Which Drones Need To Be Registered In The UK?

The UK’s new Drone and Model Aircraft Registration and Education Scheme has gone live today.

The new regulations apply to drones and model aircraft from 250g to 20kg that are used outdoors. So that means that DJI's recently-released Mavic Mini does not need to be registered, as it weighs 249g, but you still need to follow the Drone Code, which promotes safe flying.

Here is a guide to some of the most popular drones on the market which need to be registered.

Drone Registration - A Guide

DJI Spark

The DJI Spark mini-drone is seen as the ultimate selfie drone, featuring cool features such as gesture control and new shooting modes.

Takeoff Weight: 300g.

DJI Mavic Air

The DJI Mavic Air is a foldable quadcopter which is perfect for hobbyists. Its 12MP camera and 3-axis gimbal help you capture amazing panoramas and record in 4K resolution.

Takeoff Weight: 350g.

DJI Mavic Pro

The DJI Mavic Pro is a foldable drone which is extremely portable. It features a three-axis 12MP camera and records 4K, fully stabilised footage.

Takeoff Weight: 734g (excluding gimbal cover); 743g (including gimbal cover).

DJI Mavic 2 Pro

The ultimate drone for professional photography, the DJI Mavic 2 Pro is equipped with the Hasselblad L1D-20c camera, allowing users to enjoy iconic image quality with a 1-inch CMOS sensor. Experience a higher dynamic colour range with a 10-bit Dlog-M colour profile, F/2.8-F/11 adjustable aperture, and 3-axis stabilized 4K videos up to 30 fps.

Takeoff Weight: 907g.

DJI Mavic 2 Zoom

The DJI Mavic 2 Zoom features a 1/2.3-inch 12MP sensor with up to four-times zoom, including a two-times optical zoom (24mm–48mm). This option allows users to get up close and personal without disturbing subjects, as well as cinematic shots like Dolly Zoom.

Takeoff Weight: 905g.

DJI Inspire 1

The DJI Inspire 1 was a revelation. The first filmmaking drone in the world to integrate an HD video transmission system, 360° rotating gimbal and a 4K camera, as well as the simplicity of app control. The launches of the Zenmuse X5 and X5R cameras further cemented the Inspire as a critical tool for filmmakers around the globe.

Takeoff Weight: Inspire 1 Pro: 2,870g (Battery and propellers included, Zenmuse X5 excluded); 3,400g (Battery, propellers and Zenmuse X5 included). Inspire 1 Raw: 2,870g (Battery and propellers included, Zenmuse X5R excluded); 3,453g (Battery, propellers and Zenmuse X5R included).

DJI Inspire 2

The DJI Inspire 2 takes everything that was good about the Inspire 1 and improves it. The image processing system CineCore2.0 has been upgraded to CineCore2.1, recording video at up to 6K in CinemaDNG/RAW and 5.2K in Apple ProRes when used with Zenmuse X7 camera. It goes from 0 to 50 mph (80 kph) in just 5 seconds.

Takeoff Weight: 3,290g (including two batteries, without gimbal and camera). Maximum weight: 4,000g.

DJI Phantom 3

When they were released in 2015, the DJI Phantom 3 drones were an impressive collection of quadcopters aimed at everyone, from serious hobbyists to the professional drone pilot. The top of the range Phantom 3 Professional can capture stunning, ultra high definition (UHD) 4K videos as well as 12 megapixels stills on its stabilised and integrated camera.

Takeoff Weight: Standard - 1,216g; Advanced - 1,280g; Pro - 1,280g.

DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2

The DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 is part of the DJI's iconic Phantom Series. The Phantom 4 V2.0 features an OcuSync HD transmission system for dual-frequency band switching, while a powerful 1-inch Exmor R CMOS sensor captures high-quality images at 20MP and video in up to 4K at 60 FPS.

Takeoff Weight: 1,388g.

DJI Phantom 4 RTK

The DJI Phantom 4 RTK is a compact and accurate low altitude mapping solution. This impressive drone offers users centimetre-accurate data while requiring fewer ground control points.

Takeoff Weight: 1,391g.

DJI P4 Multispectral

Gather precise plant-level data using the DJI P4 Multispectral – a high-precision drone with a seamlessly integrated multispectral imaging system built for agriculture missions, environmental monitoring, and more.

Takeoff Weight: 1,487g.

DJI Mavic 2 Enterprise Series

Designed to empower a new generation of workers, the DJI Mavic 2 Enterprise Series - comprising the Dual and the Zoom - is the ultimate expression of a tool that delivers beyond expectation to meet current workplace challenges and future demands.

The Zoom features a 12 MP 1/2.3” CMOS Sensor and a dynamic zoom (2x Optical 3x Digital), while the Dual can provide visible and thermal imagery. Both drones can be integrated with a choice of three accessories - a loud speaker, dual spotlight or a beacon.

Takeoff Weight (Without Accessories): Zoom Edition: 905g; Dual Edition: 899g. Max Takeoff Weight: 1,100g.

DJI M200 Series

The DJI Matrice 200 Series (V1 and V2) has been developed to offer professional operators an adaptable solution for industrial use cases such as including surveying and emergency services.

The drones are available in three variants - Matrice 200, 210 and 210 RTK - and the 210 models are capable of supporting dual payloads as well as a top-mounted sensor.

Weights:

• M200: TB50 batteries - 3.80kg; TB55 batteries - 4.53kg; Max takeoff weight - 6.14kg.

• M200: TB50 batteries - 3.84kg; TB55 batteries - 4.57kg; Max takeoff weight - 6.14kg.

• M210: TB50 batteries - 4.42kg; TB55 batteries - 5.15kg; Max takeoff weight - 6.14kg.

• M200 (V2): TB55 batteries - 4.69kg; Max takeoff weight - 6.14kg.

• M210 (V2): TB55 batteries - 4.8kg; Max takeoff weight - 6.14kg.

• M210 RTK (V2): TB55 batteries - 4.91kg; Max takeoff weight - 6.14kg.

DJI M600 Pro

The DJI M600 Pro is a powerful aerial platform, ideal for professional cinematographers, aerial photography and industrial applications.

Weight: 9.5kg (with six TB47S batteries); 10kg (with six TB48S batteries); Max Takeoff Weight: 15.5kg.

Skydio 2

The Skydio 2 drone is capable of autonomous flight and can capture 4K video up to 60fps with HDR.

Takeoff Weight: 775g.

Parrot Anafi

This drone can be used to film 4K HDR videos with 100Mbps bitrate and shoot sharp 21MP photos.

Weight: 320g.

Yuneec Mantis G

The Yuneec Mantis G is a foldable drone with gimbal stabilisation, helping you to capture videos in full HD and 4K resolutions. It has a flight time of over 30 minutes.

Maximum Takeoff Weight: 505g.

Yuneec Mantis Q

The Mantis Q has advanced features such as voice control and facial detection.

Takeoff Weight: 479g.

Yuneec Breeze 4K

Breeze is controlled by your iOS or Android device with the Breeze Cam app. The drone captures photos and video in 4K Ultra High Definition.

Takeoff Weight: 385g.

Yuneec Typhon 4K

This drone has an Android touchscreen controller and can capture 4K video, as well as 1080p/120fps slow-motion video.

Takeoff Weight: 1,700g.

Yuneec Typhon H

Typhoon H is an aerial photography and videography drone.

Takeoff Weight: 1,950g.

Aeryon SkyRanger R60

The Aeryon SkyRanger R60 is a small reconnaissance drone that can be flown in 62mph winds.

Loaded weight: 3.3 kg; Max Takeoff Weight: 3.5kg.

UK Drone Laws: What You Need To Know

The new UK Drone and Model Aircraft Registration and Education Service applies to drones and model aircraft from 250g to 20kg that are used outdoors.

From November 5, the system will be available at Register-drones.caa.co.uk.

There are two elements to the online system.

The first part is: Anyone responsible for a drone or unmanned aircraft (including model aircraft) weighing between 250g and 20kg will need to register as an operator. The cost for this will be £10 renewable annually.

When you register, you’ll get an operator ID with your certificate of registration. You must display your operator ID on your drones and model aircraft. You can use the same operator ID for all your drones and model aircraft.

Your operator ID must be:

• Visible without needing a special tool to remove or open part of your aircraft;

• Clear and in block capitals taller than 3mm;

• Secure and safe from damage;

• On the main body of the aircraft;

• Easy to read when the aircraft is on the ground.

The second part is: Anyone flying a drone or unmanned aircraft (including model aircraft) weighing between 250g and 20kg will need to take and pass an online education package. This is free and renewable every three years.

Both of these requirements become law on Saturday, November 30, 2019.

For more information about the Registration and Education Service, and to find out about certain exemptions which relate to PfCO holders, accredited model flyers and members of certain flying associations, click here.

To register and to take the test, click here.