People and places
Open Category distances depend on weight, class mark and qualification. Crowds are different from individual people.
Read the people rules →UK DRONE FLIGHT PREPARATION
Check before you fly.
Start with your drone's weight and camera, then check the flight itself: people, airspace, weather and current restrictions. Each rule below links to the UK Civil Aviation Authority.
Check your IDsReviewed 4 October 2026 · CAA Drone Code updated March 2026
01 / IDENTIFY
Which IDs might you need?
Enter the aircraft's takeoff weight and whether it has a camera. This covers the CAA's basic Flyer ID and Operator ID thresholds. It does not decide where or how you may fly.
YOUR ID STARTING POINT
Check the CAA requirements
Source-linkedNot flight clearance
Next, read the UK guide and the CAA's ID and category table. A class mark, category, location or type of operation may add requirements.
02 / PLAN
What to check next
The IDs are only one part of a flight. Use the full guide to work through the location and aircraft rules.
Airspace today
Check Flight Restriction Zones and other restrictions. Your drone's built-in map may be out of date.
Check airspace sources →Night and Remote ID
Rules changed in 2026. Check whether your aircraft needs a green flashing light or Direct Remote ID.
Read 2026 changes →COVERAGE
Where this guide applies
This release covers the UK CAA's Open Category starting point. Guernsey, Jersey and the Isle of Man have separate aviation authorities and are outside this UK guide. The site does not issue flight permission or replace the CAA's current rules.
PRIMARY SOURCES
Check at the source
Reviewed 4 October 2026. The authority's text controls if it changes after this review.
01↗
CAA Drone and Model Aircraft Code
Registration, categories, flight safety and the full rule set.
CAA · March 2026 code02↗
CAA: Where you can fly
People distances, height, areas and airport restrictions.
CAA · checked 4 October 2026