CAA Drone Regulations: A UK Summary for 2026

The Legal Framework

UK drone law is built on several interlocking pieces of legislation:

• Air Navigation Order (ANO) 2016 — the primary UK statutory instrument governing all aviation, including unmanned aircraft
• UK Regulation (EU) 2019/947 — the EU regulation on drone operations, retained in UK law after Brexit with UK-specific amendments
• UK Regulation (EU) 2019/945 — technical standards for drone design and manufacture, retained in UK law
• CAP 722 — the CAA's guidance document for unmanned aircraft system operations

Together, these establish the registration requirements, operational categories, and airspace rules that govern every drone flight in the UK.

Registration Requirements

Two forms of registration are mandatory:

Flyer ID

Required for anyone who flies a drone. Obtained by passing a free online theory test covering safety, airspace, and privacy. Valid for five years.

Operator ID

Required for anyone who owns or is responsible for a drone weighing 250 g or more, or any drone with a camera. Requires an annual fee. The Operator ID must be displayed on every drone.

The Three-Category System

Open Category

For lower-risk flights. No Operational Authorisation required. Subdivided into three subcategories:

• A1: Flying over uninvolved people (with restrictions based on drone class and weight)
• A2: Flying close to uninvolved people (requires A2 CofC qualification)
• A3: Flying well away from uninvolved people (the most accessible subcategory)

Specific Category

For medium-risk operations that exceed Open Category limits. Requires an Operational Authorisation from the CAA and a risk assessment (PDRA or SORA). The remote pilot typically needs a GVC or equivalent qualification.

Certified Category

For highest-risk operations, comparable to manned aviation. Requires type certification of the drone, an Air Operator Certificate, and licensed remote pilots. As of 2026, few operations fall into this category.

Key Operational Rules

• Maximum altitude: 120 metres (400 feet) above ground level in the Open Category
• Visual line of sight: You must be able to see your drone at all times without optical aids (binoculars, FPV goggles alone do not count)
• Distance from people: Varies by subcategory, but generally you must maintain safe distances from uninvolved persons
• Airports and airfields: Do not fly within a Flight Restriction Zone without permission
• Congested areas: Restrictions apply to flying over built-up areas depending on category and drone class
• Night flying: Permitted in the Open Category provided the drone is fitted with a green flashing light visible from the ground

Privacy and Data Protection

The CAA requires drone operators to be aware of privacy obligations under the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Capturing images or video of identifiable individuals without their consent may breach data protection law, regardless of whether the flight itself is compliant with aviation regulations.

Enforcement and Penalties

The CAA has enforcement powers under the ANO, and the police can investigate and prosecute drone offences. Penalties include:

• Fines for flying without registration
• Criminal prosecution for endangering aircraft or people
• Imprisonment for the most serious offences, such as flying near airports with intent to disrupt
• Seizure of equipment by police

Staying Current

Drone regulations are evolving. The CAA regularly updates its guidance, and new rules around remote identification, BVLOS operations, and counter-drone measures are under development. Always check the CAA website for the latest information before planning a flight.