How Far Can a Drone Fly?

How far a drone can fly in the UK depends on the type of operation being carried out.

Flight distance is mainly restricted by Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) rules set by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which ensure safety and control during flight.

CAA drone flight categories

Below is a quick overview of the key flight categories:

• VLOS: Up to 500m — you must always see your drone.

• EVLOS: Extended range using trained observers and planned handovers.

• BVLOS: Requires CAA approval under UK SORA with strict safety procedures.

Let’s take a closer look at what each category means and how far you can legally fly

Visual Line of Sight (VLOS)

Under standard VLOS rules, drones can fly up to 500 metres away from the remote pilot — but only if the drone remains clearly visible at all times.

You must be able to see your drone and determine its orientation without relying on your screen or FPV feed.

In reality, your maximum range may be less than 500 metres depending on visibility, lighting, and the size of your drone. If you lose sight of your drone, you’re flying beyond the legal limit.

Extended Visual Line of Sight (EVLOS)

Extended VLOS (EVLOS) operations allow you to cover more distance while maintaining visual contact with the drone. This typically involves two or more trained observers positioned along the flight path.

For example, one operator controls the drone while another stands further along the route, keeping the drone in sight as it moves. Control can be handed over between operators using pre-agreed radio communication.

EVLOS operations must be planned in advance, detailed in your operations manual, and approved as part of your operational procedures — they cannot be done on the fly.

Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS)

Flying beyond visual line of sight requires formal approval from the CAA through a UK SORA (Specific Operations Risk Assessment).

Applying for UK SORA can be complex — Heliguy makes it simple.

Our in-house regulatory specialists were the first in the UK to secure BVLOS permissions for the DJI Dock in an Atypical Air Environment and have also achieved approval for operating the DJI FlyCart 30 heavy-lift drone.

Under the legacy OSC framework — now transitioned to UK SORA — we’ve supported more than 30 clients in gaining extended permissions for advanced operations, including:

• Single-pilot flights up to 1,000 ft

• EVLOS missions up to 3,000 m

• Heavy-lift OSCs for payloads up to 101 kg

Our consultancy service offers clear, step-by-step guidance to ensure your SORA application is tailored, compliant, and aligned with your goals.

Book a consultation, receive a proposal, work with our team to build your application, and we’ll review and submit it to the CAA for approval.

To start your UK SORA journey or discuss your BVLOS ambitions, contact the Heliguy consultancy team today.

Summary

Most drone pilots in the UK will operate within Visual Line of Sight (VLOS), where the aircraft must remain clearly visible at all times.

For more advanced operations, Extended VLOS (EVLOS) allows greater range using trained observers and a detailed approved operations plan, while Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) requires formal approval through UK SORA and detailed safety planning.