Laws on flying Drones

Laws on flying Drones

1. Registration Requirements

Flyer ID (mandatory from 100 g+)

If your drone weighs 100 grams or more, you must obtain a Flyer ID, which involves completing an online theory test.

Operator ID (mandatory for camera drones ≥100 g)

If your drone weighs 100 g or more and has a camera, or it weighs 250 g+ regardless of camera, you must hold an Operator ID.

2. UK Drone Class Marks (UK0–UK6)

From 1 January 2026, all new drones sold in the UK include a UK class mark:

UK0 / UK1 – Lighter drones; permitted to fly over people, but not crowds.

UK2 – May fly near people with the A2 Certificate of Competency (A2 CofC).

UK3–UK6 – Heavier or specialised drones with stricter flying limitations.

EU C‑Class labels remain valid until 31 December 2027, recognised as equivalent to UK class marks.

3. Remote ID Requirements

Remote ID acts as a digital aerial identification system, broadcasting a drone’s Operator ID and location.

Class‑marked drones must use Remote ID from 1 January 2026.

Legacy or unmarked drones 100 g+ with a camera must comply from 1 January 2028.

Exemptions: Drones under 100 g or flown indoors.

4. General Flying Rules

Maximum Height

The legal maximum altitude for drones in the UK is 120 metres (400 feet) above ground level.

Open Category Subcategories

The Open Category covers most hobby and low‑risk flights:

A1 (Over People): For small drones (e.g., <250 g). flying over people is permitted; crowds are prohibited.

A2 (Near People): For drones <4 kg; requires A2 CofC training.

A3 (Far From People): For heavier or legacy drones; must fly far from people and built‑up areas.

No‑Fly Areas

Avoid flying near:

Airports and airfields

Prisons

Critical infrastructure

Restricted or controlled airspace zones

5. Night Flying

Night flying remains permitted but requires:
✔ A green flashing light fitted to the drone and visible to others.

6. FPV (First‑Person View) Flying

Flying with FPV goggles is allowed under UK law only if:
✔ A competent observer/spotter maintains unaided visual line of sight with the drone at all times.
✔ Flying over crowds is strictly prohibited.

7. Prohibited Activities

Drone swarms for advertising, including formations displaying logos or QR codes, are prohibited under UK law (Civil Aviation Act 1982, Section 82).

8. Insurance & Commercial Operations

Commercial drone operations require:

Appropriate aviation insurance

Risk assessments

Compliance with Specific Category authorisation where applicable

9. Good Practice for All Pilots

Keep your drone within visual line of sight

Check weather and airspace restrictions before flying

Label your drone with your Operator ID

Follow manufacturer instructions and maintain your drone

Use the official CAA Drone Safety Map before each flight

Further Information

Visit the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for full guidance:
👉 www.caa.co.uk/drones

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Message Sent By
Tracy Horton
(Staffordshire Police, PCSO, Lichfield)