UK drone regulations*

In December 2022, the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) amended the European drone regulation:

• Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945, detailing design and production drones’ specification
• Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947, describing rules and procedures for the operation of drones

The CAA extended the legacy and transitional provisions for drones operating in the open category. It has been decided that the transition and legacy provisions will be extended to 1 January 2026. This time will allow for the CAA and Department of Transportation to conduct a review of regulations for drones, including the open category to ensure it is properly regulated in a way that is fit for purpose for the UK prior to 2026.

https://www.caa.co.uk/drones/

Parrot closely monitors regulation news to ensure design compliancy of developed drones.

The UK’s drone rules are based on the risk of the flight – where you fly, the proximity to other people, and the size and weight of your drone.

The rules do not apply if you are flying indoors. Flights within buildings, or within areas where there is no possibility for the drone to escape into the open air (such as a closed netted structure) are not subject to aviation legislation.

The main rules and advice are covered in the Drone and Model Aircraft Code.

Key rules include

• Never fly more than 120m (400ft) above the earth’s surface.
• Always keep your drone or model aircraft in visual line of sight.
• Never fly in an airport’s flight restriction zone unless you have permission.

Registration and flyer ID

• If your drone has a camera (unless it is a toy) or weighs 250g or more then you must register with the CAA. You must renew this registration every year. This is a registration of you as the pilot rather than the drone itself.
• Anyone flying a drone weighing 250g or more needs to pass a test and get a flyer ID from the CAA. This is free and online. You can register, get your flyer ID, and find more information at register-drones.caa.co.uk

Drone rules

The done rules are based on risk and are divided into three categories: Open, Specific, and Certified.

• The Open category is intended for low-risk drone flights, for example if you are flying a lightweight drone or operating in the countryside.
• The Specific category is for higher risk flights such as flying a heavier drone over an urban area.
• The Certified category is for large drones which have to meet specific safety certifications along the lines of aircraft.

UK licensed drone operator

To fly drones, in the Specific Category, the operator must obtain an Operational Authorization.

Full details of the requirements related to the Specific category can be found in the CAA publication CAP722.

The General Visual Line of Sight Certificate (GVC) is a drone qualification designed for pilots looking to fly professional drones for aerial work over congested locations such as Towns & Cities where GVC qualified pilots can fly as close as 50m from uninvolved people.

Remote Pilots operating in the Specific Category are required to demonstrate a higher degree of knowledge, experience, and competency to obtain an Operational Authorisation.

This is what is needed to operate in the Specific Category:

• Flyer ID
• Operator ID
• GVC Training by a Recognised Assessment Entity – hold a certificate of remote pilot theoretical knowledge and pass practical assessment.
• Operations Manual, to include risk assessments, PDRA01 - Specific Category Operations - Pre-defined Risk Assessment Requirements, Guidance & Policy (caa.co.uk)
• Online application to the CAA for an Operational Authorisation, with all documentation

Drones using 4G such as the Parrot ANAFI Ai

On 20th January 2023 the UK Spectrum Licensing Authority, Ofcom introduced a new UAS Radio Operators Licence.

The authorisation of this equipment is an enabler for drones to be operated beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS). The licence authorises a range of equipment that an operator may choose to use or be required to carry by the CAA, this includes 4G LTE drones like the Parrot Anafi Ai.

The license will be issued with an indefinite duration, subject to the payment of an annual license fee.

* The content of the drone regulations below is offered only as public general information. This does not provide legal advice of any kind, and Parrot cannot guarantee that the information is accurate, complete or up-to-date. This should not be used as a substitute for obtaining legal advice from an attorney licensed or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. You should always consult a suitably qualified attorney regarding any specific legal problem or matter.