Cork Drone Operator Guide
Cork Drone Operator Guide
📍 Key Links & Resources
Official IAA UGZ Dimensions: IAA Cork UGZ Announcement
Airspace Map: iaa.ie/geozones
Registration Portal: MySRS (IAA)
Application Form (UF101): Download UF101 here
🚨 Emergency Services
Emergency services always come first. There's no change to how blue light services use the airspace - they have absolute priority, and we immediately pause flights whenever needed
Official IAA Statement: "There will be no change to how ‘blue light’ emergency services access this airspace. Emergency services will continue to have absolute priority, and all non-emergency drone activity will be paused immediately whenever required to ensure safe access." — IAA.ie, Feb 11, 2026
I am a hobby or professional drone user wishing to fly inside the new geo zone
Inside UGZ T2 (South Docks/Parts of City): The Procedure: You must coordinate in advance. While the official IAA notice mentions a 48-hour lead time, an interim immediate procedure has been established to minimize the burden on pilots. Who to Contact: Email your request/UF101 form to suasairspace@airnav.ie. Direct Support: For weekend/immediate coordination (during operational hours 08:00–22:00), you can contact AirNav's coordinators: Cathal Mac Criostail: 086 0527130 / cathal.maccriostal@airnav.ie Denis Doyle: 086 8871935 / denis.doyle@airnav.ie Lead Time: Under the new "Amber Zone" proposal, coordination can be nearly immediate. AirNav will verify your registration and coordinate with the BVLOS operator (Manna) to ensure the area is clear for your VLOS flight. Outside UGZ T2: If you are a registered operator and your flight is outside the boundaries of the Temporary UGZ T2, you may fly as you normally would under Open Category rules (maintaining VLOS, under 120m, etc.).
I am a hobby or professional drone user wishing to fly inside the new geo zone
Inside UGZ T2 (South Docks/Parts of City): The Procedure: You must coordinate in advance. While the official IAA notice mentions a 48-hour lead time, an interim immediate procedure has been established to minimize the burden on pilots. Who to Contact: Email your request/UF101 form to suasairspace@airnav.ie. Direct Support: For weekend/immediate coordination (during operational hours 08:00–22:00), you can contact AirNav's coordinators: Cathal Mac Criostail: 086 0527130 / cathal.maccriostal@airnav.ie Denis Doyle: 086 8871935 / denis.doyle@airnav.ie Lead Time: Under the new "Amber Zone" proposal, coordination can be nearly immediate. AirNav will verify your registration and coordinate with the BVLOS operator (Manna) to ensure the area is clear for your VLOS flight. Outside UGZ T2: If you are a registered operator and your flight is outside the boundaries of the Temporary UGZ T2, you may fly as you normally would under Open Category rules (maintaining VLOS, under 120m, etc.).
I am a hobby or professional drone user wishing to fly inside the new geo zone
Inside UGZ T2 (South Docks/Parts of City): The Procedure: You must coordinate in advance. While the official IAA notice mentions a 48-hour lead time, an interim immediate procedure has been established to minimize the burden on pilots. Who to Contact: Email your request/UF101 form to suasairspace@airnav.ie. Direct Support: For weekend/immediate coordination (during operational hours 08:00–22:00), you can contact AirNav's coordinators: Cathal Mac Criostail: 086 0527130 / cathal.maccriostal@airnav.ie Denis Doyle: 086 8871935 / denis.doyle@airnav.ie Lead Time: Under the new "Amber Zone" proposal, coordination can be nearly immediate. AirNav will verify your registration and coordinate with the BVLOS operator (Manna) to ensure the area is clear for your VLOS flight. Outside UGZ T2: If you are a registered operator and your flight is outside the boundaries of the Temporary UGZ T2, you may fly as you normally would under Open Category rules (maintaining VLOS, under 120m, etc.).
I am a police (Garda) drone pilot. How do I make sure the airspace is clear?
Emergency services have absolute priority in all Cork airspace. You should maintain direct coordination with AirNav Ireland Air Traffic Control (ATC). Upon notification of a "blue light" mission, AirNav will immediately pause all non-emergency drone activity (including BVLOS delivery operations) to ensure the airspace is clear for your mission.
I am a police (Garda) drone pilot. How do I make sure the airspace is clear?
Emergency services have absolute priority in all Cork airspace. You should maintain direct coordination with AirNav Ireland Air Traffic Control (ATC). Upon notification of a "blue light" mission, AirNav will immediately pause all non-emergency drone activity (including BVLOS delivery operations) to ensure the airspace is clear for your mission.
I am a police (Garda) drone pilot. How do I make sure the airspace is clear?
Emergency services have absolute priority in all Cork airspace. You should maintain direct coordination with AirNav Ireland Air Traffic Control (ATC). Upon notification of a "blue light" mission, AirNav will immediately pause all non-emergency drone activity (including BVLOS delivery operations) to ensure the airspace is clear for your mission.
I am a SAR (Search and Rescue) volunteer and need to clear the airspace. Who do I call?
Contact AirNav Ireland (Cork ATC) immediately. Emergency protocols are in place to ensure all other UAS traffic is grounded or moved. Non-emergency operators (like delivery drones) are required to exit the area or land immediately when notified by ATC of a priority SAR mission.
I am a SAR (Search and Rescue) volunteer and need to clear the airspace. Who do I call?
Contact AirNav Ireland (Cork ATC) immediately. Emergency protocols are in place to ensure all other UAS traffic is grounded or moved. Non-emergency operators (like delivery drones) are required to exit the area or land immediately when notified by ATC of a priority SAR mission.
I am a SAR (Search and Rescue) volunteer and need to clear the airspace. Who do I call?
Contact AirNav Ireland (Cork ATC) immediately. Emergency protocols are in place to ensure all other UAS traffic is grounded or moved. Non-emergency operators (like delivery drones) are required to exit the area or land immediately when notified by ATC of a priority SAR mission.
Note: This guide is based on the Feb 2026 Aeronautical Notice U 04. Always check the official IAA website for the most current updates before flying.
