The UK drone rulebook can feel overwhelming. It doesn't have to be. Here's what you actually need to know.
Step 1: Do you need to register?
If your drone weighs 250g or more, yes. You need two things from the CAA website:
- Operator ID — identifies you as the person responsible for the drone. Costs £10.33/year. Must be displayed on the drone.
- Flyer ID — proves you've passed the basic theory test. Free. Required to fly any drone over 250g.
Sub-250g drones (like the DJI Mini 4) are exempt from registration — but you still must not fly in restricted airspace.
Step 2: Where can you fly?
The UK uses an Open Category system with three subcategories:
- A1 — can fly over people (not crowds) with a sub-900g drone
- A2 — can fly 30m from uninvolved people with an A2 CofC qualification (50m without it)
- A3 — must stay 150m from residential areas and 50m from all people
Step 3: Where you absolutely cannot fly
- Within 5km of a licensed aerodrome without permission (and usually even then)
- Above 400ft (120m) without special permission
- Over or within 150m of congested areas
- Within 150m of an outdoor assembled crowd
- Over prisons, nuclear sites, military installations, or anywhere marked Restricted on aviation maps
"I didn't know" is not a legal defence under the Air Navigation Order 2016.