New UK Regulations: Temporary No-Fly Zones in England for Helicopter Flight

The UK government has announced a temporary restriction on flying in several English counties due to an important helicopter flight scheduled for May 9, 2025. This means that from 3:05 PM to 4:25 PM (BST), certain airspace areas will be off-limits to most aircraft.

What's Happening?

The Department for Transport, guided by the Secretary of State, is enforcing these restrictions to ensure the safe and smooth operation of a helicopter flight that demands special attention. The areas affected include parts of Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire, and Buckinghamshire.

Key Details:

• Timing: The restricted flying period is set from 3:05 PM to 4:25 PM British Summer Time (BST), which is 2:05 PM to 3:25 PM Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).

• Areas Affected: The no-fly zones are defined by specific geographic coordinates, creating restricted areas at varying altitudes ranging from 2,500 to 4,000 feet above mean sea level.

• Exemptions:

  • Aircraft involved in essential services like police, emergency medical services, and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency are exempt.
  • Flights departing from or arriving at Kemble Aerodrome, London Heathrow Airport, and those operating under specific permissions from air traffic control centers such as RAF Brize Norton and Farnborough are also exempt.

Why the Restrictions?

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the Department for Transport have deemed the restrictions necessary to prevent any disruption to the helicopter flight, which is in the public interest.

Need More Information?

For further details, pilots and aviation operators should refer to the Briefing Sheet and Notice to Aviation (NOTAM) provided by the CAA. Additionally, Mr. Alan Frew from the Safety and Airspace Regulation Group is available for inquiries at 03301 382734.

These regulations highlight the government's commitment to ensuring airspace safety during significant aviation operations.