Training & Regulations
UK Drone Laws 2026: Where can I fly?
Guide to UK drone flying laws in 2026, covering where to fly, drone training, FPV rules, drone registration, UK SORA, privacy, and best drone apps.
If you're flying a drone in the UK — whether for fun or for work — you must follow UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) rules.
This guide explains the key UK drone laws, including where you can fly, drone training, and drone registration.
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UK drone laws 2026: At a glance
Here are some key points, before we delve into the rules in greater depth.
Where you can fly: You need to stay below 120m (400ft) and keep your drone within visual line of sight (VLOS) - unless you have special permission from the UK CAA.
Three operational categories: Open Category (geared to hobbyists/some commercial users); Specific Category (mainly enterprise drone pilots); Certified Category (very high-risk operations).
Open Category Subcategories: A1 (fly over people); A2 (fly close to people); A3 (fly far from people). Certain drones can fly under the rules of certain subcategories.
Specific Category: Designed for operations that can't be performed in the Open Category. An Operational Authorisation is required from the UK CAA to operate in the Specific Category.
UK drone registration: If you fly a drone weighing 100g+, you need a Flyer ID. An Operator ID is required if you own a drone between 250g and 25kg or a drone weighing 100g to 250g with a camera.
UK class marks: As of 2026, any new drone placed on the market must have a UK class mark (UK0 to UK6) - determining where that drone can fly.
European class marks: Until the end of December 2027, a drone with a European class mark (C class mark) can be flown according to its corresponding UK class-marked drone, ie C1 = UK1.
Non-class-marked drones: Drones that do not have a class mark can still be flown, based on the rules for their specific weight.
Drone training: An A2 CofC is required for operations in the Open Category's A2 sub-category. The GVC or the new Remote Pilot Certificates (RPC) are required to obtain an Operational Authorisation for Specific Category operations.
Remote ID: UK class-marked drones (UK1, UK2, UK3, UK5, and UK6) need to broadcast Remote ID when flying.
Night flying requirements: Drones flown at night must have a green flashing light, switched on during operation. An exemption can be requested via the Operational Authorisation (Specific Category).
Drone laws UK 2026: Where can I fly?
Most drone flights are conducted in either the Open or Specific categories.
There is a third category - Certified - but this is less common, as it is designed for operations comparable to manned aviation.
Open Category (Most hobby & many low-risk commercial flights): No CAA authorisation required — but strict limits apply for proximity to people, buildings and built-up areas.
Specific Category (Higher risk commercial flying): You need a UK CAA Operational Authorisation (OA) for operations that exceed Open limits, such as urban operations, heavier drones, or BVLOS.
Open Category vs Specific Category: At a glance
Open Category | Specific Category | |
Who it's for | Most hobby pilots and many low-risk commercial flights. | Professional operations that exceed Open Category limits or require bespoke risk controls. |
UK CAA permission required? | No authorisation required (as long as you follow the Open rules). | Yes — you must hold a CAA Operational Authorisation (OA). |
Main limiting factor | Distance from people and built-up areas (A1 / A2 / A3 rules). | The risk level of the operation, via PDRA or UK SORA. |
Where you can typically fly | Many places — but restrictions apply near uninvolved people, crowds, and built environments depending on subcategory. | You can fly in more complex environments with heavier drones (built-up areas, over crowds, advanced missions) if your OA allows it. |
Common use cases | Hobby flying, real estate shots (low-risk), rural surveys, inspections away from people, marketing footage under Open rules. | Urban ops, infrastructure inspection in busy areas, operations near people, BVLOS, heavier drones, higher complexity missions. |
Can you fly over uninvolved people? | Only in limited circumstances, depending on class mark and subcategory. Never over crowds. | Possible if risk mitigations are approved within the OA (depends on operation, aircraft, and procedures). |
Can you fly BVLOS? | No (Open Category requires VLOS). | Yes — BVLOS is typically Specific Category and requires an OA based on UK SORA. |
Max drone weight | Up to 25kg in Open (depending on subcategory and class). | Can include heavier aircraft depending on approval route and operating limitations. |
Training required | Usually the Flyer ID test (and A2-style competency for A2 operations). | Generally requires professional competency such as GVC and documented operating procedures. |
Paperwork/documentation | Minimal — mostly registration and basic compliance. | Significant — Operations Manual, risk assessments, procedures, evidence of mitigations, and formal OA approval. |
How you get approval | Not required — you follow published Open rules. | Apply via: PDRA01 (pre-defined scenario) or UK SORA (full risk assessment) to obtain an OA. |
Best for | Quick compliance, simple operations, lower-risk flying. | Greater permissions, advanced missions, professional operations with approved risk controls. |
UK drone regulations 2026: Flying a drone in the Open Category
From 2026, the CAA structures Open Category flying as:
A1 Subcategory: Over People. For low-risk, simple flying.
A2 Subcategory: Near People. Moderate-risk, complex flying.
A3 Subcategory: Far from People. High-risk, complex flying.
Flying in the Open Category - Sub-category requirements
This table references the flight freedoms for each type of drone within the various Open Category subcategories.
The table references UK and C class-marked drones. We will cover class-marking in more detail later in this guide.
Subcategory | Weight or class of drone | Distance from people/places | What you must have |
|---|---|---|---|
A1 (Over People) | Less than 250g (non-class-marked). C0 or UK0 or UK1 class. C1 class drone until December 31, 2027. | You can fly over people, including people who are not involved in what you’re doing. Do not fly over crowds. | Flyer ID: If you're flying a drone weighing 100g or more. Operator ID: If you own/are responsible for the drone, if it weighs 250g-25kg or 100g-250g with a camera. |
A2 (Near People) | UK2 class. C2 class drone until December 31, 2027. | You must not fly within 30m of people unless they’re involved in what you are doing, or you fly in low-speed mode. If you fly in low speed mode, you can reduce this distance to 5m from people. You must not fly over people who are not involved in what you're doing. | Flyer ID Operator ID if you own/are responsible for the drone. A2 CofC. Without this, Open Category operations must be conducted in the A3 subcategory. |
A2 (Near People) | Less than 2kg and not UK2 or C2 class. | You must not fly within 50m of uninvolved people. You must not fly over people who are not involved in what you're doing. | Flyer ID Operator ID if you own/are responsible for the drone. A2 CofC. Without this, Open Category operations must be conducted in the A3 subcategory. |
A3 (Far from People) | UK2, UK3 or UK4 class. Privately built and less than 25kg. Placed on the market before January 1, 2026, and less than 25kg. C2, C3 or C4 class drone until December 31, 2027. | You must not fly within 50m of uninvolved people. You must not fly over people who are not involved in what you're doing. You must not fly within 150m of residential, recreational, commercial or industrial areas. You must not fly closer to individual residential buildings than 50m horizontally. | Flyer ID Operator ID if you own/are responsible for the drone. |
**Please note: Adding accessories or payloads to a class-marked drone can invalidate its class marking. For DJI drones, approved accessories are listed in the user manual under “Qualified Accessories.” Any non-approved accessory may remove the drone’s class marking.
For all of the subcategories, you:
Must always check airspace before every flight.
Must keep your drone in direct sight at all times.
Must not fly above 120m (400ft).
Must not fly over crowds.
Must not fly in restricted airspace.
Must not carry dangerous goods or drop articles.
Must have a green flashing light on your drone, switched on, during night flights.
Must not fly in airport Flight Restriction Zones (FRZ) without permission.
Must not fly in restricted areas (e.g., prisons, military locations)
Must not fly in temporary restricted airspace (check NOTAMs).
Open Category: A2 CofC training course
Pilots wanting to operate in the A2 subcategory need to have an A2 CofC, known as an A2 Certificate of Competency.
This course can be completed with Heliguy, through our online training platform, followed by a theory test, which can be sat remotely.
Candidates do not need to complete an Operations Manual or pass a Practical Flight Test, but a period of practical flight training (either with Heliguy or under self-monitored circumstances) is required.
An A2 CofC is valid for five years.
You can find out more about the A2 CofC here.
UK drone regulations 2026: Flying a drone in the Specific Category
As mentioned previously, the Specific Category covers operations that present a greater risk than that of the Open category, or where one or more elements of the operation fall outside the boundaries of the Open category.
In simple terms, the Specific Category is geared towards enterprise drone pilots.
The key element of the Specific Category is that the UAS operator is required to hold an Operational Authorisation, issued by the UK CAA.
The Operational Authorisation sets out the privileges that are afforded, the scope of your missions, and the limitations that must be followed when conducting the operation.
During Specific Category operations, a green flashing light is required for all operations, however, the CAA has the ability to exempt from this requirement via the Operational Authorisation process, where suitable. This may include where the drone is equipped with standard aircraft lighting.
How to get an Operational Authorisation
There are two main methods of applying for an Operational Authorisation:
PDRA-01 (pre-defined risk assessment);
UK SORA (Specific Operations Risk Assessment). UK SORA replaced the OSC (Operating Safety Case) methodology in April 2025.
Pre-defined Risk Assessments
Going down the PDRA route is the simplest way to obtain an Operational Authorisation.
A PDRA is a set of pre-defined prescriptive conditions that the UAS operator must adhere to.
This type of approach applies to operations that will most likely be conducted by a large number of operators (i.e. it is a pre-defined scenario), but the safety mitigations are relatively simple.
Currently, the only PDRA in the UK is PDRA01.
UKPDRA01
PDRA01 is for operations within 150 metres of any residential, commercial, industrial or recreational area for a drone with a maximum take-off mass of less than 25kg.
It is designed to enable VLOS operations in the areas that are likely to be more ‘congested’ than the areas where subcategory A3 operations are permitted.
It provides the same operating privileges to those previously available under a PfCO.
UKPDRA01 enables the following operations:
VLOS only, maximum 500 metres horizontally from remote pilot; use of a UA observer situated next to the remote pilot, is permitted;
Maximum height not to exceed 400 feet above the surface;
Flight permitted within 150 metres of any residential, commercial, industrial or recreational area;
No flight within 50 metres of any uninvolved person, except that during take-off and landing this distance may be reduced to 30 metres;
No flight within FRZs unless permitted by the relevant aerodrome;
No flight within 50 metres horizontally of assemblies of people.
All remote pilots involved in the operation must be in possession of a valid GVC and a valid Operational Authorisation.
UK SORA: The new Operating Safety Case (OSC)
In April 2025, the OSC methodology was replaced by UK SORA.
For operators who want to carry out missions that are not covered by PDRA01, they will need to apply for an Operational Authorisation using UK SORA. You can find out more about UK SORA, here.
Operations that require a UK SORA-based Operational Authorisation include:
Dropping items from your drone.
Flying beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) - especially important for remote and automated operations.
Flying close to crowds.
Flying close to people with aircraft that weigh 500g or more.
Flying at increased heights above ground level.
Swarm operations.
Flying more than 120m (400ft) above ground level.
UK SORA is designed to bring numerous benefits to the drone industry, including a clear and standardised framework and quicker turn-around times.
Operators who currently hold a valid OSC-based Operational Authorisation will be able to use this until its expiry date. In most cases, operators will need to make a new application using the UK SORA-based Application Service once their OSC-based Operational Authorisation expires.
Heliguy has a UK SORA Consultancy to help operators complete a UK SORA application and to aid a smooth transition from OSC to UK SORA.
Specific Category: What drone training is required?
The GVC (General Visual Line of Sight Certificate) is a remote pilot competency certificate for the Specific Category.
The GVC can be completed with Heliguy, by completing an online theory course and passing an exam, completing an Operations Manual, and passing a Practical Flight Assessment.
The GVC is valid for five years.
You can learn more about the GVC here.
As part of new drone laws, the UK CAA has set out new courses:
Level 1 Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC-L1) - similar to the GVC.
Level 2 Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC-L2) - BVLOS, for example, in an Atypical Airspace Environment.
Level 3 Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC-L3) - more advanced qualifications.
Level 4 Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC-L4) - more advanced qualifications.
We'll be publishing more details about the RPCs soon.
Is FPV flying legal in the UK?
FPV drone flying and the use of goggles is legal in the UK.
FPV flights are permitted within the Open and Specific categories, subject to certain criteria being met.
A key aspect is that FPV pilots can fly without keeping direct eye contact with the drone – provided they are accompanied by an unmanned aircraft observer who keeps direct visual contact with the drone.
The UA observer must be located alongside the pilot so they can immediately communicate with the pilot.
Association members of drone and model aircraft clubs are afforded greater flexibilities for FPV flights and drone racing - courtesy of the Article 16 Operational Authorisation.
How about follow-me mode?
Follow-me mode is legal.
It can be used for flights, up to a maximum distance of 50m from the remote pilot, in the Open Category.
Drone Remote ID
Remote ID becomes increasingly relevant from January 1, 2026, as it forms part of the technical compliance requirements connected to UK class marks and updated drone standards.
In summary:
From January 1, 2026, pilots flying drones with the new UK class mark (UK1, UK2, UK3, UK5, and UK6) must adhere to Remote ID requirements.
From the start of 2028, Remote ID will be extended to the majority of drone users, including those with legacy drones, drones with a UK4 mark, and UK0 drones weighing 100g or more with a camera.
Remote ID allows a drone (or model aircraft) to broadcast identification and location data during flight.
For full details, read our dedicated guide: Remote ID for UK drone pilots.
Drone class markings 2026: UK Class Marks and European C Marks
Some drones have or will have class markings, based on specific requirements, such as weight, technical functions, and safety features.
UK Class Marks
From January 1, 2026, any new model of drone and model aircraft placed on the market must have a UK class mark.
UK Class Mark | Weight of drone for class mark | Category |
|---|---|---|
UK0 | Less than 250g | Open - A1 - Over People |
UK1 | Less than 900g | Open - A1 - Over People |
UK2 | Less than 4kg | Open - A2 - Near People - With an A2 CofC Open - A3 - Far From People |
UK3 | Less than 25kg | Open - A3 - Far From People |
UK4 | Less than 25kg | Open - A3 - Far From People |
UK5 | Less than 25kg | Specific Category |
UK6 | Less than 25kg | Specific Category |
European Class Marks
If your drone or model aircraft has a C class mark on it, the manufacturer has declared that it meets the European class standards.
Until the end of December 2027 in the UK, you can fly a C class aircraft as if it is the corresponding UK class. For example, C0 = UK1, C1 = UK1, C2 = UK2 etc.
On and after January 1, 2028, these drones will be treated as 'legacy' if not retrofitted with a UK class label.
For full details about drone class marks, including which DJI drones have a class mark, read our in-depth drone class mark blog.
UK drone registration in 2026
In most cases, you will need to complete the drone registration process with the UK CAA.
Drone registration involves two IDs: The Flyer ID and Operator ID. You may be required to get both.
Flyer ID | Operator ID | |
|---|---|---|
Who needs it | You are the pilot of the drone being flown. | You own or are responsible for the aircraft being flown. |
Critiera | Drones weighing 100g and above. | Drones weighing 250g or above. Drones weighing 100g or above with a camera. |
Cost | Free | £11.79 |
Validity | 5 years | 1 year |
Minimum age | 13 years old Children under 13 must have their parent or guardian with them when they take the test to get their Flyer ID. | 18 years old A parent/guardian must get the Operator ID if their child owns a drone that requires an Operator ID. |
Notes | Obtain the Flyer ID by completing the free, 40 question multiple choice test on the UK CAA website. The CAA recommends you get a Flyer ID if your drone is less than 100g, but this is not compulsory. | Use the same Operator ID for all of your drones and model aircraft. The Operator ID must be labelled on your aircraft. If you’re responsible for drones or model aircraft, but will not fly them, you can register as an operator only, without getting a Flyer ID. An Operator ID is optional for drones weighing less than 100g or drones weighing 100g to 250g without a camera. |
You do not need a Flyer ID or Operator ID if you will only fly indoors or where there is no possibility of your aircraft escaping, such as within a closed netted area.
It is against the law to fly a drone or model aircraft without having the required IDs. You can also be fined for breaking the law when flying. In the most serious cases, you could be sent to prison.
To find out more about the drone Flyer ID and Operator ID, read our in-depth blog.
UK drone operators flying in Europe
So, you are a UK drone operator with an A2 CofC or GVC/Operational Authorisation, but you need to fly in Europe. Where do you stand?
Rules for UK drone operators flying in EU Member States
Please note that the following information relates to flights within the EU or an EASA associate Member State (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland).
Registration
UK operators must register with the Member State they wish to fly in.
Open Category Flights
A2 Subcategory (Near People): To fly in the A2 Subcategory (Near People), you need to obtain a new A2 CofC in the EU Member State you wish to fly. Once you have this, the European version of the A2 CofC will be valid in all other EU Member States and EASA associate Member States. For example, if you complete an A2 CofC for operations in Germany, you can then use this for flights in France, Italy, Spain etc.
Specific Category Operations
If you have completed the UK GVC and have an Operational Authorisation, your next steps depend on the specific aviation authority of the EU Member State you wish to operate in.
Some will recognise the UK GVC/Operational Authorisation. In this case, you will need to amend your Operations Manual to recognise your operation in the specific Member State, such as changing your PDRA to a Standard Scenario.
However, some aviation authorities will require you to complete a separate GVC and apply for a new Operational Authorisation for operations in that Member State.
To understand your position, check with the relevant aviation authority ahead of your operations.
Rules for UK drone operators flying in Non-EU Member States
UK UAS Operators wishing to operate within any State other than one which is a member of the EU or EASA Associate Member must comply with the requirements that are set out for UAS operations within that State.
In the first instance, operators should consult the guidance documentation that has been prepared by the relevant NAA.
Best drone apps and websites to keep you flying safely and legally
There are numerous apps and websites available to help you fly safely and legally and check UK airspace.
Some of the key ones are:
Drone Assist: Drone safety app from NATS, with an interactive map of airspace used by commercial air traffic.
NATS Drone Website: Provides a wealth of information about flying your drone. Click here for more details.
Flight Planning Map: Up to date NOTAMS (notice to airmen) plotted on a map. Click here for more details.
AirMap: Real-time feedback of airspace rules and conditions pertaining to your flight specifications. Click here for more details.
Coverdrone FlySafe: Coverdrone FlySafe is a free app designed to help drone pilots plan and conduct their drone flights quicker and safer than before. Click here for more details.
UAV Forecast: As a drone pilot, one of the key considerations is the weather. UAV Forecast is an incredibly useful source of information, telling you everything you need to know about whether or not it is safe to fly. Click here for more details.
Windy: Windy is another app which supplies drone pilots with useful information about weather conditions. Click here for more details.
Tesla Magnetic Field Recorder: The Tesla Magnetic Field Recorder helps you to detect and record magnetic fields. The compass in your drone uses magnetic fields, and if there’s magnetic activity at or near your location, you could have issues and your drone operation could be threatened. Click here for more details.
To find out more about some of these apps, and others in the industry, read our in-depth blog by clicking here.
Other things you need to know
There are other factors you need to be aware of before you fly your drone. These include:
Airports: Most airports and airfields have a flight restriction zone (FRZ). Never fly in this zone unless you have permission from the airport. The zone is in place to avoid any collisions with aircraft at or near the airport.
Restricted airspace: This includes areas around prisons, military bases, royal palaces, government sites and more.
Events: Flying may be temporarily banned in specific areas during some events, such as airshows or festivals. This is to keep everyone safe.
Emergency incidents: Temporary restrictions may be established at very short notice due to emergency incidents, such as road traffic accidents, fires and floods.
Byelaws: Byelaws may restrict when and where you can fly. Look out for local signs for information and contact details where you can find out more. Byelaws are unlikely to be shown on apps or drone websites.
Structures in the area: Check for any structures, such as cranes, masts and wires. Do not fly if there are structures in the area that will mean it’s not safe or legal.
Animals: Do not fly where you’ll disturb animals.
Report any dangerous incidents or near misses: If something dangerous happens while you’re flying your drone or model aircraft, you must report the incident to the Civil Aviation Authority. Click here.
Insurance: Insurance is optional if you’re flying for recreation. However, you should remember that you’re responsible for your actions, which means you could be held personally liable for any injury or damage you cause while you’re flying. If your flight is for any reason other than recreation, you do need insurance. EC785/2004 compliant insurance is still required for commercial operations in both the Open and Specific categories.
Make sure you are fit to fly: Do not fly under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or if you are tired or unwell.
Weather: Make sure you check the weather beforehand and know if it could change during your drone flight.
Drones and privacy
When you are flying, ensure that you do not invade anyone’s privacy, especially if your drone has a camera.
The UK Information Commissioners Office (ICO) recommends that users of drones with cameras should operate them in a responsible way to respect the privacy of others.
If your drone or model aircraft has a camera, any photos or video you take may be covered by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
If you take a video or photo of someone where they can expect privacy, such as inside their home or garden, you’re likely to be breaking data protection laws.
Some tips include:
Let people know before you start recording: If you are capturing an image or footage of friends or family, this will be easy. But in some cases, this won’t always be possible, so be sensible and apply common sense before you start.
Know your camera: Get to grips with your camera, because knowing its capabilities will help reduce the risk of privacy invasion. Some key questions include, what is the quality of the image? How powerful is the zoom? If you can start/stop recording when you’re flying.
Make sure you can be seen: The more visible you are then the easier it will be for other people to identify who is flying the drone.
Think before sharing: Be mindful of what images/videos you have captured and if the content is sensitive, unfair or harmful before you share them on social media or post on a website.
Keep the images and video safe: Store your content in a safe place and delete what you don’t need.
