DRAR Project

The Drone Reasonable Adjustment Request Project

Many local authorities across the UK have introduced policies on recreational drone use in public spaces. In some cases, these policies appear more restrictive than current Civil Aviation Authority guidance, particularly in relation to low-risk drones such as sub-250g and C0 class aircraft, which are permitted in many public and built-up environments when operated safely. For some individuals, especially those with limited mobility, this can unintentionally limit access to a lawful and widely enjoyed activity.

You can learn more from this video.

The DRARP project provides a structured approach to help individuals—particularly disabled people—engage constructively with local authorities. Using the framework of reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010, it supports clear, well-considered requests that encourage councils to review how their policies are applied in practice, with a focus on collaboration and clarity.

In one ongoing case, this approach has led to a positive outcome, where a council has clarified that certain types of drone use are already permissible. In this instance, no specific adjustment was required once the policy was properly understood or applied, reflecting that such activity can be both legitimate and compatible with the safe use of public spaces.

In summary, this approach is not about using reasonable adjustments as a workaround or exception, but about ensuring that disabled individuals are not excluded from a lawful recreational activity. By engaging constructively with councils in this way, it can prompt a closer look at how existing policies operate in practice. In many cases, this highlights that low-risk drone flying is already compatible with the safe use of public spaces, with the added benefit of helping to create clearer, more consistent policies that may ultimately benefit everyone.

Equality Act & Reasonable Adjustments

Under the Equality Act 2010, organisations that provide services to the public—including local authorities—have a duty to make reasonable adjustments where a disabled person would otherwise be placed at a substantial disadvantage. This duty is anticipatory, meaning organisations should consider potential barriers in advance, rather than only reacting once an issue arises.

A reasonable adjustment is a practical change that removes or reduces a barrier to access. For example, if a shop has a small step at its entrance, a reasonable adjustment might be to install a ramp so that wheelchair users can enter the premises in the same way as others. The principle is not to provide special treatment, but to ensure fair and equal access. In practice, reasonable adjustments can apply across a wide range of situations, from access to buildings and parking, to workplace equipment, policies, and the use of public spaces.

When a reasonable adjustment request is made, it should be considered on its individual merits. This involves identifying the disadvantage, assessing whether it is substantial, and determining what reasonable steps can be taken to address it. The process should be timely, proportionate, and based on evidence—not dismissed as a general policy matter or treated as an exception to standard rules. Where requests are not properly considered or are refused without clear justification, there may be grounds for further challenge under the Equality Act.

In the context of recreational drone use, this means considering whether existing restrictions unintentionally limit access for disabled individuals, and whether a reasonable and lawful adjustment can be made to remove that disadvantage while maintaining safety and compliance with relevant guidance.

Helping the DRAR Project

If you are a drone hobbyist or operator and have a disability that affects your ability to access certain outdoor spaces—whether visible or not—you may be able to support this project by making a reasonable adjustment request to your local authority.

Step 1 — Check the Council Tracker

Before taking any action, visit the Council Tracker page to see whether an application has already been made for your local authority. To keep the project coordinated and effective, we aim to avoid multiple simultaneous requests to the same council.

Step 2 — Let us know your intention

If no application is currently listed, please contact us at drarproject@gmail.com to confirm your intention. This helps us keep the tracker accurate and prevents duplicate applications. As part of this, once we are aware that someone intends to approach a particular council, we will mark that application as ongoing. This means that, in most cases, only one person needs to apply to each council.

Step 3 — Read the “How to Make a Request” guide

Before submitting anything, visit the Request Wizard page. This provides guidance on how to structure your request and how to use the prompts and templates developed as part of this project.

Step 4 — Submit your request and keep us updated

Once you have submitted your request, let us know so we can update the tracker. If you receive a response—positive or otherwise—please share this too, as it helps build a clearer picture of how policies are being applied across different councils.