The Open Category for Drones in the UK Explained

What Is the Open Category?

The Open Category is the first of three tiers in the UK's drone regulation system. It is designed for operations that present the lowest risk to people on the ground and to other airspace users. Most recreational drone pilots and many commercial operators will fly within the Open Category.

The defining characteristics of the Open Category are:

• No Operational Authorisation from the CAA required
• Maximum take-off mass must not exceed 25 kg
• Maximum altitude of 120 metres above ground level
• Drone must be kept within visual line of sight at all times
• No carriage of dangerous goods or dropping of materials
• Flyer ID and Operator ID registration is mandatory

Subcategory A1: Over Uninvolved People

Subcategory A1 allows you to fly over uninvolved people, but only with certain drones:

• Class C0 drones (under 250 g, or under 250 g with no camera and below certain kinetic energy thresholds): May overfly uninvolved people, though you must not overfly assemblies of people
• Class C1 drones (under 900 g, meeting specific safety requirements): May overfly uninvolved people but not assemblies
• Legacy drones under 250 g: Same rules as C0

For A1 flying, only a Flyer ID is required beyond basic registration. No additional qualification is needed.

Subcategory A2: Close to Uninvolved People

Subcategory A2 allows you to fly closer to uninvolved people than A3, but not directly over them. This subcategory is for:

• Class C2 drones (under 4 kg) or legacy drones under 2 kg during the transition period
• Minimum horizontal distance of 30 metres from uninvolved people, reducible to 5 metres in low-speed mode
• Requires an A2 Certificate of Competency (A2 CofC), obtained through a CAA-recognised training provider

The A2 CofC involves self-study of additional theoretical material followed by a proctored examination. It builds on the knowledge tested in the Flyer ID assessment.

Subcategory A3: Away From People

Subcategory A3 is the most permissive in terms of drone size but requires you to fly well away from uninvolved people:

• Available for drones up to 25 kg (including Class C2, C3, C4, and legacy drones)
• Must fly at a safe distance from residential, commercial, industrial, and recreational areas
• No uninvolved people should be within the operating area
• Only a Flyer ID is required beyond basic registration

A3 is commonly used for agricultural surveys, rural landscape photography, and training in open areas.

Transitional Provisions

The UK is in a transition period regarding drone class markings (C0 through C4). Many drones currently on the market do not carry class markings. During the transition period, these "legacy" drones can still be flown under specific conditions:

• Legacy drones under 250 g: treated as C0 equivalent (A1)
• Legacy drones under 500 g: may fly in A1 with limitations
• Legacy drones under 2 kg: may fly in A2 with A2 CofC
• Legacy drones under 25 kg: may fly in A3

Check the CAA website for the latest information on transitional provisions, as end dates may change.

What You Cannot Do in the Open Category

• Fly in congested areas over assemblies of people (except with C0/C1 drones in A1)
• Fly beyond visual line of sight
• Fly above 120 metres AGL
• Fly drones heavier than 25 kg
• Carry dangerous goods or drop materials
• Fly within Flight Restriction Zones without permission

If your planned operation falls outside these boundaries, you will need to apply for the Specific Category.