CTR flight execution and tower contact
Verified from official sourcesIn plain language
During a CTR drone flight the operator must fly under VFR with visual line of sight at all times and stay within the flight area authorised by the Operational Helpdesk or FDNO, using a geocage tested on the ground before requesting clearance. In civil CTRs two-way radio contact is mandatory (a 10-metre antenna is recommended); in military CTRs contact is by telephone unless two-way radio contact is specified during approval. Special VFR is permitted in civil CTRs within a UDP only with controller clearance.
Requirement as structured
During a CTR drone flight the operator must fly under VFR with visual line of sight at all times and stay within the flight area authorised by the Operational Helpdesk or FDNO, using a geocage tested on the ground before requesting clearance. In civil CTRs two-way radio contact is mandatory (a 10-metre antenna is recommended); in military CTRs contact is by telephone unless two-way radio contact is specified during approval. Special VFR is permitted in civil CTRs within a UDP only with controller clearance.
Original regulatory text
- You must conduct the flight in accordance with Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and maintain visual line of sight (VLOS) at all times. - Special VFR is permitted in civil CTRs within UDP, provided that the air traffic controller has granted clearance for this. - The flight must remain within the flight area authorised by the Operational Helpdesk or FDNO. To do this, set up a geocage that corresponds to the authorised flight area. Test the geocage on the ground prior to the flight. Only request flight clearance from the tower controller once the geocage is working correctly. - The following applies to the contact with the tower controller: - Within civil CTRs, two-way radio contact is mandatory. We recommend a 10-metre antenna to ensure signal quality at low altitudes. - Within military CTRs, contact is made by telephone. If two-way radio contact is required, this will be specified during the approval process.
Applies when
- operation
- CTR