UK drone regulations guide
The essentials for flying within the rules. Each section links to the primary CAA source.
Categories explained: Open vs Specific
Most recreational and lighter commercial flying sits in the Open category, split into three subcategories by how close you fly to people. A1 is for the lowest-risk aircraft flown over (but never over crowds of) uninvolved people. A2 needs an A2 Certificate of Competency and keeps you 30m from people, or 5m in low-speed mode. A3 is for flying well away from people and the built environment, at least 150m from residential, commercial, recreational and industrial areas.
When your operation goes beyond these limits, for example Beyond Visual Line of Sight or over people at scale, you move into the Specific category, which needs an Operational Authorisation or a Pre-Defined Risk Assessment.
UK CAA: drones Last reviewed 2026-06-16 Airspace classes and what Class G means for you
Most routine drone flying happens in Class G, which is uncontrolled airspace. You are still responsible for staying clear of controlled airspace (the classes around it) and for keeping away from aerodromes.
This tool detects controlled airspace (with its class), Aerodrome Traffic Zones, and danger, restricted and prohibited areas, as well as Flight Restriction Zones. Restrictions are flagged as needing prior permission, controlled airspace and ATZs as needing ATC clearance.
Flight Restriction Zones and how to get permission
A Flight Restriction Zone protects an aerodrome. It is typically a cylinder of about 2 to 2.5km radius up to 2,000ft, plus rectangular runway-approach extensions roughly 5km long by 1km wide.
Flying inside an FRZ requires explicit prior permission from that aerodrome. A breach is an offence for both the operator and the remote pilot, carrying fines and, for endangerment, potential imprisonment.
Registration and competency
If your drone has a camera or weighs 250g or more you need an Operator ID, which goes on the aircraft. Anyone flying most drones needs a Flyer ID, earned by passing a free online test.
To unlock A2 operations you take the A2 Certificate of Competency. For Specific-category work you will usually hold a General VLOS Certificate (GVC) as part of your Operational Authorisation.
UK CAA: register a drone Last reviewed 2026-06-16 Specific category and SORA
The Specific category covers operations beyond Open limits. It is underpinned by SORA, a Specific Operations Risk Assessment that combines a Ground Risk Class with an Air Risk Class.
SORA 2.5 derives the intrinsic ground risk largely from population density, alongside the drone size and speed. Drones under 250g and slower than 25m/s are directly assigned the lowest ground risk class. Switch the tool to Specific (SORA) to enter your drone dimension, speed and mass and see an indicative GRC, ARC and SAIL for the location. Any formal SORA remains the operator responsibility.
Terrain, obstacles and keeping VLOS
Tall structures like masts, towers, chimneys, pylons and wind turbines are a direct hazard and can block your line of sight. Keep well clear and plan your position so the aircraft stays visible at all times.
The 120m height limit is measured above ground level, so over rising terrain the ground comes up to meet you. On undulating ground, plan how you will hold below 120m AGL across the whole operating area and where you will stand to keep the aircraft in sight.
Rules that always apply
Whatever you fly, stay at or below 120m (400ft) above ground level and keep the aircraft within Visual Line of Sight at all times.
Respect privacy and data protection. If you record images of people you may be processing personal data, so think about where you fly and what you capture.
Planning something beyond the Open category? Our regulatory team can talk you through
the BVLOS and Specific-category pathway for your operation.
Talk to our regulatory team
