How CAP3319 Helps You Plan Drone Test Flights In The UK

Developing a new sensor, datalink or autonomy feature? Knowing which route to fly your trials under can be half the battle, and the CAA’s new CAP3319 guidance now pulls those routes together in one place.

What CAP3319 covers

Published on 22nd October 2026, CAP3319 is guidance for industry on developing, testing and evaluating uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS). It doesn’t introduce new rules. Instead, it signposts existing CAA policy, from the Open Category through to UK SORA (the UK’s Specific Operations Risk Assessment), and shows where each one fits in a development programme.

Matching your trials to the right route

• Start small. Early sensor, communications and navigation tests often suit the Open Category, which needs no CAA authorisation as long as you stay within its limits.
  
• Use pre-assessed test sites. These support VLOS and BVLOS flights up to SAIL II (a measure of operational risk), so you can reuse the site’s risk assessment rather than rebuilding it for every campaign.
  
• Phase in multiple simultaneous operations. Begin with a standard one-pilot, one-drone authorisation, gather evidence, then apply to add more aircraft as a variation.
  
• Test safety systems to a standard. Flight termination systems and parachutes should be tested against recognised standards, such as BS EN 4709-006 and ASTM F3322-24a.

Turning CAP3319 test flights into evidence

The biggest message is about planning. The CAA says test objectives, success criteria and data capture should be defined before testing begins. Structured, repeatable results can then support a future UK SORA application rather than sitting unused on a laptop.

Competence matters too. Test teams still need a CAA-recognised remote pilot qualification, such as a GVC, RPC-L1, RPC-L2 or RPC-L3, and CAP3319 notes the GVC is being phased out by the end of 2027. Coptrz training helps teams build the skills and record-keeping habits that make approvals smoother.

FAQs

What is CAP3319?

CAP3319 is CAA guidance for industry on developing, testing and evaluating uncrewed aircraft systems using existing regulatory routes.

Does CAP3319 change UK drone rules?

No. It brings existing CAA policy together in one place and doesn’t replace it.

Can I test a new drone in the Open Category?

Often, yes. Early trials of sensors, datalinks and navigation can suit the Open Category, provided you stay within its limits.

Final thoughts

Building a test team? Strengthen its skills with Coptrz drone training courses.