As you might know, the CAA has introduced new restricted areas around prisons and young offender institutions in England and Wales. These zones, effective since 25 January 2024, specifically restrict drone operations within 400 metres of any prison or YOI. Violating these restrictions could result in fines of up to £2,500.
The Rule
Flying unmanned aircraft near prisons and young offender institutions is now prohibited without an exemption. These areas are classified as ‘Restricted Zones’ for drone operators, identified with the prefix EGRU. It’s crucial to understand that these are distinct from FRZs (Flight Restriction Zones), which cover aerodromes, but rather zones specifically designed to prevent drone activity in these sensitive areas.
Check If You’re Flying in a Restricted Zone
To avoid accidental violations, always confirm whether your flight path falls within a restricted zone. You can find the full list of these zones on the Leaping Wing – Restricted Zones section of our website or check the National Air Traffic Service’s (NATS) Aeronautical Information Service (AIS). Each restricted zone listed on the website includes a contact email for applications, which is essentially the same for all: drone.RFZapplication@justice.go.uk.
DJI users, take note: these zones may appear as ‘Enhanced Warning Zones’ on your app but might not fully reflect all restricted areas. Always cross-reference with official sources to ensure compliance.
Our Experience
Operating your drone in these restricted zones comes with unique challenges, and our recent experience navigating the permissions process reinforced the importance of staying adaptable.
We began by submitting our application through the designated portal, only to receive an email informing us that the process had moved to a new system. After completing the application on the updated portal, we were contacted by the CAA and asked to resubmit the form using the original system. The mistake was ours: it’s vital to flag your application as a ‘Restricted Area’ and not a ‘Flight Restriction Zone’.
Even if you don’t make that slip, we recommend building extra time into your planning wherever possible, as the co-ordination of CAA and HMPPS in the background is likely to mean a minimum turnaround of around five days.. Stay prepared for changes and double-check all permissions and regulations before flying.
Leaping Wing provides training and consultancy to commercial operators in Wales and across the UK. Enquire now to discuss your organisation’s drone requirements.