What Are The New Drone Classes?
As part of UK and EASA drone regulations, a class system for drones is in place, ranging from 0 to 6.
These class marks are based on certain criteria, including, but not limited to, the weight of the aircraft - and they impact where you can fly your drone.
Under EASA, these marks are C0 to C6, while the UK has UK0 to UK6.
In the UK, until December 31, 2027, you can fly a C class aircraft as if it is the corresponding UK class, ie you can fly a C1-class drone as if it is a UK1 class drone.
After this period, any drone not retrofitted with a UK class mark is classed as legacy, and needs to fly based on weight restrictions.
The table below shows how class-marked drones can be flown in the UK.
Class Mark | Category | Where you can fly |
|---|---|---|
UK0 / C0 (less than 250g) | Open | A1 Over People |
UK1 / C1 (less than 900g) | Open | A1 Over People |
UK2 / C2 (less than 4kg) | Open | A2 Near People with an A2 CofC A3 Far from People without an A2 CofC |
UK3 / C3 (less than 25kg) | Open | A3 Far From People |
UK4 / C4 (less than 25kg) | Open | A3 Far From People |
UK5 / C5 (less than 25kg) | Specific | Based on the criteria within your Operational Authorisation |
UK6 / C6 (less than 25kg) | Specific | Based on the criteria within your Operational Authorisation |
Read more about the drone class system and UK drone laws.