DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise Series C1: More freedom for UK pilots

• Find out how the DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise EU-C1 drones can benefit your operations;

• These drones unlock greater flight freedom without the regulatory burden, including closer operations in populated environments;

• heliguy™ can help you integrate these drones into your workflows.

What do you get when you cross the UK’s new drone laws with DJI’s sub-900g EU-C1-rated Mavic 3 Enterprise Series?

The answer: Unprecedented flight freedom without the regulatory burden.

UK operators can now fly the C1-labelled DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise, Mavic 3 Thermal, and Mavic 3 Thermal Advanced in the A1 subcategory (Flights Over People) of the Open Category - thanks to new drone laws that come into effect at the start of 2026.

This means commercial pilots can legally fly over uninvolved people (but not crowds), without requiring an A2 CofC, GVC, or Operational Authorisation.

This development effectively places enterprise-grade survey and thermal capability into the same regulatory bracket as a DJI Mini Series drone, dramatically improving flexibility, reducing operational friction and regulatory burden, and opening the doors for more agile urban and industrial workflows.

It's worth saying that this increased freedom is currently only set to last until the end of 2027, as non-UK-class-marked drones will need to adhere to legacy rules (based on weight) from the start of 2028. But for some businesses, the investment could still be worth it. heliguy™ also offers a Mavic 3 Enterprise EU-C1 drone for weekly hire for those who want to enjoy greater flight freedom, without committing to a purchase.

This guide breaks down what's changed and why it matters.

Key summary

• From January 1, 2026, C1-marked drones in the Mavic 3 Enterprise Series can operate in the A1 (Over People) subcategory of the Open Category in the UK.

• This allows flights over people (not crowds), without needing an A2 CofC, GVC, or Operational Authorisation.

• This is ideal for urban inspection, construction, and surveying workflows.

• The C1 models achieve this through a sub-900g maximum take-off mass, using lighter EU-C1 batteries and low-noise propellers.

• The C2/Universal versions of the Mavic 3 Enterprise Series also benefit from 2026 rules: Operators can now fly down to 30m from uninvolved people, or 5m in low-speed mode, in the A2 subcategory (Flights Near People), with an A2 CofC.

• heliguy™ training’s instructors and regulatory specialists can help operators understand the new rules, stay compliant, and make the most of A1 and A2 privileges.

Expert insight

“For years, commercial pilots have had to choose between small, sub-250 g aircraft for close-in work, or heavier enterprise platforms that forced them into bigger buffers and more paperwork. Being able to fly a C1-rated Mavic 3 Enterprise in the A1 subcategory unlocks thermal imaging and RTK-grade positioning in spaces that used to be ‘Mini-only’ territory. For a lot of operators, this will make the Open Category feel less of a compromise and more of a serious commercial tool.” — Jack Sharp, heliguy™ Head of Training

What are the EU-C1 Mavic 3 Enterprise Series drones?

The Mavic 3 Enterprise Series drones (EU-C1 versions) meet strict criteria required for a European C1 class label, including:

• <900 g MTOW, achieved using a lighter C1-specific battery and low-noise propellers;

• Compliance with technical and safety requirements defined under EU class marking rules.

The key point: C1 gives access to flights in the A1 sub-category (Flights Over People), which is the least restrictive subcategory, without compromising imaging or RTK performance.

In contrast, the standard (Universal) Mavic 3 Enterprise platforms exceed 900g and carry an EU-C2 class mark.

Using a C1 battery does not convert a C2 drone into C1 drone. The class rating applies to the whole aircraft system.

How do the C-class versions compare to the standard Mavic 3 Enterprise drones?

Very little in terms of capability.

The C1 versions retain:

• 20 MP mechanical-shutter wide camera (M3E).

• Wide/zoom + enterprise-grade thermal sensor (M3T / M3T Advanced)

• RTK module compatibility for centimetre-accurate georeferencing.

The only meaningful differences are:

• Reduced weight (due to C1 battery).

• Slightly reduced flight time.

In short: The same enterprise power, packaged into a more regulation-friendly airframe.

It's worth noting that the Mavic 3 Enterprise SeriesoEU-C1 can be used with the DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise RTK Module and the DJI Cellular Dongle without impacting its C1 status.

Mavic 3 Enterprise EU-C1: Pre-2026 vs 2026

The new drone rules have unlocked greater freedom for users of the Mavic 3 Enterprise EU-C1 in the UK.

Before January 2026:

• With A2 CofC: Fly in A2 subcategory of Open Category, no closer than 50m horizontally from uninvolved people.

• Without A2 CofC: Fly in A3 subcategory of Open Category, far from people and buildings.

• PDRA-01 or a bespoke Operational Authorisation: Required for most congested-area work.

From January 2026:

• Fly over people (not crowds) in the A1 subcategory of the Open Category, without requiring A2 CofC, GVC, or Operational Authorisation. A Flyer ID and/or Operator ID are required.

This dramatically reduces risk-planning and opens enhanced freedom for many operations, especially in urban and semi-urban environments.

Even so: We do strongly recommend obtaining an A2 CofC, as insurers, clients, and internal governance often expect documented competency.

European class marks in the UK after 2027

The UK CAA has said that C-marked drones will be recognised as their UK-class-marked equivalents until the end of 2027.

From then on, any non UK-marked drones will become legacy, and will have to fly based on weight restrictions.

Herein lies the caveat: The Mavic 3 Enterprise C1 drones are on course to become legacy at the start of 2028, meaning that, from then, you would need an A2 CofC to fly up to 50m of uninvolved people, or you woold need to go down the Operational Authorisation route.

Whether the benefit of extra freedom is worth it in the short term is up to each operator.

heliguy™ does offer a Mavic 3 Enterprise EU-C1 drone for weekly hire for those who want to enjoy greater flight freedom, without committing to a purchase.

What A1 operations look like for the Mavic 3 Enterprise C1 models

Putting enterprise capability into A1 unlocks a new operational landscape.

Urban inspection & facilities management (FM)

• Routine inspection of office blocks, retail centres, and residential developments without needing to clear large exclusion zones.

• Brief overflight of streets where people may be present (while avoiding crowds).

Blue-light & public safety

• Police and fire services can launch closer to the incident, even when people are nearby.

• More flexible cordon and containment design, improving response efficiency.

Construction & housing

• Snagging, roof inspection, and site overviews can remain in the Open Category, reducing OA reliance.

• More efficient deployment across multi-site housing projects.

Survey & planning in live environments

• Urban realm mapping, town-centre topography, and pre-planning data capture become easier to carry out.

• Dawn or daytime workflows no longer require completely clear sites.

Jack said: “Imagine doing a complex roof or façade inspection in a tight high street and not immediately defaulting to the Specific Category. The risk doesn’t disappear, but the regulatory friction drops dramatically.”

What about the C2-marked Mavic 3 Enterprise drones?

These aircraft also benefit from the 2026 changes.

Flights in the A2 sub-category in the Open Category with a C2-class-marked drone can now be conducted:

• 30m separation from uninvolved people or 5m in low-speed mode.

• You must not intentionally fly over people who are not involved in what you're doing.

• You must have an A2 CofC.

This represents a meaningful improvement for operators who continue using the C2-marked drones,

How heliguy™ training can help

The 2026 regulatory shift is one of the biggest operational shake-ups the UK drone industry has seen since 2019.

Heliguy’s training instructors and regulatory specialists are on hand to help operators:

• Understand how A1, A2, and A3 rules affect real-world jobs.

• Identify when an Operational Authorisation is still required.

• Transition safely into A1 operations with C1 aircraft.

• Maintain best-practice flight planning and documentation.

• Acquire certifications such as A2 CofC or GVC.

Our team delivers clear, commercially focused training designed to align operators with both regulation and industry expectation — ensuring you stay compliant, safe, and competitive.

Summary

The introduction of C1-marked Mavic 3 Enterprise drones into the UK’s A1 subcategory from January 2026 is a landmark moment for the drone industry.

It allows pilots to combine enterprise-grade imaging, thermal capability, and RTK precision with the least restrictive Open Category operating conditions.

In practical terms, this means:

• More jobs, completed more easily.

• Reduced regulatory burden.

• Closer, more efficient operations in populated environments.

• A significant uplift in ROI.