Is it Legal to Scatter Ashes?

Understanding the Regulations

This is a question I am often asked – and understandably so. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is the governing body for aviation in the UK. Therefore, it is the CAA that decides the rules for drone operations, including ashes scattering.

Changes to the Law

Up until December 2020, commercial drone operators could release what were called “articles” from the air under a standard Permission. This clearance was vague and open to interpretation. However, with drones increasingly used for agriculture, deliveries, and even organ transport, tighter regulation became necessary. These new rules came into effect through the 2020 Amendment.

Aerial Ashes’ Approach

Aerial Ashes Ltd prepared well in advance for these changes. We documented the modifications to our equipment and identified the additional risks of scattering ashes by drone. This work became three detailed volumes of an Operating Safety Case, which the CAA examined thoroughly.

Legal Approval to Scatter Ashes

The result of that effort was clear. Aerial Ashes Ltd received a new Operating Authority from the CAA. For us, it is completely legal to scatter ashes from the air in the UK. Families choosing our service can be reassured that the process is both safe and fully regulated.

Related: The Perfect Scatter Explained