Open Category Drone Rules Compared: UK and Beyond

Understanding the Open Category

The Open category is designed for lower-risk drone operations that do not require prior authorisation from the aviation authority. It is the category under which most recreational and many commercial flights take place. The concept originated in the EASA regulatory framework and was adopted by the UK before Brexit.

While the UK and EU share the same structural foundation, other major jurisdictions achieve similar objectives through different regulatory architectures.

United Kingdom

The UK's Open category is divided into three subcategories:

• A1 — Over people: Permits flight over uninvolved people (but not over assemblies of people) with drones under 250 grams (C0 class) or class-marked C1 drones. Requires a Flyer ID.
• A2 — Close to people: Permits flight closer to uninvolved people (minimum distances depend on class marking and speed mode) with C2 class drones. Requires both a Flyer ID and an A2 Certificate of Competency (A2 CofC).
• A3 — Far from people: Operations well away from uninvolved people, in areas where no uninvolved person is expected. Drones up to 25 kg. Requires a Flyer ID. Drones of any class or legacy (non-class-marked) can fly here.

All Open category flights are limited to 120 metres (400 feet) above ground level and require visual line of sight.

Transitional provisions allow non-class-marked drones to operate under modified conditions: drones under 250 g can fly in A1 conditions, and heavier legacy drones are generally restricted to A3.

European Union (EASA)

The EU's Open category structure is very similar to the UK's:

• A1, A2, A3 subcategories: The same three-tier structure applies, with similar weight thresholds, distance requirements, and pilot competency needs.
• Key differences from the UK: While the structure is the same, specific technical standards for class-marked drones and transitional provisions may differ in detail. EU class marks are not automatically accepted in the UK and vice versa.

United States

The FAA does not use an Open/Specific/Certified category structure. Instead, Part 107 governs most commercial drone operations under 55 pounds (25 kg):

• Standard Part 107: Allows operations during daylight and twilight, below 400 feet AGL, within visual line of sight, and away from people not participating in the operation (unless the drone is under 250 grams or meets certain safety criteria).
• Recreational rules: Recreational pilots fly under a separate framework requiring TRUST completion and adherence to community-based organisation guidelines or FAA rules.
• Operations over people: The FAA has established categories (1 through 4) for operations over people, roughly analogous to the UK/EU subcategories but based on drone characteristics rather than class markings.

Australia

CASA uses weight-based categories rather than an Open/Specific/Certified structure:

• Excluded category (under 2 kg): Recreational and basic commercial operations without a licence, subject to standard safety rules (away from people, below 120 m, VLOS).
• Standard operations (2-25 kg): Require a Remote Pilot Licence and Remote Operator Certificate for commercial use.

Canada

Transport Canada uses Basic and Advanced operational categories:

• Basic operations: In uncontrolled airspace, more than 30 metres from bystanders. Requires a Basic Pilot Certificate and drone registration.
• Advanced operations: In controlled airspace, near bystanders, or over bystanders. Requires an Advanced Pilot Certificate, a flight review, and a compliant drone.

New Zealand

New Zealand uses Part 101 (standard rules for all operators) and Part 102 (certified operators with additional privileges). Part 101 rules cover most low-risk operations: below 120 m, VLOS, away from aerodromes, and not endangering persons or property.

How They Compare

• Structure: Only the UK and EU use the three-subcategory A1/A2/A3 model. Other countries achieve similar risk-based differentiation through weight thresholds and operational conditions.
• Flying near people: Every jurisdiction restricts how close you can fly to uninvolved people, but the specific distances and conditions differ.
• Altitude limit: The 120-metre (400-foot) ceiling is consistent across all jurisdictions covered here.
• No prior authorisation: The defining feature of the Open category (UK/EU) and its equivalents is that no advance permission is needed, provided all conditions are met.