Flight Restriction Zones (FRZ) wrap every UK aerodrome with controlled airspace where drone operations require permission from the aerodrome before flight. Article 94A of the Air Navigation Order 2016 makes flying inside an FRZ without that permission a criminal offence. The geometry varies — typically 4.5–5 km laterally from the runway threshold up to 2,000 ft AGL — but the principle is universal: it doesn't matter if the airport is closed, the FRZ stays active.
Who do you contact?
- Major commercial airports (Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Edinburgh, Stansted, Luton, Birmingham, Bristol) — written drone permission systems. Most use online forms; Heathrow processes via the Airspace User Portal, Gatwick uses Altitude Angel's drone-portal integration, smaller airports take direct email.
- Smaller licensed aerodromes (Blackbushe, Goodwood, North Weald, Sherburn-in-Elmet) — phone the ATSU, talk to the duty controller, agree a window. Often friendlier than the big airports.
- Military aerodromes (Brize Norton, Marham, Coningsby, Lakenheath, Mildenhall) — far more restrictive. Most categorically refuse drone overflight.
- Unlicensed strips — no FRZ, but landowner permission and ATZ courtesies still apply.
What to actually say
The form or phone call needs:
- Operator ID (the GBR-OP-... number)
- Drone — model, MTOW, serial
- Pilot qualification — Flyer ID, A2 CofC if held, GVC if commercial
- Location — what3words, postcode, or grid reference
- Date and time window — narrower windows are approved more readily
- Maximum altitude — keep it realistic; "I might go up to 100 ft" is approved more easily than "up to 400 ft"
- Purpose — recreational / property survey / news / inspection
- Insurance — public liability cover (commercial flights legally require it; recreational increasingly asked for)
Realistic timing
- Major airports: 7–14 working days for written approval. Not a same-day thing.
- Smaller licensed aerodromes: same day to next day if you call
- Military: weeks, often refused
How to dramatically increase your odds
- Apply to fly when the aerodrome isn't operating — early morning, late evening, off-hours
- Stay below 100 ft AGL — what most ATSUs are comfortable approving without consulting flight ops
- Specify a tight window (1–2 hours), not a full day
- Be away from the runway extended centreline — most refusals are when you're under approach or departure paths
- Mention your A2 CofC or GVC if you have one. Even for hobby flights, it signals you understand the airspace
What "denied" actually means
If denied, find out why. Common reasons:
- Active runway operations during your window — try a different time
- You're under the approach corridor — relocate
- Aerodrome doesn't process drone requests at all (some smaller fields have a blanket no) — pick a different launch site
Persistent attempts to fly inside an FRZ without permission are pursued by police aviation units and the CAA's enforcement team. Article 94A breaches carry up to 5 years' imprisonment and an unlimited fine. "I had permission verbally from a friend who works there" is not a legal defence.