Regulation of UAVs in the United Kingdom

Regulation of UAVs in the United Kingdom prescribes the rules that operators of unmanned aerial vehicles (commonly known as a drone) must follow in the UK.

In August 2012, The UK's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) stated that it would require non-military drones larger than 20 kg to be able to automatically sense other aircraft and steer to avoid them.^[1]

As of 2013, the CAA requires that UAV aircraft less than 20 kilograms in weight must be in direct visual contact with the pilot, cannot fly within 150 meters of a congested area or within 50 meters of a person or vehicle, and cannot be used for commercial activity.^[1][2]

In July 2018, the CAA forbade flying above 400 feet (120 m) and flying within 1 kilometre (0.62 mi) of an airport or airfield boundary.^[3]

Between 19 and 21 December 2018, flights were canceled at Gatwick Airport following reports of drone sightings close to the runway.

The Civil Aviation Authority created a "Drone code" which lists the following regulations, forming the acronym DRONE:

"Don’t fly near airports or airfields, Remember to stay below 400 feet (120 m), Observe your drone at all times – stay 150 feet (46 m) away from people and 500 feet (150 m) away from crowds and structures, Never fly near aircraft and Enjoy responsibly". Further:

• Follow the manufacturer's instructions.^[3]

On 20 February 2019, the Department for Transport announced legislation to extend the ‘no-fly’ zone around airports, banning drones from flying within 5 kilometers (3.1 mi) of runways.

Operators of drones and model aircraft must obtain an 'Operator' ID and 'Flyer ID' from the Civil Aviation Authority before using their drone, which are awarded together after passing an online theory test. Children under the age of 18 cannot obtain an Operator ID, though they can be registered as flyers of their parent or legal guardian's drone by passing the same theory test and receiving a Flyer ID.^[4] After passing the theory test, all drones must display the owner's Operator ID when in operation. Flyer IDs must be renewed every three years, while Operator IDs must be renewed annually.^[5]

Drones weighting less than 250g may be flown without specific permission from the Civil Aviation Authority provided the pilot follows the manufacturer's operating instructions.

For drones weighting between 250g and 2kg, operators must complete the Civil Aviation Authority's online theory test and comply with the relevant operational restrictions.

Drones over 2kg but less than 25kg may only be operated in designated ares approved by the Civil Aviation Authority, and require specific operational authorisation.

• Maintain Visual Line of Sight (VLOS): The drone must be kept within the operator's direct line of sight during flight. The use of binoculars or visual aids is not permitted. A maximum horizontal range of 500 meters from the operator must be adhered to.
• Observe Altitude Limits: In order to prevent interference with manned aircrafts, flights above 120 meters (400 feet) ground level are not permitted.
• Avoid Restricted Airspace: Stay clear of airports, airfields, and other controlled or restricted zones unless you have explicit permission.
• Fly Safely and Responsibly: Do not fly near people, animals, or vehicles in a away that could pose a risk. Flying within 50 meters of uninvolved people is not permitted, except during take off and landing where the required distance is 30 meters.
• Register with the CAA: Drones over 250g must be registered with the Civil Aviation Authority, and operators must obtain and Operator ID.
• Complete Required Online Training: If flying in the A2 or A3 subcategories, you must pass the Civil Aviation Authority's online theory test and obtain a flyer ID.
• Respect Privacy Laws: Be aware of and comply with privacy and data protection regulations when recording photos or videos in public or private spaces.

The specific category covers more complex UAVs operations that fall outside the standard limitations of the Open Category. These flights often involve drones weighing over 2kg, or situations where restrictions of the A2 subcategory are too limiting. This category is for operators who intend to fly under the following conditions:

• Conducting flights over crowds or large gatherings.
• Dropping objects or spraying substances (such as for agricultural use).
• Operating heavier drones (weighing more than 500g) in close proximity (less than 50 meters during flight or 30 meters during take off and landing) to people, including in residential or built-up areas.
• Flights exceeding 120 meters (400 feet) above ground level.
• Flights exceeding the maximum horizontal range of 500 meters from the operator.
• Flights outside of the visual line of sight of the operator.

Operating under this category requires specific authorisation from the Civil Aviation Authority, which sets out the precise conditions and safety requirements for each mission.

The certified category is designated for drones used in commercial aviation. For example:

• Operating an unmanned aircraft with a span or dimension of 3 meters or more over crowds or large gatherings.
• Transporting people using an unmanned aircraft.
• Carrying dangerous goods that would pose a significant risk to third parties in the event of an accident.

Full certification and approval form the Civil Aviation Authority is required to operate under this category.

• UK CAA Regulations and Overview
• Drone Safe