GM1 UAS.OPEN.050(2) Responsibilities of the UAS Operator

CAA ORS9 Decision No. 16

EFFICIENT USE OF RADIO SPECTRUM TO AVOID HARMFUL INTERFERENCE- VHF RADIO COMMUNICATIONS

The incorrect and illegal use of VHF Radiotelephony (RT) can cause significant impact to airspace users who require its use for communication with an ATS provider, especially in critical phases of flight or during an emergency. VHF radio communication should not be required in the Open category.

It should be noted that the use of VHF RT is strictly controlled, and requires the pilot to hold an appropriate licence, and to use an appropriately licenced radio for air-air, air-ground or ground-ground use.

It is the responsibility of the UAS Operator to ensure that the radio spectrum used for the C2 Link and for any payload communications complies with the relevant Ofcom requirements and that any licenses required for its operation have been obtained.

Frequency bands are allocated by Ofcom, details can be found on the Ofcom website and include IR 2030 – UK Interface Requirements 2030 which covers licence exempt short range devices. Applications for the assignment of frequencies within the bands must be addressed to Ofcom.

Licencing of frequency allocations is the responsibility of Ofcom and hence, where required, all applications for a frequency assignment should be directed in the first instance to Ofcom.  In frequency bands where the CAA is the assigning authority, then the application will be passed to the CAA by Ofcom so that the CAA can conduct the technical work, but Ofcom still remains the licencing authority.

There are no specific frequencies allocated for use by UAS in the UK. However, the most used frequencies are 35 MHz, 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz.

35 MHz is a frequency designated for model aircraft use only, with the assumption that clubs and individuals will be operating in a known environment to strict channel allocation rules. It is therefore not considered to be a suitable frequency for more general UAS operations (i.e. outside a club environment) where the whereabouts of other users is usually difficult to assess.

2.4 GHz is a licence free band used for car wireless keys, household internet and a wide range of other applications. Although this is considered to be far more robust to interference than 35 MHz, operators must act with appropriate caution in areas where it is expected that there will be a high degree of 2.4 GHz activity.

5.8 GHz is a licenced band which requires a minimum payment and registration with Ofcom. This band is in use with other services including amateur-satellite, weather and military radars. Details can be found on the Ofcom website.

For further UAS specific guidance on whether a licence is required for your UAS, more information can be found on the Ofcom website.

Operations close to any facility that could cause interference (such as a radar station) could potentially disrupt communications with the UAS, whatever the frequency in use. GNSS jamming activities may also disrupt communications as well as C2 signals. Information on scheduled GNSS jamming exercises can be found on the Ofcom website, and should be promulgated via NOTAM.