UK Drone Operating Categories
See which UK drone operating category (Open, Specific, or Certified) applies to your flight before you take off. The requirements depend on your drone, how you use it, and the risks involved. Stay legal and safe with up-to-date CAA rules.
Open Category Low Risk
Who is this category for?
For most recreational flyers, hobbyists, and many straightforward commercial users.
Overview
The Open Category is designed for low-risk flights where safety requirements are easy to follow. Most people flying drones for fun or simple commercial work fall into this category if they stick to the basic rules set out in the Drone and Model Aircraft Code.
Key Requirements
- No CAA authorisation needed if following the published rules.
- Always keep your drone below 120 m (≈400 ft) AGL and within Visual Line of Sight (VLOS).
- A Flyer ID is required once the aircraft weighs 100 g or more; it is strongly recommended even below that weight.
- An Operator ID is required for any drone with a camera from 100 g upwards and for all drones at 250 g or above.
- Switch on Remote ID whenever you fly. UK1/UK2/UK3 and UK5/UK6 class aircraft must broadcast Remote ID from 1 January 2026; legacy or UK0 drones that weigh 100 g or more with a camera must do so by 1 January 2028.
- Respect privacy and follow the Drone and Model Aircraft Code at all times.
Where/How You Can Operate
- In most areas, including residential, commercial, and rural spaces depending on subcategory. Class-marked UK0/UK1/C0/C1 aircraft can fly closer to uninvolved people than heavier legacy models.
- No permission is needed for most flights, except in certain restricted zones (e.g. FRZs). Always check current airspace data before flying.
- May operate for both recreational and some commercial uses without extra CAA permission as long as you stay within Drone Code limits.
Restrictions
- Never fly over crowds or assemblies of people.
- Keep at least 50 m horizontally from uninvolved people unless your aircraft is class-marked for closer operations (UK0/UK1/C0/C1).
- Never fly in restricted airspace without specific permission and stay below 120 m (400 ft) AGL while maintaining VLOS.
- Must not fly if unfit or impaired by alcohol or drugs.
Qualification(s) Needed
- No additional formal training for A1 or A3 flying beyond the mandatory Flyer ID/Operator ID requirements.
- A2 Certificate of Competency (A2 CofC) is required to operate in the Open A2 (Near People) subcategory with UK2/C2 aircraft.
- A Flyer ID is required once an aircraft weighs 100 g or more (recommended below that weight).
Authorisation(s) Needed
- No CAA Operational Authorisation required, as long as you stay within Open Category rules.
Subcategories
- Drone class: UK0 (under 250 g) or UK1 (up to 900 g). EU C1 class drones are treated as UK1 until 31 December 2027.
- Qualification requirements: Flyer ID once the aircraft weighs 100 g or more; Operator ID for any camera-equipped aircraft and for all drones ≥250 g.
- Where you can fly: Over uninvolved people (never over crowds) across residential, commercial, industrial and rural areas when you comply with the Drone Code.
Key rules:
- Never fly over assemblies or groups of people and keep flights brief when over uninvolved people.
- Switch on Remote ID (mandatory for UK1/C1 aircraft from 1 January 2026 and for UK0/legacy drones ≥100 g with a camera from 1 January 2028).
- Respect privacy and follow the Drone and Model Aircraft Code at all times.
- Drone class: UK2 class (under 4 kg) with manufacturer declaration; EU C2 drones are recognised until 31 December 2027.
- Qualification requirements: Operator ID, Flyer ID, and an A2 Certificate of Competency (A2 CofC).
- Where you can fly: In built-up areas while keeping at least 50 m horizontally from uninvolved people. Transitional allowances for legacy 250–500 g drones ended on 1 January 2026.
Key rules:
- You can operate in residential, commercial, recreational, or industrial areas when you respect the 50 m separation.
- Never intentionally fly closer than 50 m horizontally to uninvolved people and never fly over them.
- Remote ID is mandatory for UK2/C2 aircraft from 1 January 2026.
- Respect privacy and follow the Drone and Model Aircraft Code at all times.
- Drone class: UK3/UK4 class-marked aircraft or legacy drones up to 25 kg.
- Qualification requirements: Operator ID and Flyer ID.
- Where you can fly: Only in areas well clear of people and built-up zones.
Key rules:
- Stay at least 150 m away horizontally from residential, commercial, recreational, or industrial areas.
- Never fly near or over uninvolved people or crowds.
- Remote ID applies to UK3 aircraft from 1 January 2026 (legacy ≥100 g with a camera by 1 January 2028).
- Respect privacy and follow the Drone and Model Aircraft Code at all times.
Example Operations
- Flying a small camera drone in your local park.
- Aerial photography of countryside or non-crowded spaces.
- Real estate photography in an open area.
Note: Open Category is intended for simple, low-risk flights. For more complex or higher-risk activities, see the Specific or Certified Categories.
Specific Category Moderate Risk
Who is this category for?
For drone operations involving higher risk than permitted in the Open Category—such as business use in built-up areas, heavier drones, or flights closer to people.
Overview
The Specific Category is for complex, higher-risk or commercial drone flights not covered by Open Category rules. This includes most urban, industrial, or specialised business operations. Approval is needed before you fly.
Key Requirements
- CAA Operational Authorisation (OA) required.
- Standard operations: Most VLOS work in built-up areas is covered by 'PDRA-01'.
- Custom operations: Anything not covered by PDRA-01 must apply via the UK SORA (Specific Operations Risk Assessment).
- Pilot must hold a General Visual Line of Sight Certificate (GVC) or Level 1, 2 3 or 4 Remote Pilot Certificate.
- Risk assessment submitted as part of your OA application required.
- Third-party liability insurance that complies with UK Reg (EU) 785/2004 is required.
Where/How You Can Operate
- Urban or built-up areas, depending on OA or SORA approval.
- May operate closer to uninvolved people than Open Category if explicitly permitted in your authorisation.
- Specialised business, industrial, or infrastructure operations allowed under the right authorisation.
Restrictions
- Must comply with all OA or SORA conditions.
- Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) only with explicit SORA approval.
- No flying outside the approved area, altitude, or operational limits.
Qualification(s) Needed
- General Visual Line of Sight Certificate (GVC) for PDRA-01.
- Level 1, 2, 3, or 4 Remote Pilot Certificate for other SORA operations.
- Additional training may be required depending on operation type.
- Operators may hold both a GVC and a Remote Pilot Certificate.
Authorisation(s) Needed
- CAA Operational Authorisation (OA), either PDRA-01 or via a SORA.
- Additional permissions for restricted zones, if needed.
Variants
- Type: Standard CAA scenario for VLOS work in built-up areas.
- Typical uses: Most common authorisation for commercial operators in towns and cities, including photography, surveying, and inspections where VLOS is maintained.
- Risk level: Moderate (subject to strict conditions and limits).
- Authorisation: Requires CAA Operational Authorisation (OA) and a valid General Visual Line of Sight Certificate (GVC).
Key rules:
- Stay within VLOS at all times.
- No flight within 50 m horizontally of uninvolved people (unless further restricted).
- No flight over assemblies of people, crowds, or in high-risk areas unless explicitly permitted by your OA.
- All operations must comply with the PDRA-01 conditions set out by the CAA.
Examples:
- Commercial real estate drone surveys in towns/cities.
- Filming for TV/news in urban environments.
- Infrastructure or roof inspection where public access can be controlled.
- Type: Bespoke risk assessment for operations not covered by PDRA-01.
- Typical uses: Complex, higher-risk, or non-standard operations (e.g. BVLOS, swarms, close proximity to people, crop spraying, dropping items).
- Risk level: Varies (assessed per operation, can be significant).
- Authorisation: Requires CAA OA based on an approved SORA; pilot qualifications vary by risk level (Remote Pilot Certificate Level 1–4).
Key rules:
- Must comply with all mitigations and conditions required in your approved SORA.
- BVLOS, flight near crowds, or dangerous goods only if specifically authorised.
- Must maintain additional risk controls as specified by the CAA (e.g. additional observers, emergency response plans).
Examples:
- BVLOS pipeline or powerline inspection in remote areas.
- Large drone swarms for research or entertainment.
- Spraying crops or dropping supplies using a drone.
- Flying closer to people/crowds than permitted under PDRA-01.
Example Operations
- Operating in towns or cities with heavier drones.
- Flying closer to uninvolved people than Open Category allows.
- Specialised work such as industrial inspection, infrastructure surveys, or BVLOS operations.
- Filming for TV/news in urban environments.
- Bespoke aerial operations with complex safety requirements.
Note: UK SORA replaced the previous Operating Safety Case (OSC) system in April 2025. If you are unsure whether you need Specific Category approval, seek professional advice.
Certified Category High Risk
Who is this category for?
For operations equivalent in risk to manned aviation, such as very large drones over crowds, passenger transport, or carriage of high-risk dangerous goods.
Overview
The Certified Category is for the most complex and highest-risk operations, where drone flights are comparable to manned aircraft. This includes large drones carrying people or hazardous goods, and requires full aviation certification for the aircraft, operator, and pilot.
Key Requirements
- Full CAA certification for the aircraft, operator, and remote pilots, to the same standard as manned aviation.
- Aircraft must meet design and airworthiness requirements.
- Organisation must have a comprehensive safety management system and appropriate insurance.
- Pilot(s) must meet equivalent qualifications and experience as commercial pilots.
Restrictions
- Extensive CAA approval required for every aspect of the operation.
- Operators must comply with full aviation regulation and oversight. This includes airworthiness approval, pilot licensing, and continuous airworthiness management.
- Very few organisations in the UK currently operate in this category.
Qualification(s) and Authorisation(s) Needed
- Pilot(s) require full professional/aviation qualifications equivalent to those for manned aircraft operations.
- CAA certification for aircraft, operator, and pilot(s), including operational approval for each flight type.
Example Operations
- Drones with a characteristic dimension greater than 3 metres flying over large assemblies of people.
- Drone passenger or air taxi services.
- Carriage of high-risk dangerous goods (e.g. hazardous chemicals) over built-up areas.
Note: Very few UK operators fall under the Certified Category. If you are unsure, you are almost certainly not in this category.
Key Points to Remember
- Operator ID: Needed by anyone responsible for a drone with a camera from 100 g upwards and for all drones at 250 g or more.
- Flyer ID: Needed by anyone who flies a drone weighing 100 g or more (strongly recommended even for lighter models).
- A2 CofC: Needed to fly in the Open A2 Category. Valid for 5 years.
- GVC: Needed to fly in the Specific Category under a PDRA-01 OA. Valid for 5 years.
- Follow the Drone and Model Aircraft Code: This sets out safety and privacy requirements.
- Never fly above 120 m (400 ft) or outside VLOS unless you have specific CAA authorisation.
- Check for local restrictions: You must get permission to fly in FRZs or sensitive locations.
- Outdoor flights only: UK Drone Regulations only apply to outdoor flights. Indoor operations are not regulated by airspace rules but may still fall under privacy, insurance, or safety law.
Glossary
- Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)
- The Civil Aviation Authority is the UK's independent aviation regulator overseeing safety, airspace and economic regulation of civil aviation. Its remit includes drones and other UAS.
- Operator ID
- Unique number issued by the CAA to the person or organisation legally responsible for a drone or model aircraft. It must be affixed to any aircraft with a camera from 100 g upwards and to all drones at 250 g or more. Renew every 12 months.
- Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS)
- Flights conducted without direct visual contact between the pilot and aircraft. Allowed only under a Specific Category UK SORA authorisation with mitigations such as detect-and-avoid.
- Extended Visual Line of Sight (EVLOS)
- Former term for flights where a trained observer kept the aircraft in view while the pilot flew beyond direct sight. Now treated as BVLOS with visual mitigation under UK SORA rules.
- Beyond Visual Line of Sight with Visual Mitigation (BVLOS VM)
- BVLOS operation that uses trained observers along the route to monitor surrounding airspace. Requires specific authorisation with defined observer roles, communication and emergency procedures.
- Visual Line of Sight (VLOS)
- Flying with continuous unaided visual contact between pilot and aircraft to control the flight path and avoid collisions. This is the standard condition for Open Category flights.
- Notice to Airmen / Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM)
- Short-term advisory issued by aviation authorities about temporary changes or hazards affecting flight safety. Always check relevant NOTAMs before flying, especially in the Specific or Certified Categories.
- Drone Assist / Altitude Angel Drone Safety Map
- Free interactive map from Altitude Angel, endorsed by the CAA, showing live NOTAMs, airspace restrictions and ground hazards. Helps operators plan safe flights and notify authorities in some areas.
- General Visual Line of Sight Certificate (GVC)
- Main CAA qualification for Specific Category drone operations. Covers practical and theoretical aspects of safe VLOS flying.
- Assemblies of People
- Large gatherings where people cannot move away quickly in the event of an incident, such as concerts or sporting events. Drone flights over or near assemblies are heavily restricted or prohibited.
- Remote Pilot Certificate
- Qualification required for some advanced Specific or Certified Category operations involving higher risk or complex airspace. It demonstrates competence beyond basic Open Category requirements.
- Drone and Model Aircraft Code
- Official UK rules and guidance for flying drones and model aircraft safely and legally in the Open Category, covering privacy, safety and airspace awareness. Every pilot should follow the Code.
- Specific Operations Risk Assessment (UK SORA)
- The CAA's step-by-step risk assessment method for Specific Category flights not covered by PDRA-01. It evaluates ground and air risks to set required safety objectives and mitigations, replacing the Operating Safety Case approach in April 2025.
- Pre-Defined Risk Assessment 01 (PDRA-01)
- Standard risk assessment published by the CAA allowing approved VLOS operations in built-up areas under the Specific Category. Operators comply with fixed limits and mitigations to fly without submitting a full SORA.
- Flyer ID
- Identification number issued by the CAA to a remote pilot who passes the online theory test; required before flying any drone or model aircraft that weighs 100 g or more. Valid for five years and strongly recommended for lighter aircraft.
- Operational Authorisation (OA)
- Written permission from the CAA allowing drone flights in the Specific Category, such as PDRA-01 or UK SORA operations. It sets the limits and safety requirements beyond the Open Category rules.
- Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS)
- An unmanned aircraft together with the control station and data-link equipment needed for safe operation; commonly called a drone.
- General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
- The UK's version of the EU GDPR governing the processing of personal data. Drone operators must comply when capturing personal data.
- Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)
- The UK's independent authority that promotes openness by public bodies and safeguards individual data privacy rights.
- Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP)
- Official publication containing aeronautical information essential to air navigation, including UK airspace data.
- National Air Traffic Services (NATS)
- The UK's main air traffic control service provider managing civil airspace.
- Civil Aviation Publication 722 (CAP 722)
- CAA guidance series providing policy and best practice for unmanned aircraft system operations.
- Flight Restriction Zone (FRZ)
- Legally defined zone around a protected aerodrome comprising its ATZ and runway protection areas; drones may enter only with explicit aerodrome or ATC permission.
- Aerodrome Traffic Zone (ATZ)
- Cylinder of airspace, typically 2 NM radius up to 2 000 ft AAL, established to protect traffic at an aerodrome and forming part of many FRZs.
- Runway Protection Zone (RPZ)
- Rectangular airspace about 5 km long and 1 km wide extending from each runway threshold up to 2 000 ft AAL; combined with the ATZ to create the FRZ.
- Radio Mandatory Zone (RMZ)
- Airspace in which two-way radio contact with the relevant ATS unit is mandatory before entry and throughout the flight.
- Small Unmanned Aircraft — General (ANO Article 94)
- Core rules for small unmanned aircraft under 20 kg requiring safe flight, visual contact and respect for people and property. Many obligations now appear in the Drone and Model Aircraft Code.
- Small Unmanned Aircraft — Prohibitions (ANO Article 94A)
- Prohibits flying a small unmanned aircraft in certain circumstances, such as inside an FRZ without permission or contrary to airspace restrictions. Breach of Article 94A is a criminal offence.
- Small Unmanned Aircraft — Commercial Operations (ANO Article 94B)
- Former provision regulating commercial drone operations, now largely replaced by UK UAS regulations and Operational Authorisations. Retained in amended form for certain legacy scenarios and enforcement.
- Small Unmanned Surveillance Aircraft (ANO Article 95)
- Adds extra restrictions to drones fitted with cameras or sensors, including separation from congested areas and people. Certain allowances exist in the Open Category.
- Endangering Safety of an Aircraft (ANO Article 240)
- Makes it illegal to recklessly or negligently cause or permit an aircraft, including a drone, to endanger another aircraft. Applies regardless of the unmanned aircraft's weight and carries severe penalties.
- Endangering Safety of Any Person or Property (ANO Article 241)
- Makes it an offence to recklessly or negligently endanger any person or property with an aircraft. This provision can be enforced even when other drone rules are not breached.
- UAS Operations in the Framework of Model Aircraft Clubs and Associations (Article 16 of UK Reg (EU) 2019/947)
- Allows the CAA to authorise recognised clubs and associations to fly under their own conditions. Members must follow the specific limits, sites and procedures set out in their association's Article 16 authorisation.
- Power to Issue Directions (ANO Article 265)
- Gives the CAA or authorised persons the ability to issue immediate directions restricting or prohibiting flight for safety or security reasons. These may be published as NOTAMs or formal notices.
- UK Reg (EU) 785/2004
- Retained UK regulation originating from EU 785/2004 that sets minimum insurance requirements for commercial air carriers and operators, including drones.
- Transponder Mandatory Zone (TMZ)
- Airspace where all aircraft must carry and operate an SSR Mode S transponder unless exempted.
- Open Category
- One of three UAS operation categories in UK Regulation (EU) 2019/947, covering low-risk flights in subcategories A1, A2 and A3. No CAA Operational Authorisation is required if all limits—such as weight under 25 kg, height ≤ 120 m and separation from people—are met.
- First Person View (FPV)
- Flying a drone using a live video feed from an onboard camera viewed through goggles or a screen. In the Open Category this is only allowed when a competent observer maintains unaided visual line of sight and can warn the pilot of hazards.
- Flight Level 660 (FL660)
- Altitude of 66,000 ft referenced to the standard pressure setting of 1013.25 hPa. Represents the upper limit of UK-controlled airspace used in the UK SORA policy framework.
- Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB)
- UK government body that investigates civil aircraft accidents and serious incidents, including those involving drones. Serious occurrences must be reported to the AAIB without delay.