What authority oversees safety and regulations for drone operations in the UK?

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is the body responsible for regulating and overseeing safety in civil aviation activities within the United Kingdom, which includes drone operations. The CAA creates and enforces the rules and regulations that govern how drones can be used, ensuring that they are operated safely and in compliance with legal requirements. This includes issuing licenses, setting operational standards, and conducting safety assessments.

While the Ministry of Defence and the National Air Traffic Control have roles within the broader aviation framework, they do not specifically oversee civilian drone operations. The Department for Transport also plays a key role in transportation policy but delegates the specifics of civil aviation regulations, including drone usage, to the CAA. This centralized approach helps to maintain a consistent standard of safety and regulation for all drone operators in the UK.