Part 3: Atmospheric Space
And the right to use airspace.
(Airspace & Airspace Use for UAS)
The use of airspace is a crucial element of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) flight training in Thailand, both in the CAAT examination and in actual flight operations. This section is designed to help operators understand the structure of Thai airspace, the principles of flight area designation, and the process of making legally and safely informed decisions regarding flight area selection.
This section of the CAAT exam doesn't focus solely on memorizing area names, but assesses the ability to link laws, safety, risk management, and practical decision-making in accordance with the actual airspace conditions in Thailand.
Overview of Thai airspace regulation.
The control and regulation of airspace in Thailand is an integrated system involving multiple agencies, each with different roles and responsibilities according to their scope of authority, including:
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) is responsible for setting policies, regulations, and conditions for the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), as well as issuing notices regarding prohibited areas, restricted areas, and hazardous areas for civil aviation.
Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Limited is responsible for air traffic management and air navigation services, particularly in controlled airspace and airport areas.
The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) and the Royal Thai Navy (RTN ) play crucial roles in areas related to security, military training, and defense infrastructure.
Thai airspace is therefore a public resource under joint control. The use of unmanned aerial vehicles must strictly respect this structure.
Overview of the structure of the restricted area.
And the limited area of CAAT.
(VTP / VTR / VTD)
1) VTP (Prohibited Area)
A VTP is a Prohibited Area where flight operations are strictly forbidden due to high-level security or safety concerns.
These areas are generally not available for standard flight permission requests. Operators must avoid them entirely under all circumstances.
2) VTR (Restricted Area)
A VTR is a Restricted Area where flight operations are limited and subject to specific conditions.
Operators must carefully review the applicable requirements and may need prior authorization or coordination with the relevant authority before conducting any flight. The specific conditions for each area must be verified every time before operation.
3) VTD (Danger Area)
A VTD is a Danger Area where potential hazards may exist due to certain activities during specific periods.
Operators must strictly verify the current status of the area and observe all applicable cautions before flying.
The classification of VTP, VTR, and VTD represents a standardized aviation safety structure used internationally to categorize risk levels and regulate airspace usage appropriately. These designations consider the nature of activities conducted in the area, air traffic density, and national security considerations.
This structure is not intended to unnecessarily prohibit flight operations. Rather, it is designed to help operators correctly assess whether:
• An area is strictly prohibited
• An area may be used under specific conditions
• An area requires status verification or time-based review before operation
All decisions must be based on official CAAT publications and the most up-to-date information available in the UAS Portal system.
VTP Prohibited Area
VTP stands for Prohibited Area.
V refers to the area that falls under the structural definition of airspace.
T stands for Traffic, or highly sensitive aviation activity.
P stands for Prohibited, which means flying is strictly prohibited.
Restricted areas are designated for security, high-level safety, or the protection of critical infrastructure. They are generally not areas for routine flight permits, and operators must strictly avoid such areas.
Examples of significant restricted areas include the areas surrounding civilian and military airports, generally defined as a radius of approximately 9 kilometers from the airport's reference point. Operating unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in this area is a violation of the law, unless special permission is obtained from the relevant authorities.
VTR Restricted Area
VTR – Restricted Area
VTR stands for Restricted Area, a designation structured under international airspace classification principles.
In aviation terminology:
• V refers to a defined airspace designation within the national airspace structure.
• T relates to air traffic considerations, indicating shared use of airspace with other aviation or operational activities.
• R stands for Restricted, meaning the area is subject to operational limitations, but not an absolute prohibition.
A Restricted Area is an airspace where flight operations may be permitted under specific conditions. In many cases, prior authorization or coordination with the responsible authority is required before conducting a flight. Conditions may vary depending on the nature of the area, time of operation, and assessed risk level.
Example: VTR 1 – Bangkok Metropolitan Area
One significant example is VTR 1, covering the Bangkok Metropolitan Area and surrounding provinces.
This restricted zone is referenced from the Victory Monument area and extends approximately 19 kilometers in radius.
The area is characterized by dense urban development, high airspace utilization, and significant public safety considerations. Flight operations within this zone must strictly comply with prescribed conditions. In many cases, operators are required to submit a flight permission request through the CAAT UAS Portal system prior to conducting operations.
Operators must always verify the latest official CAAT announcements and airspace status before planning any flight within a Restricted Area.
VTD (Danger Area)
VTD stands for Danger Area.
V refers to the area within the airspace structure.
T refers to the activity or usage during a specific period of time.
D stands for Danger, reflecting the potential risks arising from activities in that area.
Hazardous areas are zones that may be at risk from certain types of activities, such as military training, weapons testing, or activities that could endanger civil aviation. Operators must carefully check the area's status and operating times before conducting any flights.
Examples of hazardous areas include military training grounds in Sattahip and Saraburi provinces, or areas under the control of the Air Force and Navy. Flying in these areas without checking the latest status could pose a serious danger.
TFR (Temporary Restriction Area)
(Temporary Flight Restriction)
Temporary restricted areas are areas declared by CAAT or other government agencies as temporary zones due to exceptional circumstances such as security events, disasters, national events, or international situations.
For example, announcements regarding flight restrictions along the Thai-Cambodian border during certain periods require strict adherence to the latest regulations for flights in that area, and verification of information via the UAS Portal is mandatory before each flight.
Summary
The content in the airspace and air area usage categories is a core safety aspect that all unmanned aerial vehicle operators must understand and respect. Adhering to airspace regulations correctly is not just about complying with laws, but about building a safety culture within Thailand's drone community.
When aircraft users have a proper understanding of airspace systems, regulation can be carried out effectively, reducing the need for stringent legal measures and supporting the sustainable long-term development of unmanned aerial vehicles.
Continue learning in the next topic.
To prepare for the exam systematically, it is recommended to study in the following order:
Proceed to Part 4: Human Factors.
Human perception, decision-making, fatigue, and limitations affect aviation safety.
Proceed to Part 5: Flight Operation Procedures.
Pre-flight, during-flight, and post-flight preparations, and handling of unusual situations.