate safety cases will probably be necessary for each volume.

# How equivalent operations can be handled Annex G in the concept explains how operations that present an equivalent risk profile may be conducted at more than one site under a single OA. The same procedures, mitigations, and safety arguments may be applied across sites when equivalence can be demonstrated.

# Oversight, data sharing, and review The CAA frames this policy concept around current traffic levels and intends to review it as activity scales. Operators granted an AAE-based OA will be expected to work closely with the CAA to maximise information and data sharing. The regulator will use operating data to: monitor safety, assess environmental and noise impacts, and refine expectations for both applicants and the CAA as AAE activity evolves.

The concept encourages early engagement with the regulator. Applicants are advised to contact the CAA prior to submitting their application via the CAA's dedicated engagement channel. Early dialogue helps clarify expectations, streamline assessment, and shape the technical and operational evidence needed in the SORA/ORA.

# What the concept does not do This document is not an exhaustive list of what could be deemed an AAE, and it is not a substitute for the full OA application. It focuses on air risk and does not cover all operational policy, environmental, or community considerations in depth.

# Bottom line The CAA's policy concept provides applicants with a practical framework to prepare a targeted safety case for BVLOS operations inside defined AAEs. It stresses clear definition of operational volumes, tailored mitigation strategies, early regulator engagement, and ongoing data sharing so the regulator can adapt oversight as activity grows.