Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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.

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.

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.

In the Open Category and under a PDRA-01 Operational Authorisation, you must not fly above 120 m (400 ft) AGL (above ground level). If you want to fly higher than this, you must get a Specific Category UK SORA Operational Authorisation.

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.

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.

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.

The Open Category (A1/A2/A3) and PDRA-01 only allow one aircraft per remote pilot at any given moment. Flying multiple drones concurrently (swarm operations) requires a Specific Category authorisation based on a UK SORA risk assessment.

Always consult the NATS NOTAM portal or the 'Notam Info' tool linked above. You should check NOTAMs within 24 hours of your planned operation.

In the Open Category and under a PDRA-01 Operational Authorisation, you may operate in Class G or D airspace with no prior permission. Classes A-F and any Restricted Zones require a Specific Category UK SORA Operational Authorisation and prior ATC clearance.

Disturbing nesting birds or protected species can be an offence under the WCA 1981. Many SSSIs or nature reserves issue local bylaws banning drones. Always check Natural England guidance and maintain a safe stand-off distance.

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, an RPC qualification will be required instead of a GVC.

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.

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.

The full CAP 722 Series and the Drone & Model Aircraft Code are available on the CAA website.

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.

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 AAIB immediately.

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.

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.

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.

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, an RPC qualification will be required instead of a GVC.