Light UAS Operator Certificate Trial

Overview

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) intends to run a 12-month trial of a Light UAS Operator Certificate (LUC) framework for UAS operators. The LUC concept provides an alternative pathway for UAS operations in the Specific Category, by granting privileges based on organisational competence rather than requiring case-by-case approvals by the CAA. 

This trial will allow the CAA to evaluate whether such an approach can sustainably maintain safety and compliance while enabling greater operational flexibility. The policy concept document can be found on our website at: CAP3222: Unmanned Aircraft Systems Light UAS Operator Certificate Policy Concept

The CAA plans to trial the LUC concept over a 12-month period with a small number of organisations who respond to this call for interest, are deemed suitable to participate in the trial and apply successfully for an LUC. Please note that Organisations deemed initially suitable by the CAA are not guaranteed to be successful in applying for an LUC.

For the duration of the trial and until further notice, there will be no routine application service for an LUC in the UK.