EU Regulation 923/2012
Incorporated into the UK Air Navigation Order (CAA Docs CAP393)
General Exemption E 3940 Standardised European Rules of the Air – Permissions Required by the Standardised European Rules of the Air for Certain Flight Operations
1) The Civil Aviation Authority, on behalf of the United Kingdom, pursuant to Article 14(4) of Regulation (EC) No. 216/2008, exempts any operator or pilot of an aircraft referred to in Annex 1 to this Exemption (‘Annex 1’) from the requirement to have a permission issued by the competent authority pursuant to SERA. 3105, SERA.5001, SERA.5005 and SERA.5015 whilst flying in United Kingdom airspace in the circumstances and for the flight operations mentioned in Annex 1, subject to the condition set out in paragraph 2.
2) The condition specified in paragraph 1 is that the operator and pilot must comply with any conditions which would otherwise be required under such a permission if it had been granted by the competent authority, as referred to, and specified, in Annex 1.
3) In this exemption ‘SERA’ means Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No. 923/2012 (‘the Standardised European Rules of the Air’ (SERA)).
4) This exemption has effect from 00:01 hours on 4 December 2014 until 23:59 hours on 9 December 2014, unless previously revoked.
Annex 1 Part A Exceptions to the Minimum Height Requirements
1) General (SERA.5005(f)(2))
a) The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) permits, under paragraphs SERA.3105 and SERA.5005(f), an aircraft to fly at a height of less than 150 metres (500 feet) above the highest obstacle within a radius of 150 metres (500 feet) from the aircraft, subject to the condition set out in subparagraph (b).
b) The aircraft must not be flown closer than 150 metres (500 feet) to any person, vessel, vehicle or structure except with the permission of the CAA.
2) Landing and Taking Off The Civil Aviation Authority permits, under paragraphs SERA.3105, SERA.5005(f) and SERA.5015(b), an aircraft to fly below the heights specified in SERA.5005(f) and SERA.5015(b) if it is flying in accordance with normal aviation practices and:
a) practising approaches to land at or checking navigational aids or procedures at a Government or licensed aerodrome;
b) practising forced landings if it is not flown closer than 150 metres (500 feet) to any person, vessel, vehicle or structure;
or
c) flying in accordance with a notified procedure or when specifically authorised by the CAA in accordance with SERA.5015(b)