01 / BEFORE FLYING
Get the right IDs
The CAA uses two different IDs: a Flyer ID for the person flying and an Operator ID for the person or organisation responsible for the aircraft. An Operator ID must be labelled on aircraft that require one. The thresholds below are from the CAA's current Drone Code.
The CAA recommends a Flyer ID even when the aircraft is under 100g. An Operator ID holder must be at least 18. These basic thresholds do not determine which Open Category subcategory applies; check the class mark and any qualifications separately. CAA ID and category requirements ↗
02 / THE AIRCRAFT AND THE PLACE
Check people and place rules
The Open Category has A1 (Over People), A2 (Near People) and A3 (Far from People) subcategories. Which applies depends on the drone's weight or class mark and, for A2, an additional certificate. Compare CAA categories ↗
Do not infer A1 from a camera or marketing label. Read the class mark and weight. Under 250g or UK0/UK1/C0 aircraft may generally use A1; C1 has a transition through 31 December 2027. A1 still does not permit flying over crowds.
Other aircraft can require at least 50m horizontal separation from uninvolved people, with further rules for residential, recreational, commercial and industrial areas. A2 has its own qualification and distance rules. Use the CAA's current Where you can fly guidance for the exact aircraft, rather than a single distance copied from a map.
For basic flying, check the CAA's height and visual-line-of-sight rules too. The general height limit is 120m (400ft) above the surface, with specific exceptions described by the CAA.
03 / EXACT LOCATION AND TIME
Check airspace restrictions
Most airports, airfields and spaceports have Flight Restriction Zones. You need permission from the relevant site to fly in an FRZ. Other permanent or temporary restrictions can also apply, and some restrictions made at short notice may not be shown on a consumer map.
- Open the CAA's airspace restrictions guidance for the official sources and current notices.
- Check the CAA's airport and airfield guidance for the exact place and time.
- If your site is inside an FRZ, follow the CAA permission process before flying.
Do not rely only on your drone's built-in map. The CAA says its airspace information may be out of date and smaller airfields may be missing.
04 / 2026 REQUIREMENTS
Night flying and Remote ID
For an Open Category flight at night, the CAA says the drone must have a green flashing light activated. Check its night flying guidance for placement and visibility.
Direct Remote ID applies from 1 January 2026 to some UK class marked drones; other aircraft have a 2028 transition. The answer depends on class and operation. Use the CAA's Remote ID table, rather than assuming all drones have the same deadline.
05 / FINAL CHECK
Before each flight
- Confirm your aircraft's weight, camera, class mark, IDs and applicable category.
- Read the current CAA Drone Code for people, crowds, height and visual line of sight.
- Check airspace restrictions for the exact flight area and time, including short-notice changes.
- Check weather, aircraft condition and any permissions required for this operation.
- Recheck night-light and Remote ID requirements if relevant.
This checklist is an aid to finding the right CAA material. It cannot determine whether a particular flight is legal or safe. Advanced or higher-risk operations can require CAA authorisation.
SOURCE REGISTER
Source and review record
All rule summaries above were reviewed against UK CAA pages on 4 October 2026. The CAA's Drone Code overview says the code was last updated in March 2026. DroneRules does not copy live airspace data or claim to know temporary restrictions.