Check2FlyEuropean drone flight rules at a glance

Northern Europe

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom has its own CAA system for drones after Brexit, based on the Flyer ID, Operator ID, the Drone and Model Aircraft Code and the split into Open Category and Specific Category. From 1 January 2026 new national classes UK0-UK6 apply there, and transitionally until 31 December 2027 the European classes C0-C4 are also recognised in the corresponding British subcategories.

Altitude: 120 m / 400 ft AGLRegistration: May be required depending on the operation or aircraft.

Flight rules

Quick overview for this country

This is a short overview of the most important requirements. Always confirm details and exceptions in official sources.

Registration requiredYes, depending on the operation or equipment.

Training requiredYes, often needed for compliance in the open category.

Maximum altitude120 m / 400 ft AGL

Camera / registration noteIn the United Kingdom you need an Operator ID if the drone or model weighs 250 g or more, or weighs at least 100 g and has a camera. The Operator ID costs GBP 12.34, is valid for 1 year, and the operator must be at least 18. The Flyer ID is free, valid for 5 years, and from 1 January 2026 is generally required from 100 g upwards; children under 13 can also obtain one, but with the involvement of a parent or guardian.

Local points to double-check

Do not fly higher than 120 m / 400 ft above the nearest point of the ground, keep VLOS, do not fly over assemblies of people and do not carry dangerous loads or drop anything.
Many basic flights require a Flyer ID; from 1 January 2026 it is generally required from 100 g upwards. An Operator ID is needed if the drone is 250 g or more, or is at least 100 g and has a camera.
The operator must be 18+, but the pilot themselves has no general minimum age. Children under 13 can hold a Flyer ID via a parent or guardian; if they are under 12, they must fly under the supervision of a person aged 16+.
In A1, with a drone below 250 g or of the appropriate class UK0/UK1/C0, you may fly closer to and over uninvolved people, but you still may not fly over assemblies of people. From 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2027, similar rules transitionally also apply to class C1.
In A2 you need an A2 Certificate of Competency. The A2 CofC is valid for 5 years. For UK2 or C2, 30 m from uninvolved people generally applies, and 5 m in low-speed mode; for older drones below 2 kg with A2, 50 m still applies.
In A3 you must be a safe distance from uninvolved people and at least 150 m from residential, recreational, commercial and industrial areas.
If the operation does not fit within the Open Category, it moves to the Specific Category. The simplest path is PDRA01, and for more complex operations you must submit an application based on the UK SORA.
Liability insurance is not automatically required in the UK for every recreational flight. For drones below 500 g flown as a hobby it is optional, but for commercial uses it is required, and for drones of 20 kg+ it is always required.

Pre-flight checklist

Check everything before takeoff

Tick off the steps to verify the most important points before the flight.

0/6 done

Step 1Check whether you need a Flyer ID, an Operator ID, or both, and whether the drone is correctly marked with the Operator ID.Step 2Confirm the drone's mass and class: UK class, a European C class recognised transitionally until 31 December 2027, or legacy by mass.Step 3If the pilot is a minor, check the CAA rules for children: a Flyer ID is possible even under 13, whereas only an adult can obtain an Operator ID. For children's flights you must follow the current CAA guidance on supervision by a parent or guardian.Step 4Verify which Open Category subcategory the flight falls into: A1, A2 or A3, and whether you need an A2 CofC.Step 5Check the airspace restrictions and airport rules before take-off; if you want to fly near an airport, you need consent from the airport operator.Step 6If the operation does not fit within the Open Category, do not fly without a formal Specific Category authorisation from the CAA and make sure whether liability insurance is required.

Official sources

Where to confirm current information

Open the authority or official flight map to confirm zones and current restrictions.

Authority websiteCAA UKOpen source Flight mapCAA UK Drone Code / airspace restrictionsOpen source

Information sources

CAA UK: getting started with drones and model aircraft CAA UK: Flyer IDs and Operator IDs CAA UK: getting what you need to fly legally CAA UK: where you can fly CAA UK: guidance for children and parents CAA UK: A2 Certificate of Competency CAA UK: class marks CAA UK: Specific Category overview CAA UK: PDRA01 overview CAA UK: insurance requirements

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Important

Check2Fly provides a simplified overview and does not replace official aviation regulations or current airspace data. Always verify local restrictions in official sources before flying.