Air Navigation (Restriction of Flying) (Helicopter Flight) Regulations 2025: how UK health and safety law now affects helicopter operations and regulatory compliance for duty holders

Air Navigation (Restriction of Flying) (Helicopter Flight) Regulations 2025: how UK health and safety law now affects helicopter operations and regulatory compliance for duty holders

What has changed

The Air Navigation (Restriction of Flying) (Helicopter Flight) Regulations 2025 introduce a formal framework imposing defined airspace restrictions on helicopter operations. The regime requires proper planning, authorisation and conduct of flight activities, and expects duty holders to ensure safe and compliant operations. The change applies to organisations that deploy helicopters for transport, inspection, emergency response, filming or other services within UK airspace. The specifics of restricted zones and processes will be set out in the regulations and associated guidance; the overall effect is to mandate proactive flight planning and stronger governance of helicopter activities.

Why this matters

The new restrictions affect how organisations govern helicopter operations and allocate responsibility for flight safety. For UK health and safety law and HSE expectations, the change emphasises risk assessment, competent oversight and clear procedures for flight authorisation. Ground personnel, flight crews and contractors rely on updated controls to prevent unauthorised flights, unsafe planning or gaps in ground operations. Organisations should anticipate closer regulatory oversight and potential enforcement for non-compliance where helicopter activities create or fail to address risk to the public, other airspace users or employees.

What organisations should do now

1. Map all helicopter operations and identify where the new restrictions apply. Update risk assessments and your health and safety management system to reflect the regulatory change. Consider aligning with ISO 45001 for systematic risk control. See ISO 45001 health and safety management.
2. Establish clear flight governance. Appoint a competent person or designate a flight operations lead to approve flight plans, monitor compliance and liaise with the regulator. For guidance on appointing competent advice see Competent Person support.
3. Review and update procedures for flight planning, airspace awareness, NOTAM checks and incident reporting. Ensure staff training is up to date. Use health and safety risk assessments to identify hazards and apply controls.
4. Reassess contractor and supplier arrangements. Ensure third party involvement in helicopter operations complies with the new requirements and is monitored for ongoing competence.
5. Implement ongoing monitoring and review. Integrate the changes into your management system and governance processes, ensuring ongoing regulatory compliance.

Synergos Consultancy can provide structured support with risk assessment, competent person arrangements and tailored training. See health and safety risk assessments and Competent Person support.

Enforcement will be conducted by the appropriate regulator under UK health and safety and aviation law. Duty holders should expect audits, spot checks and potential penalties for non-compliance if flight activities undermine safety or public protection.

Wrap-up

The Helicopter Flight Regulations represent a meaningful alignment of aviation practice with health and safety obligations in the UK. By implementing clear governance, risk assessment, control measures and ongoing monitoring, organisations can maintain safe helicopter operations while meeting UK health and safety law expectations. Timely planning and proactive action are essential to demonstrate compliance and protect people and operations.