Permissions · Drones
Drones.
Rochester Airport is protected by a Flight Restricted Zone (FRZ). It is illegal to fly any drone at any time within the FRZ unless you have permission from the airport.
No permission, no flight
Flying inside the Flight Restricted Zone without permission is an offence. Requests need at least 72 hours’ notice.
Flight Restricted Zone
Flights around protected aerodromes are restricted.
In the United Kingdom, flights of unmanned aircraft around aerodromes designated as protected aerodromes are restricted. Unmanned aircraft of any size must not be flown within the Flight Restriction Zone of a protected aerodrome without appropriate permission.
Rochester Airport is a protected aerodrome. The restriction covers every unmanned aircraft, including model aircraft and toys, at any height. Your drone’s own map or geofence is not permission to fly.
Flight Restricted Zone (FRZ) dimensions
What the zone covers.
The FRZ is designed to keep aircraft operating at the airport safe. It extends upwards to a height of 2,000 feet above the airfield and consists of two elements.
Aerodrome Traffic Zone (ATZ)
2 nm radius
The airfield’s existing ATZ, a circle centred on the runway
Runway Protection Zone (RPZ)
5 km × 1 km
Starting from the threshold at both ends of the runway
Height
2,000 ft
Above the airfield, from the surface upwards
Rochester Airport (EGTO): Flight Restriction Zone of 2 nautical miles around the runway plus the runway protection zones, up to 2,000 ft. Check the exact boundary on NATS Drone Assist.
The Drone Code
Your responsibility when you fly.
When you fly a drone in the UK, it is your responsibility to be aware of the rules that are in place to keep everyone safe.
Most drones need a Flyer ID for the person flying and an Operator ID for the person responsible for the aircraft. You will need both to request permission.
It is the law, not an airport policy.
Flight Restriction Zones are set by the Air Navigation Order. Flying inside one without the aerodrome’s permission is a criminal offence and puts aircraft and people at risk.
How to request permission
Flying within the Rochester Airport FRZ.
All drone operations within the Flight Restriction Zone require prior approval from the airport. To ensure a safe and efficient airspace, we require a minimum of 72 hours’ notice for all requests.
Applications for drone permissions are managed using an online platform, Air Portal, which is available at app.airportal.aero. The applicable fees, along with the mandatory requirements, are outlined below.
| Application | Fee |
|---|---|
| Recreational applications | No fee (permission still required) |
| Commercial applications | £20 + VAT |
| Applications within the aerodrome boundary | £200 + VAT |
You will need your CAA Operator ID and Flyer ID to make the application. Once your request has been reviewed, you will receive a confirmation email and further instructions.
Please note.
Requests submitted without all the required information, or with less than 72 hours’ notice, may be rejected.
If you have any queries or require further guidance, email [email protected]. Air Portal provides services to manage drone and crane permissions; more information is available from airportal.aero.