UK CAA’s Light UAS Operator Certificate based on COMPETENCE and FAA Part 107 waivers

Innovation and imagination are the only limits on the future operations of Unmanned/Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS). The UK CAA, no longer under EASA’s jurisdiction, has proposed an alternative regulatory framework as a Light UAS Operator Certificate (“LUC”) for UAS operators undertaking Specific Category activities. The intent is to ‘grant[ing] privileges based on organisational competence rather than requiring case-by-case approvals by the CAA’.

The CAA will see if this more open approach to UAS operator certification will accommodate innovation by reduce the “BOXes” inherent in the regulatory administrative burden. I.E.,

• • the APPLICANT will define its skills (personnel, drone, control equipment, statement of operation limits (day/night, weather, tight flight limits, ground safety provisions, ETC. {expecting new operations, ETC. becomes an important abbreviation}).
  • the APPLICANT will submit a detailed explanation of how it intends to fly its UAS aircraft to show that the RELEVANT RISKs are minimized by its competencies.

What are the CAA’s existing boxes:

• • Open Category– basic, low risk flying (e.g. casual flying of most consumer drones).
    • This requires only operator competency and basic registration (e.g. Flyer ID and Operator ID).
  • Specific Category– moderate risk flying (e.g. construction mapping within 50 metres of buildings / people).
    • This requires a detailed safety assessment and Operational Authorisation by the CAA.
  • Certified Category– complex, high-risk flying (e.g. carrying dangerous goods).
    • Stringent requirements apply, including licensing of pilots and operator certification.

The LUC concept will apply to the Specific Category only.

The LUC trial will involve a maximum of five organisations. the CAA’s threshold for applicants

• • UAS operators that can clearly demonstrate their ability to manage UAS operational risk,
  • Holds a current Air Operator Certificate.
  • Has held a current Operational Authorisation for UAS operations,
  • Demonstrate the ability to identify and mitigate UAS-specific risk through deployment of a Safety Management System.
  • Demonstrate organizational competence to manage UAS operations (including training, maintenance, compliance and crew competence).

Much maligned regulation does create a pattern for applicants to follow and while it may be restrictive, it provides a useful precedent for all applicants. The FAA’s waiver system for Part 107 includes some of the CAA elements, but appears to grant less latitude. FAA has a similar list of the same criteria and its history of waiver grants provides useful intelligence as to how to successfully be approved. Having participated in several such requests and following the current UAS docket, JDA can help prepare your request efficiently and manage its progress through the FAA!!!

UK CAA to trial competence-based UAS operator certification over case-by-case approvals

March 3, 2026Kylie Bielby

UAS traffic management news

The UK 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 is intended to provide 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 CAA said.

The LUC concept will be TRIALLED over a 12-month period with a small number of organisations who respond to the call for interest, are deemed suitable to participate in the trial and apply successfully for an LUC. The CAA notes that organisations deemed initially suitable 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.