UE Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) legal drone flying requirements and rules as of the beginning of 2021^[1]:^[2]:

ID and registration requirements

There are two IDs which are necessary before flying drones or model aircraft outdoors in the EU:

• flyer ID, which shows he passed the basic flying test.
• operator ID, which must be labelled on your drone or model aircraft.

Operator may need to have both.

Flyer ID

Flyer must pass the CAA’s official theory test to get a flyer ID before flying a drone or model aircraft covered by the regulations. Flyer is responsible for flying safely and legally whenever he flies.

Operator ID

The operator is the person responsible for managing a drone or model aircraft. This means they’re responsible for things like maintaining it and making sure that anyone who flies it has a flyer ID. Operator must be 18 or over to get an operator ID. The operator is usually the person or organization that owns the drone or model aircraft, but not always. For example, if operator younger than 18 and own a drone or model aircraft, he must ask his parent or guardian to register for an operator ID. He will still be able to fly as long as he has a flyer ID.

Categories of drone and model aircraft operations

. There are different categories of operations. The categories affect things like where flyer can fly, and how close to people and crowds he can fly.

This Code tells everything needed to know to pass the test to get a flyer ID. This allows flyer to fly in the Open A1 and A3 sub-categories, which is the starting point for anyone wanting to fly a drone or model aircraft. Flyer needs to go on and get further authorization if he wants to do more advanced flying, or if he wants to fly a drone or model aircraft that weighs 25kg or more.

Drone and model aircraft classes

Drones and model aircraft are split into five classes: from class C0 to class C4. The classes have only recently been introduced, so flyers drone or model aircraft may not have been given a class when it was made. If flyers drone or model aircraft does not have a class mark, it is classed by its flying weight. If flyer only use the smallest weight or class of drone or model aircraft, he may not need a flyer ID or operator ID.

Working out if you need a flyer ID, operator ID or both

Follow these steps to work out what you need to fly in the Open A1 and A3 categories of operations.

1. Check if your drone or model aircraft has a class mark. The class mark will be marked on the drone or model aircraft and in any instructions. If not, go to step 3. Find out what IDs you need depending on the weight or class of your drone or model aircraft.

2. If it does have a class mark, follow the class requirements table to see what ID you need.

Table 2: Drones Class Mark requirements

Mark	Class	Flyer Id	Operator ID
	C0 – toy	No	No
	C0 – not a toy – no camera	No	No
	C0 – not a toy – with camera	No	Yes
	C1	Yes	Yes
	C2	Yes	Yes
	C3	Yes	Yes
	C4	Yes	Yes

3. If it doesn’t have a class mark, follow the flying weight requirements table.

Toys, small drones and small model aircraft

Flyer do not need to register if he will only fly or use the following types of drone or model aircraft:

• toys below 250g or in C0 class.
• C0 class with no camera, whether it’s a toy or not.
• below 250g with no camera and no class mark, whether it’s a toy or not.

Working out if your drone or model aircraft is a toy

There is no standard mark to show that a drone or model aircraft is a toy. The drone or model aircraft is likely to be a toy if:

• the manufacturer or store you bought it from describes it as a toy,
• you bought it from a toy department or retailer,
• it is marked as suitable for below age 14 or a younger age group,
• it was advertised or packaged to attract children,

General responsibilities.

1. You’re responsible for flying safely whenever you fly. Follow this Code to make sure you never put people in danger. Always be ready in case something should go wrong with your drone or model aircraft. You could be fined for breaking the law when flying your drone or model aircraft. In the most serious cases, you could be sent to prison.
2. Always keep your drone or model aircraft in direct sight and make sure you have a full view of the surrounding airspace. You must be sure that you can spot any nearby hazards in the air or on the ground and avoid collisions. You must be able to see your drone or model aircraft without using:
   • binoculars,
   • a telephoto lens,
   • electronic viewing equipment, such as a smart phone, tablet or video goggles,

Normal glasses and contact lenses are fine.

Flying with the help of an observer

You can ask someone to be your observer when you fly. They must stand next to you and you must be able to talk to each other at all times. One of you must be able to keep your drone or model aircraft in direct sight and always have a full view of the surrounding airspace. The observer does not need to have a flyer ID, but you must tell them what to look out for. Remember, you’re still responsible for keeping the flight safe.

Where you can fly

Flying below the legal height limit of 120m (400ft) will reduce the risk of coming across other aircraft, which normally fly higher than this. Always look and listen out for other aircraft that may be flying below 120m (400ft), such as air ambulances and police helicopters.

Flying where there are hills, mountains, or cliffs

Your drone or model aircraft must never be more than 120m (400ft) from the closest point of the earth’s surface. If you fly where the ground falls or rises, such as over hills, mountains or cliffs, you may need to adjust your flight path so that your drone or model aircraft is never more than 120m (400ft) from the closest point of the earth’s surface.

Do not fly closer to people than 50m

This includes people in buildings and transport, including cars, lorries, trains, boats. You must keep a minimum horizontal distance of 50m between your drone or model aircraft and people. This creates a no-fly zone around people that goes all the way up to the legal height limit. It can help to think of this no-fly zone as a cylinder. You must not fly over people in this no-fly zone, even if you fly higher than 50m.

People involved in what you’re doing

The rule on minimum distances is different for people involved in what you’re doing. You can fly closer than 50m to people who are with you and who are involved in what you’re doing, such as friends, family or colleagues out flying with you. But always remember, you must never put anyone in danger. Small drones and model aircraft: below 250g, C0 or C1 class The rule on minimum distances to people is different when flying small drones and model aircraft that are below 250g, or in C0 or C1 class. If you’re flying a drone or model aircraft that’s lighter than 250g or is C0 class, you can fly closer to people than 50m and you can fly over them. When you’re thinking about how close you can fly, remember, you must never put people in danger. Even small drones and model aircraft could injure people if you don’t fly them safely. If you’re flying a drone or model aircraft that’s between 250g and 500g, or is C1 class, you can fly closer to people than 50m, but you must not intentionally fly over them.

Always keep a safe distance

Sometimes, you’ll need to increase the 50m minimum distance from people to make sure that your flight remains safe. Follow these general rules:

• If you fly higher than 50m, you should keep the same distance horizontally. For example, keep 80m away if you fly at a height of 80m.
• If poor weather conditions mean that there could be a greater risk to people, fly further away from them. For example, if it’s very windy, you should fly further away from people.
• If you fly at high speeds, fly further away to give yourself more time to react.

Never fly over people who are crowded together

A crowd is any group of people who cannot move away quickly because of the number of other people around them. Never do this, no matter what size of drone or model aircraft you have. Examples of places where people are often crowded together include:

• shopping areas,
• sports events,
• religious gatherings,
• political gatherings,
• music festivals and concerts,
• marches and rallies,
• at a crowded beach or park,
• parties, carnivals and fêtes,

Keep at least 150m away from residential, recreational, commercial and industrial areas

150m is the minimum distance. Be prepared to increase the distance if you need to do that to fly safely.

Small drones and model aircraft: below 250g, C0 or C1 class

You can fly small drones and model aircraft that are lighter than 250g, or C0 or C1 class, in residential, recreational, commercial and industrial areas. Remember, you must always fly safely. Examples of residential, recreational, commercial and industrial areas Residential areas include:

• cities and towns,
• villages,
• housing estates,
• schools

Recreational areas include:

• tourist attractions,
• sports facilities,
• beaches and parks,
• theme parks

Commercial areas include:

• shopping centers,
• warehouses,
• business parks

Industrial areas include:

• factories,
• docks,
• rail and transport hubs

Stay well away from airports, airfields and aircraft

Most airports and airfields have a flight restriction zone (FRZ). Never fly in this zone unless you have permission from the airport. The zone is in place to avoid any collisions with aircraft at or near the airport. Some drone apps also give details of flight restriction zones.

Follow any flying restrictions and check for hazards

Always check for restrictions and hazards before you fly.

Restricted airspace

Flying may be restricted around some sites, such as prisons, military ranges, royal palaces, and government buildings.

Events

Flying may be temporarily banned in specific areas during some events, such as airshows or festivals. This is to keep everyone safe. There may also be security reasons for banning flying, such as at political conferences.

Emergency incidents

Temporary restrictions may be established at very short notice due to emergency incidents, such as road traffic accidents, fires and floods. If you’re near the scene of an accident or similar emergency, you must keep out of the way and not do anything that could hamper the emergency services.

Byelaws

Byelaws may restrict when and where you can fly from. 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.

Tall structures

Check for any tall 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 and wildlife

Do not fly where you’ll disturb or endanger animals and wildlife.

Other aircraft

Always be ready to respond in the safest way possible if other aircraft appear where you’re flying. Look and listen out for unusual or specialist flying activities, such as air ambulances, police helicopters, light aircraft, military aircraft, crop spraying, and electricity pylon surveying.

Signs

Check for signs that say you cannot fly drones or model aircraft. Some sites may have restrictions that are not listed in apps and other services.

NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen)

NOTAMs are official notices that tell people about activities that may be a hazard to flying. For example, a balloon show. Many drone apps include details of NOTAMs. You can also find NOTAMs at the NATS drone website.

Apps and other resources with details of restrictions

Some flying restrictions are given in the following:

• drone apps,
• the NATS drone website (NATS is the air traffic control organization),
• the Aeronautical Information Publication

Make sure you understand exactly what information these resources will give you.

Get the right authorization before flying outside this code.

This code covers flying in the Open A1 and A3 categories. If you want to fly outside the rules in this Code, you must first get the correct authorization. For example, you’ll need authorization from the Civil Aviation Authority if you want to fly:

• at different heights or distances to the ones in this Code,
• closer to a residential, recreational, commercial or industrial area,
• over crowds or groups of people,

If you want to fly at or near an airport, you need permission from the airport. From time to time, the Civil Aviation Authority may issue general authorizations.

Authorization that comes with membership of a club or association

In some cases, being a member of a recognized club or association may give you additional flying authorization. For example, you may be able to fly in an area that is normally restricted as long as you follow the conditions in the authorization. Check with your club or association before you fly.  

Make sure you know what your drone or model aircraft can and cannot do. Make sure you have read any instructions before you fly. Key points to know are:

• how far your drone or model aircraft can fly from you before it loses signal,
• how long your drone or model aircraft can fly before running low on power or fuel,

If your drone or model aircraft has any of the following functions, you should know how to set and update them:

• Maximum flying height.
• A lost connection or ‘return-to-home’ function, which means your drone or model aircraft can fly back to you if there’s a problem.
• Geo-awareness software to help you avoid flying in certain restricted areas. Do not alter or disable this software if your drone or model aircraft has it.

Modifying a C class drone or model aircraft

If you modify any C class drone or model aircraft, it no longer counts as a C class drone or model aircraft. Instead, you must follow the rules for the flying weight of your drone: either lighter than 250g, or 250g and above. It does not matter whether you’ve increased the weight or not. For example, if you have a C1 drone and you change the motor to one that’s not specified by the drone manufacturer, you can no longer fly your drone in recreational, residential, industrial or commercial areas. Modifying means changing anything that affects the weight or how the drone or model aircraft flies. It does not include replacing broken or damaged parts with new ones of the same design. For example, replacing broken rotor blades with new rotor blades specified by the manufacturer.

Make sure your drone or model aircraft is fit to fly

Check fuel and battery levels. Take special care to check that fuel and battery levels will last through your flight. This includes any extra fuel you might need in an emergency or for flying in difficult weather, such as windy conditions. Remember to check the battery power in the controller too. Check any built-in software is up to date. The built-in software (called firmware) controls important navigation and flying controls. Depending on the type of drone or model aircraft you have, this could include:

• how your drone uses its power,
• how your drone knows its position,
• how your drone lands if there’s a problem,
• in some cases, the latest information on flight restriction zones and other airspace restrictions

Keeping this software up to date will also help to protect against cyber-attacks. Follow the instructions to update the built-in software (firmware). Always check that the software has updated correctly before going flying.

Never drop anything from your drone or model aircraft while it’s flying

Never carry any dangerous cargo on your drone or model aircraft

You must never carry any cargo on your drone or model aircraft that could be dangerous to people, property or the environment if there was an accident. For example, never carry:

• poisonous or corrosive cargo, such as acid or bleach,
• flammable cargo, such as petrol or oil, apart from what the engine needs for that flight

Make sure any equipment is secure

If you plan to carry any equipment on your drone or model aircraft, you must not go over the maximum take-off mass (MTOM). This is the maximum safe weight your drone or model aircraft can take off and fly with. It includes fuel and any items or equipment attached to it. You can find the maximum take-off mass in your drone or model aircraft instructions. Do not fly if the weather could affect your flight. Some of the things to look out for:

• strong winds could blow your drone or model aircraft off course or make it difficult to fly safely,
• wind on the ground is often very different to the wind at height,
• rain or other water, snow and cold weather could stop parts of your drone or model aircraft from working,
• fog could mean you lose sight of your drone or model aircraft,
• glare from the sun could mean you lose sight of your drone or model aircraft,
• cold or wet weather could affect your ability to control your drone or model aircraft safely,
• standing out in the sun could affect your ability to concentrate

Make sure your drone or model aircraft will work if the temperature is low

Follow the manufacturer’s guidance on the safe temperatures to fly at. Some types of batteries do not hold their charge as long in cold weather and this may reduce the amount of time you can fly.

Make sure you’re fit and safe to fly

Do not drink and fly

You must not fly when under the influence of alcohol. Alcohol will seriously affect your judgement and ability.

Do not fly under the influence of drugs or medicine Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking medicines that may affect your ability to operate your drone or model aircraft safely. Do not fly if they advise that your ability to drive a car or operate machinery may be affected.

Do not fly if you’re tired or unwell

Your judgement and ability could be affected if you are tired or unwell.   Do not fly while you could be distracted by another activity

For example:

• do not fly while driving, riding or operating a vehicle or bicycle,
• do not fly while messaging or making a phone call,
• do not fly more than one drone or model aircraft at a time

Take action quickly and safely if the situation in the air or on the ground changes

Always be ready to land your drone or model aircraft or reduce your flying height and wait until it is safe to fly again. For example, you may need to land if a group of people or animals turn up in the area where you’re flying.

Low flying aircraft

Reduce your flying height or land as soon as you hear or see a low flying aircraft that may be affected by your drone or model aircraft. Land your drone or model aircraft, or hover at a low level well out of the way, and wait until it’s safe to continue with your flight. If it appears the aircraft is attempting to land, you should land your drone or model aircraft immediately.

Report any dangerous incidents, near misses or suspicious activity

If you’re involved in a dangerous incident or near-miss when you’re flying your drone or model aircraft, you must report the incident to the Civil Aviation Authority. An incident or near-miss includes anything that did or could:

• put people in danger,
• cause damage to property, buildings, equipment or aircraft

The Civil Aviation Authority will use this information to monitor potential hazards and risks to help keep flying safely for everyone.

Suspicious activity and misuse

If you see anybody using a drone or model aircraft in a suspicious or dangerous way, call your local police on 101 (or 112, country depending). If it’s at an airport, call airport security.

Retrieving your drone or model aircraft after a forced landing

If you make a forced landing or crash on private property, you must get the property owner’s permission before retrieving your drone or model aircraft. This is especially important at sites where security services are likely to respond if you enter without permission.

Make sure you have the appropriate insurance

The insurance you need depends on the size of your drone or model aircraft and what you use it for.

Insurance for drones and model aircraft below 20kg

If you fly a drone or model aircraft that weighs less than 20kg for fun, recreation, sport, or as a hobby, you can choose whether or not to have insurance. If you fly for any other reason, you must have third-party liability insurance. For example, you must have insurance if you:

• get paid to take pictures or record video or carry out surveys,
• use your drone for work, such as on a farm, park or estate

Although insurance is optional if you only fly for fun, recreation, sport, or as a hobby, remember you’re responsible for your actions. You could be held personally liable for any injury or damage you cause, so you may want to consider getting third party liability insurance.

Insurance for drones and model aircraft 20kg and above

If your drone or model aircraft is 20kg or more, you must always have third party insurance, no matter what you use your aircraft for.

Making sure that you don’t invade anyone’s privacy when you’re out flying. What you can and can't do with photos and videos.

Respect other people and their privacy

If your drone or model aircraft is fitted with a camera or listening device, you must respect other people’s privacy whenever you use them. If you use these devices where people can expect privacy, such as inside their home or garden, you’re likely to be breaking data protection laws. It’s against the law to take photographs or record video or sound for criminal or terrorist purposes. Any photos or recordings you take may be covered by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Make sure you know what your camera can do and the kind of images it can take

Knowing this will help to reduce the risk of taking photos or recording videos that invade privacy. Make sure you know:

• what quality you can record,
• how close your camera can zoom in,
• if you can start and stop recording when you are flying

Make sure you can be clearly seen when you’re out flying

This means people will know who’s responsible for your drone or model aircraft.

Let people know before you start recording or taking pictures

In some cases, this will be easy. For example, if you’re taking a photo of family and friends at a family barbeque. In other cases, this will be less practical, so you must be careful to respect everyone’s right to privacy. Remember, you must never fly over groups, crowds, or any people who are not with you.

Think before sharing photos and videos

Avoid sharing anything that could be unfair or harmful to anyone. Think carefully about who could see your photos and videos – especially before posting them on social media. Apply the same common-sense approach that you would with images or video recorded on a smartphone or digital camera.

Keep photos and videos secure

Store images safely. Delete anything you don’t need. If you record images for commercial use, you’ll need to meet further specific requirements as a data controller.

What to do if you will fly a drone or model aircraft that requires you to have a flyer ID. Requirements for children under the age of 13.

You must pass the CAA’s official online theory test to get a flyer ID

Children and adults must pass the test – there is no age limit. For data protection reasons, children under 13 must be with a parent or guardian when they take the test and register.

If you took your last test under the previous regulations, that flyer ID will last for three years. You can check when your ID expires in the My registration area.

Always fly safely and legally

Following the points in this Code will help you to do this.

What to do if you’re a drone or model aircraft operator.

The person or organization that’s responsible for a drone or model aircraft that requires an operator ID must register to get an operator ID

You must be over 18 to register as an operator. If you’re under 18, you’ll need to ask a parent or guardian to register for an operator ID.

Label all your drones or model aircraft with your operator ID

You must label every drone or model aircraft you’re responsible for. You can use the same operator ID for every aircraft.

Always make sure that anyone flying your drone or model aircraft has a valid flyer ID

You can do this at the check someone’s registration status service. Set out what you expect from anyone who’ll fly your drone or model aircraft and what you’ll be responsible for yourself. If anyone else will fly a drone or model aircraft you’re responsible for, you must tell them:

• to fly safely and follow this Code when they fly,
• to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for flying,
• what you’ll be responsible for, such as keeping any built-in software up to date,
• what you expect them to do, especially to do with flying and maintaining your aircraft

If several people will fly, such as in a business, club or school, consider writing this information down so that everyone can easily access it.

Maintain your drone or model aircraft so that it’s safe to fly

This includes following the manufacturer’s instructions on maintenance and keeping any built-in software (firmware) up to date.

Keep your operator ID up to date

Flying with follow-me mode active

Some drones or model aircraft have a follow-me mode that means 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 and set to follow within 50m of you. You must still follow all of the other points.

Height limits for model gliders up to 10kg

The maximum height for model gliders is up to 120m (400ft) above the height you’re standing at rather than above the ground level directly below it. This is to allow for flying from hills and mountains. The maximum height for all other drones and model aircraft is measured from the closest point of the earth’s surface to the aircraft during flight.

Flying over very tall structures

If the person or organization responsible for a very tall structure over 105m asks you to carry out a task related to their structure, you’re allowed to fly higher than 120m (400ft). For example, if they ask you to take pictures for a survey. You must never fly more than 15m above the structure. Your drone or model aircraft must be within 50m of the structure horizontally when flying over 120m (400ft).

The following acts and regulations include some of the key points of law that this Drone and Model Aircraft Code is based on:

• CAP1789A: Consolidated version of the EU UAS Implementing Regulation.
• CAP1789B: Consolidated version of the EU UAS Delegated Regulation.
• The Air Navigation Order 2016, including the 2018 amendment and 2019 amendment.
• The Civil Aviation Authority has published a copy of the Air Navigation Order with amendments inserted.
• The Data Protection Act 2018.