Signed by authority of the Secretary of State for Transport 

12th February 2020 

## EXPLANATORY NOTE 

## (This note is not part of the Regulations) 

David J Best Grade 7 Department for Transport 

These Regulations impose restrictions on flying in the airspace above central London during the Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey that is scheduled to take place there on 9th March 2020. In view of the high visibility of this event and the presence of members of the Royal Family, and other VIPs, the Civil Aviation Authority and the Department for Transport agree that flying should be restricted in the vicinity of the event for reasons of public safety and security. 

In relation to regulation 3, the term ‘aircraft’ includes aircraft as classified by Part 1 of Schedule 4 to the Air Navigation Order 2016. It also includes, by virtue of article 23 of that Order, any small balloon, any kite weighing not more than two kilograms, any small unmanned aircraft and any parachute including a parascending parachute. 

The times mentioned in regulation 3(1) are Co-ordinated Universal Time (UTC), which for the purpose of these Regulations is the same as Greenwich Mean Time. 

In relation to the permission mentioned in regulation 3(2)(d), the Metropolitan Police Service may be contacted as notified in the Aeronautical Information Publication. 

Full details of the Statutory Instrument will be promulgated by Aeronautical Information Circular (AIC) and Notice To Airmen (NOTAM). 

The point of contact in the Civil Aviation Authority is Mr C W Scott, Principal Airspace Regulator, Safety and Airspace Regulation Group, on telephone number 03301 382997. 

