UK Drone Laws

Under the new uk drone laws three categories define where drones can be flown.

These categories are:

• Open: Operations that present a low (or no) risk to third parties.

• Specific: 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. Holding an Operational Authorisation - similar to the former PfCO - allows you to fly in this category.

• Certified: Operations that present an equivalent risk to that of manned aviation. This category is for high-complexity missions.

The Open Category is broken down into three subcategories:

• A1: Fly over people.

• A2: Fly close to people.

• A3: Fly far from people.

Each of these subcategories has more specified criteria of where/how your drone can be operated.

A Flight Restriction Zone (FRZ) is a designated area in which specific restrictions or prohibitions are placed on drone operations for safety, security, or environmental reasons.

For instance, most airports, airfields, and spaceports have a FRZ.

The shape of FRZ is constructed by using the airfield’s existing aerodrome traffic zone and, where applicable, a Runway Protection Zone(s) with a shape five kilometres by one kilometre starting from the point known as the ‘threshold’ at the end of each of the airfield’s runways. Both zones extend upwards to a height of 2,000 feet above the airfield.

You should not fly in this zone unless you have permission from air traffic control at the airport or, if air traffic control is not operational, from the airport itself.

Smaller airfields may not appear on the map or in drone apps, so you must always look out for light aircraft, equipment or facilities that suggest there could be an airfield nearby.

To view a map showing FRZ's in the UK, click here.

You must not invade anyone's privacy when flying your drone.

When using a drone with a camera or listening device, you must respect people's privacy: Therefore, flying a drone inside someone else's home or garden is likely to break data protection laws.

Any photos or recordings you do take may be covered by General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

GDPR applies to drone operations when personal data is collected, such as images, videos, or other information that can identify individuals. If your drone captures footage of people, you are processing personal data, making you subject to GDPR rules.

Under GDPR, you must:

• Obtain Consent: Ensure individuals give consent if their personal data is captured. This can be challenging in public spaces but remains essential.

• Inform Individuals: Notify people that recording or data collection is taking place, for example, with visible signs.

• Secure Data: Safeguard any recorded data to prevent unauthorized access.

• Limit Data Use: Only collect and process data necessary for your stated purpose.

Failure to comply with GDPR may result in fines. Hobbyist drone pilots should also be mindful of privacy concerns, while commercial operators are typically more heavily regulated.

Before you fly your drone, you should always check for restrictions and hazards. Examples include:

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. This includes Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) 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.

Weather: Make sure you check the weather beforehand and know if it could change during your drone flight. Some drones are IP-rated, enabling them to handle some rain, but other drones do not have an IP rating. In this case, it is advised not to fly in the rain.

Pre-flight Checks: Ensure your drone is in top condition to fly. Check the battery levels, propellers, and update the software. Also ensure you are fit to fly: Do not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Insurance is optional if you’re flying a drone that weighs less than 20kg 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 flying.

If your flight is for any reason other than recreation - ie you are getting paid for the job or you are using your drone for work - then you require third-party liability insurance. This insurance is needed for commercial operations in both the Open and Specific categories.

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 that 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.

Residential sites include:

• individual residential buildings

• small groups of residential buildings

• housing estates

• villages

• cities and towns

• schools

Recreational sites include:

• tourist attractions

• sports facilities

• beaches and parks

• theme parks

Commercial sites include:

• shopping centres

• warehouses

• business parks

Industrial sites include:

• factories

• docks

• rail and transport hubs

Yes you can - but there are rules, depending on whether you want to fly in EU Member States or non-EU Member States.

Rules For UK Drone Operators Flying In EU Or EASA Associated Member States

Registration: UK operators must register with the Member State they wish to fly in.

Open Category: If you require an A2 CofC to fly, then 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.

Specific Category: Some nations will let you fly with your valid UK Operational Authorisation - although you will need to amend your Operations Manual accordingly. Other nations, require you to complete a separate GVC and apply for a new Operational Authorisation. Check with the relevant aviation authority before your operations.

Rules For UK Drone Operators Flying In Non EU Or EASA Associated Member States

You must comply with the requirements set out for UAS operations within that state. Operators should consult the guidance documentation that has been prepared by the relevant National Aviation Authority.

Follow-me Mode means that you can set your aircraft to follow you within a fixed distance. You do not have to keep your drone or model aircraft in direct sight when Follow-me Mode is active, but ensure it is set to follow within 50m of you. You must still follow all other drone laws.

No. Drone class marks being rolled out across European Union nations will not currently be used or recognised in the UK.

These class marks (C0-C4) are based on numerous factors and dictate where a drone can fly.

Following a public consultation and formal government decision, the UK will keep the existing legacy provisions until 1 January 2026.

Before then, together with government, the UK CAA says it will review regulations for unmanned aircraft, including the Open Category.