Drone Code

Thinking of flying a drone? Make sure you know the rules before you take off! 👮

Flying a drone can be great fun, but please follow the UK CAA Drone Code to help keep everyone safe.

📌 Where you can fly:

Fly in the Open Category as long as your drone stays in sight and below 120m.

Sub‑250g drones (A1 category) have the most flexibility - they may fly close to people and even over people, provided you never fly over crowds.

📌 Distance from uninvolved people (under 250g):

For drones under 250g, the CAA does not impose a fixed 50m separation.

You can fly closer than 50m to uninvolved people and may even fly over them, as long as you do so safely and never over crowds.

You must always maintain a safe distance and avoid any flight that could endanger someone.

📌 Where you cannot fly:

Do not fly near airports or in restricted airspace.

Do not fly over crowds, busy events or emergency incidents.

Heavier drones (over 250g) must remain further from people and residential areas, as 2026 rules push unclassified or older drones away from built‑up zones.

📌 Drone weight rules that matter:

Under 250g: Most flexible category; can fly near and over people (but not crowds).

250g–25kg: More restrictions; must stay further from people and built‑up areas, following A2/A3 rules.

Any drone 100g+ with a camera requires both a Flyer ID and Operator ID.

📌 Registration requirements:

Flyer ID required for drones 100g+.

Operator ID required for drones 100g+ with a camera - this now covers most hobby drones.