Drone news
What is changing for drone operators and the people who hire them: CAA rules, industry news and a daily round-up from the UK Drone Directory news desk.
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Daily update16 October 20263 min read
Daily update, 16 October: four SAIL Mark certificates, and Lydd's plan for a future flight centre
The CAA's register lists four SAIL Mark certificates. And Lydd Airport in Kent has set out plans for a Centre for Future Flight Innovation, with a commercial Special Use Airspace designation central to the proposals.
daily-updatecaasail markuk soralydd airport
Story16 October 20263 min read
CAA register lists four SAIL Mark certificates, including Manna's Gen 3.8X at SAIL III
The CAA's register of SAIL Mark certificates lists four, all issued on 29 September 2026 after assessment by Marshalls of Cambridge. Two are scoped to a SAIL level and two to a component.
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Story14 October 20262 min read
Drone restriction around Cardiff for the Senedd opening on 15 October
No unmanned aircraft below 1,300 ft above mean sea level within 1.5 nautical miles of a point in Cardiff, 8am to 5pm BST on 15 October, unless flying under a permission from the South Wales Police Special Events Support Unit.
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Story14 October 20263 min read
Flying restricted below 2,500 ft around Windsor on 20 October for a state visit
A temporary restriction of flying covers an area around Windsor from 7am to midnight BST on 20 October 2026. It applies to all aircraft below 2,500 feet above mean sea level, subject to listed exemptions.
airspacerestriction of flyingwindsorstate visitberkshire
Story13 October 20263 min read
Drone evidence leads to fines for two fishermen over scallop dredging off the Isle of Wight
Southern IFCA officers used a drone with a camera, laser range finder and GPS to track a vessel dredging inside a protected area off the Isle of Wight; two Warsash fishermen were ordered to pay £4,720.
enforcementmarinefisheriessouthern ifcaisle of wight
Story13 October 20263 min read
Cargo drones fly maintenance kits to turbines at Hornsea 2 in Ørsted and Skyports trial
Ørsted and Skyports Drone Services ran a four-week cargo drone trial at Hornsea 2, flying kits of about 55 to 65 kg between a service vessel and turbines, within the UK Civil Aviation Authority's regulatory framework.
offshore windcargo dronesbvlosheavy liftskyports
Daily update5 October 20263 min read
Daily update, 5 October: RAF Fairford restriction, drones at HMP Highpoint, Lancashire wildfire drones
An emergency flying restriction around RAF Fairford had not been revoked at the time of writing. Inspectors report drones delivering contraband at HMP Highpoint. And Lancashire's fire service is testing heavy lift drones for wildfires.
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Story5 October 20263 min read
Emergency flying restriction in force around RAF Fairford with no end date
An emergency restriction with a five nautical mile radius around RAF Fairford has applied since 30 September, after a smaller Whelford zone was revoked. A local drone operator says he could not get permission to fly in north Swindon.
airspacerestriction of flyingemergency restrictionraf fairfordgloucestershire
Story2 October 20262 min read
Robert MacIntyre voices frustration at broadcast drones flying close to players at Carnoustie
Scotland's number one golfer says the noise from drones flying close to players can affect his concentration. He was spoken to by a DP World Tour rules official at the Dunhill Links Championship.
broadcastsportgolfeventscamera drones
Daily update1 October 20263 min read
Daily update, 1 October: a drone restriction for Hull Fair, drones and lasers on the Norfolk coast
Regulations restrict drone flying around Hull Fair at set times between 9 and 17 October. And researchers are using drones and laser technology to investigate how natural habitats could help protect England's east coast from the sea.
daily-updatehull fairrestriction of flyingairspace restrictionnorfolk
Story1 October 20264 min read
Drone restriction zone to cover Hull Fair at set times between 9 and 17 October
Drones are barred below 1,100 feet above mean sea level within half a nautical mile of the Walton Street fairground at set times. Other than Police Air Support Unit drones, flights there in those times need Aerial Defence Ltd's permission.
hull fairrestriction of flyingairspace restrictionarticle 239humberside police
Story30 September 20265 min read
CAA publishes report on managing noise from drones and eVTOL aircraft
CAP 3304 comes from the CAA's Environmental Research and Consultancy Department, at the Department for Transport's request. It lists measures for the next 6 to 12 months and says operating restrictions may be required in some circumstances.
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