Skyports Selected for UK CAA Light UAS Operator Certificate Pilot Programme
Skyports Drone Services has been selected as one of nine operators in the UK Civil Aviation Authority's 12-month Light UAS Operator Certificate (LUC) pilot programme. The scheme allows qualifying operators to self-authorise certain drone operations without submitting individual SORA applications, streamlining approvals while maintaining safety oversight.
Highlights
- The UK Civil Aviation Authority selected nine drone operators, including Skyports Drone Services, for its 12-month Light UAS Operator Certificate (LUC) pilot programme.
- LUC pilot participants can self-authorise certain drone operations without submitting individual SORA applications for each flight activity.
- The CAA will use the 12-month pilot to evaluate safety performance and oversight effectiveness before deciding whether to expand the LUC framework or integrate it into the UK SORA methodology.
- Skyports already holds an LUC certificate from the Irish Aviation Authority and a broad-area BVLOS approval from Australia's CASA, giving it a strong international regulatory track record.
- The LUC pilot framework is designed to enable more proportionate, flexible CAA oversight while ensuring all operations remain within pre-approved safety limits.
Skyports Selected for UK CAA Light UAS Operator Certificate Pilot Programme
Skyports Drone Services has been named one of nine drone operators selected by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to participate in the Light UAS Operator Certificate (LUC) pilot programme — making it one of a small group of operators in the country to hold this status.
What Is the LUC Pilot Programme?
According to the CAA's official website, the programme runs a 12-month proof-of-concept for the LUC framework, open to qualifying drone operators:
"This pilot will allow the CAA to evaluate safety performance, regulatory compliance, and the effectiveness of oversight before deciding whether to expand the approach or integrate it into the UK SORA methodology."
The programme's core objectives include:
- Streamlined approvals: Eligible operators can self-authorise specific operations without submitting a SORA application for every individual flight activity.
- Maintained operational safety: All operations must remain within approved limits, underpinned by each operator's existing organisational systems and competencies.
- Proportionate regulation: The CAA can conduct oversight and audits in a more proportionate and practical manner, while supporting operators' flexibility.
Skyports' Regulatory Track Record
Selection for the LUC pilot further strengthens Skyports' credentials in international drone regulation. The company currently holds:
- Ireland: An LUC certificate issued by the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA)
- Australia: A broad-area BVLOS (beyond visual line of sight) approval issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA)
Under the new LUC pilot framework, Skyports will be able to self-authorise certain drone operations in the UK as a trusted operator, significantly improving its operational efficiency in the British market.
Nine Operators Selected Nationwide
The CAA announced via its official LinkedIn account that nine drone operators have been selected to take part in the LUC pilot programme.
Further Reading
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