Updated for 2026 Drone Code, Remote ID & UK class marks

Fly with confidence, stay compliant, and enjoy the skies.

The UK Drone Guide explains UK Civil Aviation Authority rules into plain English guidance. Discover what licence or registration you need, how to plan your flights, and the tools that help you stay safe every time you take off.

Trusted Reference
Industry-led guidance
used by hobbyists and professionals across the UK.
Always Current
Monthly updates
monitoring CAA releases & legislation.
Ready to Act
Step-by-step tools
for registration, flight planning & compliance.
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Are you ready to fly?

  1. 1 Know your category. Confirm whether you are flying in the Open (A1/A2/A3) or Specific Category and the qualifications required.
  2. 2 Check your airspace. Check current NOTAMs, FRZs and restricted areas around your launch location.
  3. 3 Verify Remote ID & kit. Ensure your drone class mark, Remote ID status and insurance match your operation.
  4. 4 Capture your flight plan. Record operating area, mitigation steps and contacts in your forms and logs.
Calculate your requirements

Your route to compliance in three moves

Follow the same framework UK operators use for risk assessments and operational approvals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Clear answers to the most common drone compliance questions, from registration rules to airspace categories and CAA authorisations.

View all FAQs

Validate your mission plan

Use the Compliance Calculator to verify your flight distances, mitigations, and qualifications meet CAA standards before take-off.

Use the compliance calculator

Essential guides for UK drone pilots

We curate each guide with actionable checklists, scenario-based advice and links to the CAA source material so you can fly responsibly with minimal fuss.

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Airspace insights

Easily understand controlled airspace, Flight Restriction Zones, NOTAMs and temporary restrictions.

Visit the airspace guide
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Operator ID vs Flyer ID explained

Understand the difference between Operator IDs and Flyer IDs, who needs each one, renewal costs, and what changes from January 2026.

Read the full guide
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Class marks, IDs & legacy aircraft

Understand the transition timelines, retrofit expectations and how to label aircraft below 250 g while staying compliant.

Learn about Remote ID
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Landowner permission & take-off sites

Know where you can launch, how to secure permissions and what to do when local bylaws or CROW Act land complicate access.

Master land & permissions
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Frequently asked questions

Quick answers on renewals, CAA fees, flying near people, insurance, BVLOS and more from thousands of pilot questions.

Browse the FAQs

Drone pilot's toolkit

Cut through the noise with curated tools from weather and NOTAM feeds to registration portals. Each tool opens in a new tab and is vetted for accuracy.

Drone Safety Map

Check live airspace restrictions

Visualise FRZs, NOTAMs and local bylaws in one map before you leave home.

Check the map

CAA Registration

Apply or renew in minutes

Check whether you need an Operator ID, Flyer ID or both and complete the process online.

Open CAA portal

NOTAM lookup

Real-time airspace alerts

Access UK NOTAMs, filter by location and plan mitigations for unexpected restrictions.

Check current NOTAMs

XCWeather forecast

Wind, visibility & cloud ceiling

Stay ahead of weather changes impacting safe take-offs, recoveries and payload operations.

View latest forecast

Flyer & Operator IDs

Who needs what ID and when

Understand the thresholds, renewals and evidence you should keep with your aircraft.

Read CAA guidance

UAS Restrictions Map

Permanent UK airspace zones

View the official NATS map showing permanent airspace restrictions, danger areas, and controlled zones across the UK.

Open NATS map

Latest insights & regulatory updates

Stay on top of CAA publications, safety bulletins and policy consultations affecting drone operations in the UK.

View all updates

Stay compliant and flight ready, all year round.

Use our calculator to find out what qualifications, CAA registration, and category apply to you, to make sure every flight meets legal requirements.

Try the compliance calculator