Drones Over 25kg in the UK — Certified Category

Beyond the Open Category

The UK's drone regulatory framework places 25kg as the upper boundary of the Open Category. Once a drone's MTOM exceeds this threshold, the operation enters a regulatory space that more closely resembles manned aviation. This is intentional: a drone weighing more than 25kg carries substantial kinetic energy and poses risks comparable to light manned aircraft in certain scenarios.

For context, very few consumer or prosumer drones approach this weight. The operators affected by these rules are typically commercial enterprises using heavy-lift platforms for agriculture, infrastructure inspection, cargo delivery trials, and specialised industrial applications. As unmanned aircraft technology advances, particularly in urban air mobility and beyond-visual-line-of-sight delivery, the Certified Category is expected to become increasingly relevant.

The Specific Category: An Intermediate Step

Not every drone over 25kg must enter the full Certified Category. The Specific Category provides an intermediate option for operations that present a higher risk than the Open Category allows but do not require full aircraft certification.

To operate in the Specific Category, you need an Operational Authorisation (OA) from the CAA. The application process involves:

1. Conducting a risk assessment, typically using the SORA (Specific Operations Risk Assessment) methodology, which evaluates both ground risk and air risk
2. Developing an Operations Manual that details your procedures, training requirements, and safety mitigations
3. Demonstrating that your remote pilots are competent for the specific operation
4. Providing evidence of appropriate insurance coverage
5. Submitting the application to the CAA for review and approval

The CAA will assess whether your proposed mitigations adequately address the risks. If approved, the OA will specify the conditions under which you may operate, including geographical limitations, altitude restrictions, and operational procedures.

The Certified Category: Full Aircraft Standards

The Certified Category represents the highest level of regulatory oversight for unmanned aircraft. It applies to operations where the risk to third parties is comparable to manned aviation, such as flying over dense urban areas, transporting passengers, or carrying dangerous goods.

The requirements mirror those of manned aircraft in several important respects:

• Type certification: The drone design must be approved by the CAA through a formal certification process. This involves demonstrating that the aircraft meets airworthiness standards covering structural integrity, systems reliability, and fail-safe mechanisms.
• Licensed remote pilot: The person controlling the drone must hold a licence issued by the CAA, with training and testing requirements that go well beyond the competency certificates required for Open and Specific Category operations.
• Approved maintenance programme: The drone must be maintained according to a programme approved by the CAA. Maintenance must be carried out by appropriately qualified personnel, and records must be kept.
• Continuing airworthiness: The operator must ensure the drone remains in a condition safe for flight throughout its operational life, including compliance with any mandatory modifications or inspections issued by the CAA.
• Registration and marking: The drone must be registered on the UK aircraft register and display appropriate identification.

Current State of Certified Operations in the UK

As of 2026, the Certified Category remains largely developmental in the UK. The CAA has been working on the regulatory framework for advanced air mobility, including electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and large cargo drones, but full type certifications for these platforms are still progressing through the approval process.

The practical reality is that most drone operations over 25kg currently operate under the Specific Category with an Operational Authorisation. The full Certified Category framework will become more relevant as the technology matures and use cases expand to include passenger-carrying drones, routine large-scale cargo delivery, and other high-risk operations in populated areas.

Insurance Requirements

All commercial drone operations in the UK require third-party liability insurance, regardless of weight category. For drones over 25kg, the insurance requirements are particularly important given the potential for significant damage. The EC Regulation 785/2004 (as retained in UK law) sets minimum insurance requirements based on the MTOM of the aircraft.

For drones between 20kg and 500kg, the minimum third-party liability coverage is 750,000 Special Drawing Rights (approximately 800,000 GBP, though the exact figure varies with exchange rates). Operators should obtain insurance that meets or exceeds these minimums and should verify that their policy covers the specific type of operation they intend to conduct.

Future Developments

The over-25kg space is where some of the most significant changes in UK drone regulation are expected. Several developments are shaping the regulatory landscape:

• Urban air mobility: Companies are developing passenger-carrying eVTOL aircraft that will operate under the Certified Category. The CAA is actively developing the certification standards and operational requirements for these platforms.
• Cargo delivery: Large-scale drone delivery services using aircraft well over 25kg are in trial phases. The regulatory pathway for routine commercial cargo delivery is being defined.
• Beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS): Operations beyond the pilot's visual line of sight are a key enabler for heavy drone applications. The CAA is developing standards for BVLOS operations that will apply across weight categories.
• Airspace integration: The eventual goal is to integrate unmanned aircraft into the wider airspace system. This is particularly relevant for heavier drones that will share airspace with manned aircraft at higher altitudes.

Operators planning to enter the over-25kg space should monitor CAA publications and consultations closely, as the regulatory framework is actively evolving.

The Bottom Line

Flying a drone over 25kg in the UK places you outside the Open Category and into a more demanding regulatory environment. The Specific Category with an Operational Authorisation is the most practical route for current operations, while the Certified Category represents the future framework for the highest-risk unmanned aviation. Regardless of which category applies, operators of heavy drones must demonstrate rigorous safety management, hold appropriate insurance, and comply with all conditions set by the CAA.