Drone Compliance Calculator

Instantly calculate your Operator/Flyer IDs, operating category, qualification requirements (PDRA-01/GVC/UK SORA), approval pathway and insurance guidance.

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
  • VLOS is required for Open Category and a PDRA-01 Operational Authorisation (OA).
  • BVLOS always requires a UK SORA OA.

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 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.