UK CAA publishes response to C2 Link Policy consultation

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has published its consultation response summary on the proposed Command and Control (C2) Link Policy Concept for BVLOS drone operations under SAIL I–III.

Stakeholder feedback showed general support for using existing telecommunications standards and the JARUS Required C2 Link Performance (RLP) framework, alongside a proportionate, risk-based approach.

However, responses highlighted the need for greater clarity on how these concepts would be applied in practice — particularly around assurance, roles and responsibilities, and demonstrating compliance.

The CAA confirms it will act on this feedback, with an immediate focus on developing draft Acceptable Means of Compliance (AMC) and Guidance Material (GM) within UK SORA for SAIL I–III operations, including identifying appropriate standards and guidance to support implementation.

This includes:

• Identifying specific standards/guidelines in relation to telecommunication standards.

• Updating the UK SORA GM that refers to JARUS RLP to clarify this should be considered as a framework and applied proportionately to the SAIL, noting the UAS capabilities.

• AMC and/or GM will be drafted to reflect that C2 link periodic log files should be recorded appropriate for the complexity of the operation reflected in the SAIL, the development state of the UAS, and the C2 link implementation.

• Recognising that cyber-security is an ongoing issue for all data, including C2 links. The CAA will draft AMC/GM on this reflecting a performance-based, proportionate, and technology-neutral fashion, that may need to be updated from time-to-time.

• Drafting AMC/GM reflecting that operations using public 4G and 5G networks should be below 120m agl (noting that certain tasks over high buildings may still be allowed), and the CAA will keep this under review.

The full details of CAP 3248, including the UK CAA's response, can be viewed here.