Drone Compliance Calculator

Use the interactive calculator to check which IDs, qualifications and permissions you need for your planned drone flight. Instantly see the correct category, CAA requirements, insurance, and more—customised to your operation.

Operation Details

  • sub-250 g and a toy → no IDs required.
  • sub-250 g with no camera and not a toy → no IDs required.
  • sub-250 g with camera and not a toy → Operator ID required, Flyer ID recommended.
  • 250 g - 25 kg → Operator ID & Flyer ID required.

Your drone or model aircraft is likely to be a toy if:

  • the manufacturer or store you bought it from describes it as a toy
  • you bought it from a toy department or retailer
  • it is marked as suitable for below age 14 or a younger age group
  • it was advertised or packaged to attract children

If using FPV in the Open Category or under a PDRA-01 OA, you must have an observer with you who can see the drone directly at all times.

  • Commercial operations: You must hold third-party liability insurance that meets the requirements of EU 785/2004 (assimilated).
  • Recreational flights with drones ≤ 500 kg: Insurance is optional but recommended.
  • Any flight with a drone > 500 kg (commercial or recreational): Third-party liability insurance compliant with EU 785/2004 (assimilated) is mandatory.

Always stay at least 50 m away (unless flying in the Open A1 Category or under a UK SORA OA).

Do not exceed 120 m (≈400 ft) AGL unless you hold additional permissions.

Open A3 Category requires you stay ≥ 150 m from residential, commercial, industrial or recreational areas.

  • Low/medium risk Dangerous Goods → Specific Category under a UK SORA OA.
  • High-risk Dangerous Goods → Certified Category.