UK Drone 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.
How do I register my drone in the UK?
Any drone or model aircraft weighing 250 g or more must be registered with the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) via the official drone registration service. This involves two key requirements:
- Operator ID - Required for the person or organisation responsible for the drone:
- • Cost: £11.79
- • Validity: 12 months
- • Must be clearly displayed on the drone
- Flyer ID - Required for anyone flying the drone:
- • Cost: Free
- • Validity: 5 years
- • Requires passing a short online theory test
Requirements vary depending on the weight of your drone or model aircraft, especially for those under 250 g and up to 25 kg. Please refer to the comparison table below for full details.
| Weight of drone or model aircraft | Flyer ID | Operator ID |
|---|---|---|
| 250g to 25kg | Required | Required |
| Less than 250g; with camera | Recommended | Required |
| Less than 250g; without camera | Recommended | Optional |
How old do I need to be to get a Flyer ID or Operator ID?
You must be at least 13 years old to take the online theory test and hold a Flyer ID. Anyone under 18 will need a parent or guardian's consent. The Operator ID (the person legally responsible for the drone) can only be held by someone aged 18 or over.
Do I need any ID for a sub-250 g toy or a drone without a camera?
A toy drone under 250 g without a camera is exempt from both Flyer ID and Operator ID requirements. If the drone has a camera (or is not classed as a toy), the Operator ID becomes mandatory and a Flyer ID is strongly recommended.
Will Remote ID (RID) become mandatory in the UK?
A UK Remote ID framework is expected to start from 2026. Final details are still under consultation, but it is likely that most drones above a weight threshold will need either built-in or add-on broadcast capability.
Can I fly over people in the Open A1 Category?
Yes, if the drone is sub-250 g you can fly over uninvolved people but you must never fly over crowds. Any deliberate flight over uninvolved people with a heavier drone is prohibited.
What's the maximum altitude for drone flights?
Do the drone rules apply if I fly indoors?
Indoor flights are generally outside the scope of the Air Navigation Order. However, you still owe a duty of care, and venues or insurers may impose their own safety requirements.
Can I fly at night?
Yes, night flying is permitted in the Open Category or under a PDRA-01 Operational Authorisation, provided that your drone is equipped with sufficient lighting and you have conducted a daylight reconnaissance of the flight area in advance.
Can I use FPV goggles, and what is an “observer”?
First-Person-View is allowed only if a competent observer stands next to the remote pilot and keeps the aircraft in direct unaided VLOS at all times. The pilot must be able to take control immediately on warning from the observer.
Can I control more than one drone at the same time?
How do I check for NOTAMs before flying?
What airspace classes can I operate in without ATC permission?
Are there extra rules for flying near wildlife or protected sites?
Disturbing nesting birds or protected species can be an offence under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981. Many Sites of Special Scientific Interest(SSSI) or nature reserves issue local bylaws banning drones. Always check Natural England guidance and maintain a safe stand-off distance.
Do I need a GVC to fly in the Specific Category?
A General Visual Line of Sight Certificate (GVC) is the required qualification to obtain a UKPDRA-01 Operational Authorisation. If flying under a UK SORA Operational Authorisation, a Level 1, 2, 3 or 4 Remote Pilot Certificate will be required instead of a GVC.
Is insurance mandatory for drone flights?
If you fly a drone or model aircraft weighing less than 500 kg for recreational, sport, or hobby purposes, having insurance is optional - although strongly recommended. However, if you are flying for any commercial purpose, you are legally required to hold valid third-party liability insurance.
For any drone or model aircraft weighing 500 kg or more, insurance is mandatory, regardless of whether the flight is recreational or commercial.
Insurance must comply with the regulatory requirements in Assimilated Regulation (EU) 785/2004.
What is the UK SORA methodology?
The UK Specific Operations Risk Assessment (UK SORA) replaced the old Operating Safety Case (OSC) methodology on 23 April 2025. It's a structured quantitative process designed to assess and mitigate operational risk for higher-risk drone operations in the Specific Category.
How do I demonstrate Visual Line of Sight (VLOS)?
The remote pilot must maintain direct unaided visual contact with the drone at all times during flight. The use of binoculars, video screens, a spotter with a radio (EVLOS) or any other visual aids to maintain contact is not permitted, unless explicitly authorised under a UK SORA Operational Authorisation.
Where can I find detailed drone regulation guidance?
The full CAP 722 Series and the Drone & Model Aircraft Code are available on the CAA website.
What privacy rules apply when filming people?
You must comply with the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018 when recording identifiable individuals. Always post signage or obtain consent where practical, avoid filming sensitive premises, and delete footage if requested, unless you have a lawful reason to keep it.
When must I file an Occurrence Report with the CAA or AAIB?
You must submit a Mandatory Occurrence Report (MOR) via the ECCAIRS portal within 72 hours if your flight results in injury, serious loss of control, or significant property damage. Serious accidents must also be reported to the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) immediately.
How do I carry drone batteries on a commercial flight?
Lithium-ion batteries up to 100 Wh are normally allowed in hand luggage (spare batteries must be protected from short-circuit). For batteries between 100 Wh and 160 Wh, airline approval is required. Batteries >160 Wh are generally not permitted on passenger flights.
What are C-class markings (C0 - C4) and do they apply yet?
C-class markings are manufacturer labels introduced by EU rules to match Open-category sub-categories. The UK recognises them, but legacy ('un-marked') drones can continue to be flown under transitional arrangements until at least 1 January 2026.
Until when can I use my A2 CofC under transitional rules?
Transitional privileges that allow legacy drones <2 kg to be flown in the A2 sub-category with an A2 CofC currently expire on 1 January 2026. After that you will need a class-marked C2 aircraft or move to the Specific Category.
Do I need a GVC to fly in the Specific Category?
A General Visual Line of Sight Certificate (GVC) is the required qualification to obtain a UKPDRA-01 Operational Authorisation. If flying under a UK SORA Operational Authorisation, a Level 1, 2, 3 or 4 Remote Pilot Certificate will be required instead of a GVC.