CAAM: authorisation needed to fly in class A, B, C or G airspace, an aerodrome traffic zone or above 400 feet

In plain language

CAAM guidance on Civil Aviation Regulations 2016 regulation 140 states that flying an unmanned aircraft system in class A, B, C or G airspace, within an aerodrome traffic zone, or higher than 400 feet from the ground is not allowed unless authorized by the Authority (application in accordance with regulation 189), that dropping any object from a drone is prohibited, and that although class G is uncontrolled airspace a UAS still cannot be flown there without authorisation from the Authority.

Requirement as structured

CAAM guidance on Civil Aviation Regulations 2016 regulation 140 states that flying an unmanned aircraft system in class A, B, C or G airspace, within an aerodrome traffic zone, or higher than 400 feet from the ground is not allowed unless authorized by the Authority (application in accordance with regulation 189), that dropping any object from a drone is prohibited, and that although class G is uncontrolled airspace a UAS still cannot be flown there without authorisation from the Authority.

Original regulatory text

(140) Unmanned aircraft system This regulation states that flying unmanned aircraft systems (drones) is not allowed in certain areas, including class A, B, C, or G airspace, within an aerodrome traffic zone, and higher than 400 feet from the ground, unless authorized by the Authority. To obtain authorization, an application must be made in accordance with regulation 189. Dropping any object from a drone is also prohibited. “Class A, B, C, or G airspace” refers to airspace designated by the Chief Executive Officer. So, in summary, class A, B, and C is a controlled airspace while class G is an uncontrolled airspace. In general, a controlled airspace is typically an airspace controlled by air traffic controller. Despite uncontrolled airspace is not controlled by ATC, under regulation 140 you still cannot fly your UAS without authorisation from the Authority.

Applies when

scope

all_purposes

caveat

CAAM webpage explanation of CAR 2016 reg. 140, not the gazetted text; amendments 2016-2019 not checked. Drone Assistant does not determine airspace class or aerodrome traffic zones for any location.