UK Drone Knowledge Base
UK Drone Law FAQs
Get clear answers to the most common questions about drone laws, registration, operating rules, permissions, IDs, airspace, and more. This guide is regularly updated for both new and experienced UK drone operators.
Covers Open Category rules, the Specific Category and UK SORA, plus Article 16 model flying and CAA enforcement basics.
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Tap a card to filter the FAQs below. We highlight the key focus areas for UK drone operators.
How do I register my drone in the UK?
You must use the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) drone registration service before you fly outdoors.
- Flyer ID - a free online theory test covering the Drone and Model Aircraft Code.
- Operator ID - £11.79 per year for the person or organisation responsible for the aircraft.
The 2026 rules base the requirement on your aircraft's weight or UK class mark, so work through the weight/class table in the registration service to confirm what you need.
How old do I need to be to get a Flyer ID or Operator ID?
Anyone can hold a Flyer ID, but children under 13 must take the theory test while logged in with their parent or guardian, who supervises the process. Flyers aged 13 to 17 can apply on their own.
An Operator ID can only be held by someone aged 18 or over. If a young person owns the drone, an adult must register as the operator, label the aircraft and make sure it is flown safely.
Do I need IDs for a drone between 100 g and 250 g?
Yes. From 1 January 2026 the CAA requires a Flyer ID for any drone or model aircraft that weighs 100 g to less than 250 g.
- If the aircraft has a camera (for example most consumer drones), an Operator ID is mandatory.
- If it has no camera, the Operator ID is optional, but you are still responsible for safe flying.
Aircraft under 100 g do not legally need either ID, but the CAA strongly recommends taking the test and registering to build good knowledge before you fly.
What happens if I fly without the required IDs?
Flying without the correct Flyer and Operator IDs is a criminal offence. The CAA can issue fines, and serious breaches of the law can lead to prosecution or even imprisonment. Always register and keep your IDs current before you launch.
How long do Flyer and Operator IDs last?
Your Flyer ID is valid for five years; you must retake the online test to renew it.
Your Operator ID lasts one year at a time. Renew it annually, keep your details up to date in the My registration area, and make sure the ID label remains on every aircraft you manage.
Can I fly over people in the Open A1 subcategory?
The Drone and Model Aircraft Code still expects you to keep 50 m horizontally from uninvolved people. However, class-marked UK0/UK1 aircraft (and EU C0/C1 models recognised until 31 December 2027) may fly closer than 50 m and briefly over people, provided you never fly over crowds and always minimise the time spent above anyone.
Heavier legacy drones must stay further away or operate in A2/A3 or the Specific Category.
What's the maximum altitude for drone flights?
Whether you fly in the Open Category or under PDRA-01, the legal ceiling is 120 m (400 ft) above the closest point of the earth's surface. When flying near hills or cliffs adjust your flightpath so the drone always stays within 120 m of the ground beneath it.
Do the drone rules apply if I fly indoors?
Indoor flights are outside the Air Navigation Order, so Flyer and Operator IDs are not required if the aircraft cannot escape outside. You still owe a duty of care—obtain venue permission, manage people on site and follow any insurance requirements.
Can I fly at night?
Yes. Night flying is allowed in the Open Category and under PDRA-01, but the 2026 Code requires your aircraft to carry a flashing light so others can see it. Fit an approved strobe if your drone does not include one, complete daylight planning, and continue to fly within VLOS.
When do I need to enable Remote ID?
Remote ID must be broadcasting whenever you fly once it becomes mandatory for your aircraft:
- UK1/UK2/UK3 and UK5/UK6 class drones: from 1 January 2026.
- UK0 or legacy drones that weigh 100 g or more with a camera (including privately built models): from 1 January 2028.
The CAA recommends switching Remote ID on now so you are ready for enforcement.
Can I use FPV goggles, and what is an “observer”?
Can I control more than one drone at the same time?
The Open Category and PDRA-01 only permit one aircraft per remote pilot. Multiple simultaneous aircraft (swarms) require a Specific Category authorisation based on a UK SORA risk assessment.
What separation distances apply in the Open Category?
The 2026 Drone Code sets two key separation distances:
- 50 m from people - unless you are using a class-marked UK0/UK1/C0/C1 aircraft that allows closer operations, you must keep at least 50 m horizontally from uninvolved people and never fly over crowds.
- 150 m from residential, recreational, commercial and industrial areas when operating in A3 (Far from People).
Always keep the drone within VLOS, below 120 m, and increase distances further if conditions demand.
Do I need permission to fly inside an airport Flight Restriction Zone?
Yes. You must obtain permission from the aerodrome or air traffic control unit before entering any Flight Restriction Zone (FRZ), even in the Open Category. Follow the aerodrome's published process—often an online form—and carry the approval with you on site.
How do I check for NOTAMs before flying?
Review NOTAMs within 24 hours of every flight using the NATS NOTAM portal, the Notam Info tool or an up-to-date planning app such as Drone Assist. Verify airspace restrictions again immediately before launch.
What airspace classes can I operate in without ATC permission?
You can fly in uncontrolled Class G airspace without additional approval. Controlled airspace (Classes A-E), Restricted Areas and any Flight Restriction Zones require permission from the controlling authority or an appropriate authorisation.
Are there extra rules for flying near wildlife or protected sites?
Disturbing nesting birds or protected species can breach the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981. Many Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) or nature reserves impose local bylaws banning drones—check official signage and conservation authority guidance before you fly.
How do I get permission for a Flight Restriction Zone?
Consult the aerodrome's published FRZ guidance (often linked from Drone Assist), supply the requested details—date, time, location, aircraft and pilot credentials—and wait for explicit written clearance. Do not launch until you have permission.
Do I need a GVC or RPC-L1 to fly in the Specific Category?
Is insurance mandatory for drone flights?
Insurance requirements depend on how and what you fly. Under UK Regulation (EC) 785/2004, any commercial or work use requires third-party liability insurance, regardless of the drone’s weight. If you fly a model aircraft under 20 kg for recreation or sport, insurance is not legally required, though it is strongly recommended. Drones under 500 kg used non-commercially are also exempt, but once used for work, insurance becomes mandatory. Any aircraft of 500 kg or more must always be insured, whether flown for recreation or work.
What is the UK SORA methodology?
The UK Specific Operations Risk Assessment (UK SORA) replaced the old Operating Safety Case on 23 April 2025. It is a structured framework that evaluates ground and air risks (GRC/ARC), assigns a SAIL level and defines the mitigations you must implement for higher-risk operations.
How do I demonstrate Visual Line of Sight (VLOS)?
The remote pilot must keep the aircraft in direct, unaided sight at all times so they can control its path relative to people, property and other aircraft. Binoculars or video feeds are not acceptable unless a specific authorisation (e.g. for EVLOS/BVLOS) allows them.
Where can I find detailed drone regulation guidance?
The latest CAP 722 series, the Drone & Model Aircraft Code and policy updates are available on the CAA drones hub.
What privacy rules apply when filming people?
You must follow the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018 when collecting personal data. Post signage or obtain consent where practical, avoid filming sensitive sites and honour valid requests to delete footage unless you have a lawful reason to keep it.
How do I report a safety occurrence?
Serious accidents must be reported to the AAIB immediately. Other occurrences should be submitted through the CAA's ECCAIRS2 portal using the open or specific category flowcharts published by the CAA. Include your Operator ID and any authorisation details when you file a report.
How do I carry drone batteries on a commercial flight?
Lithium-ion batteries up to 100 Wh are normally allowed in hand luggage (spares must be protected from short circuit). Batteries between 100 Wh and 160 Wh require airline approval; anything above 160 Wh is generally prohibited on passenger services.
What are UK class marks (UK0-UK6) and how long are EU C-class drones recognised?
From 1 January 2026 new drones placed on the UK market must carry a UK class mark (UK0-UK6). The UK will treat EU C-class drones as the equivalent UK class until 31 December 2027 - for example a C1 drone can be flown as UK1. Legacy drones without a class mark can still fly but their privileges depend on weight.
Did the A2 transitional allowances continue after 1 January 2026?
No. The option to use an A2 CofC with legacy 250-500 g drones ended on 1 January 2026. To keep flying in the Near People (A2) subcategory you now need a class-marked UK2/C2 aircraft plus your A2 CofC; heavier legacy drones must operate in A3 or the Specific Category.
What records should I keep after each flight?
CAP 722 expects operators to maintain flight logs, pilot currency records, maintenance logs and occurrence reports. Keeping accurate records supports renewals, audits and investigations.
How do I move from legacy to class-marked aircraft?
Legacy aircraft remain legal, but any new models introduced from 1 January 2026 must have a UK class mark. Plan upgrades so that work requiring A1 or A2 privileges uses UK0/UK1/UK2 (or EU C0/C1/C2 accepted until 31 December 2027), and fit Remote ID equipment in line with the 2026-2028 deadlines.