How to Write and Apply for a CAA Drone Operating Safety Case (OSC) in the UK
- Ian Titchener
- Feb 7, 2025
- 4 min read
Introduction
If you’re a drone operator in the UK looking to conduct more complex or higher-risk operations, you’ve probably come across the term Operating Safety Case (Drone OSC). Essentially, an OSC is a way to prove to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) that you can safely manage risks beyond the standard permissions.
Writing an OSC can feel overwhelming at first—there’s a lot of paperwork, regulations, and technical details to get right. But don’t worry! This guide will break it all down into manageable steps, helping you understand exactly what you need to do to prepare, write, and submit a strong application.
We’ll reference key documents like CAP 722A (the CAA’s guide on writing an OSC) and UK Regulation (EU) 2019/947 (which governs drone operations) to make sure you’re fully informed. Plus, we’ll provide links so you can easily access the official resources.
What is a Drone Operating Safety Case (OSC) and Do You Need One?
Most UK drone operators fly under Operational Authorisation (OA) based on standard permissions, but what if you want to:
Fly closer to people or infrastructure than normally allowed?
Operate Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS)?
Use a larger drone for commercial operations?
That’s where an OSC comes in. It allows you to apply for specific exemptions or enhanced permissions by demonstrating that your operation is just as safe—if not safer—than the standard regulations require.
Think of it as a safety proposal where you prove to the CAA that you know what you’re doing and have measures in place to reduce risks.
Understanding the Structure of an OSC
The CAA requires OSC applications to follow a three-volume structure as outlined in CAP 722A:
📖 Volume 1: The Operations Manual
This is where you explain how your drone operations work in practice. It includes:
Company Details & Organisational Structure – Who is responsible for safety?
Types of Operations & Aircraft Used – What kind of flights will you be conducting?
Pilot Training & Competency – How do you ensure pilots are trained properly?
Safety Procedures & Emergency Protocols – What happens if something goes wrong?
Maintenance & Equipment Management – How do you ensure drones are flight-ready?
🔍 Tip: Make sure this section is clear and aligned with CAA guidelines—this is your opportunity to show that you have well-documented, professional procedures.
📊 Volume 2: The Technical Manual
This section is all about the drone itself—proving that it’s reliable and suitable for your intended operations.
Include details on:
Airframe, Propulsion, and Control Systems – What makes your drone safe?
Failsafe Systems & Redundancies – What happens if there’s a technical issue?
Communication & Navigation Systems – How do you maintain control and situational awareness?
If your drone has been modified or uses custom software, make sure to explain how it has been tested for safety.
⚠️ Volume 3: Risk Assessment
This is arguably the most important part of your OSC. Here, you’ll need to demonstrate that you understand the risks involved and have proper mitigation strategies in place.
You should:
Identify potential risks – e.g., what happens if your drone loses GPS?
Assess the severity and likelihood of each risk – using a risk matrix.
Outline control measures – how you reduce risks to an acceptable level.
The CAA expects a detailed risk assessment following the Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA) methodology.
🔍 Tip: Be thorough! A weak risk assessment is one of the most common reasons OSC applications get rejected.
The Application Process: Step-by-Step
1️⃣ Gather Your Documents
Before you start your application, make sure you have:
✅ A well-written OSC (Volumes 1, 2, and 3).✅ A copy of your General Visual Line of Sight Certificate (GVC).✅ Proof of insurance covering the type of operations you’re proposing.✅ Any supporting documents (e.g., flight test results, manufacturer specs).
2️⃣ Submit Your Application
You can submit your OSC application via the CAA’s official Operational Authorisation Portal:
3️⃣ Pay the Fee
The CAA charges a fee for processing your OSC application. Current fees can be found here:
4️⃣ Await Review & Potential Revisions
The CAA will review your application, which can take several weeks. They may ask for clarifications or adjustments, so be prepared to respond promptly.
5️⃣ Receive Your Authorisation
Once approved, your OSC will be issued, allowing you to operate under your new permissions!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
🚫 Submitting incomplete documents – Double-check that you’ve included everything.🚫 Poorly structured risk assessment – Weak risk assessments lead to rejections.🚫 Vague operational procedures – The CAA wants clear, detailed processes.🚫 Overlooking maintenance & safety protocols – Show that you’re proactive about safety.
Key Regulations to Be Aware Of
CAP 722A – A Guide to the Operating Safety Case🔗 Read CAP 722A
UK Regulation (EU) 2019/947 – Rules on Drone Operations🔗 Read the full regulation
Final Thoughts: Is an OSC Right for You?
An OSC isn’t for everyone—it takes time, effort, and money to prepare. But if you need more flexibility in your drone operations, it’s a worthwhile investment that can set your business apart.
By following CAP 722A, structuring your risk assessment properly, and submitting a strong case, you’ll significantly increase your chances of getting approval.
If you need help, consider working with a drone compliance consultant or speaking to operators who have successfully obtained an OSC.
🚀 Good luck with your application—safe flying!
Would you like help creating templates for your OSC documents? Let me know!
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