How high can drones fly?

In the UK, drones are limited to a maximum height of 120 metres (400 feet) above the ground, and they must always remain within the pilot’s line of sight.

There are exceptions to this rule. You may be permitted to fly higher if you have completed a UK SORA with approval from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), or if you are operating in the Specific Category under an operational authorisation or Pre-defined Risk Assessment (PDRA).

In the Specific Category cases, the 120-metre limit is measured from the ground but can be extended in approved situations, such as when flying over tall obstacles like buildings or towers.

Learn more from our drone laws blog.