How to Register an Autel EVO II V3 in the UK

Registration Requirements for the EVO II V3

The Autel EVO II V3 is the latest iteration of Autel's flagship platform, featuring an upgraded 8K camera sensor and improved obstacle avoidance. At approximately 1,175 g MTOM, it exceeds the UK's 250 g registration threshold by a significant margin.

Under the Air Navigation Order 2016 (as amended), every pilot flying a drone of 250 g or above must hold two forms of identification issued by the Civil Aviation Authority:

• Flyer ID: Confirms you understand UK airspace rules and safe flying practices. Free to obtain, valid for 5 years.
• Operator ID: Identifies the person or organisation responsible for the drone. Costs £10.33 per year, renewed annually.

Both registrations are completed through the CAA's online portal at register-drones.caa.co.uk.

How to Get Your Flyer ID

The Flyer ID assessment is a 20-question multiple-choice test that covers the essential knowledge every UK drone pilot needs. Topics include:

• Airspace restrictions and no-fly zones
• Privacy and data protection considerations
• Weather assessment and wind limitations
• Emergency procedures and lost-link scenarios
• The Drone and Model Aircraft Code (the "Drone Code")

You need 16 correct answers out of 20 to pass. The test is untimed and can be retaken immediately if needed. You must be at least 14 years old to take the test (with parental consent if under 18).

Obtaining and Displaying Your Operator ID

After passing the Flyer ID test, register as an operator on the same CAA portal. You will receive an Operator ID beginning with "OP-" followed by a unique alphanumeric code. This costs £10.33 and is valid for 12 months from the date of registration.

Your Operator ID must be physically displayed on the EVO II V3. The CAA requires the label to be visible without the need to disassemble any part of the drone. Common placement options include:

• Inside the battery compartment
• On the underside of the aircraft body
• On the arm near the landing gear

Use a durable label — a laminated sticker or engraved plate will survive outdoor conditions far better than ink on tape.

Flying Under A3 Open Category Rules

The Autel EVO II V3 does not carry a CAA-recognised C-class marking. This places it in the A3 subcategory of the Open category, which carries the most restrictive distance requirements of the three Open subcategories.

A3 rules require you to:

• Maintain at least 150 m horizontal distance from residential, commercial, industrial, and recreational areas
• Keep the drone within visual line of sight (VLOS) at all times — unaided, except for corrective spectacles
• Fly at a maximum altitude of 120 m (400 ft) AGL
• Never fly directly over uninvolved people
• Conduct a thorough site assessment before each flight

These restrictions mean the EVO II V3 is best suited for rural and open-landscape flying under the Open category. Urban aerial photography typically requires moving to the Specific category with an Operational Authorisation.

EVO II V3 vs EVO II Pro: Registration Differences

If you are choosing between the EVO II V3 and the EVO II Pro, the registration and compliance requirements are effectively identical. Both drones:

• Exceed 250 g (V3: ~1,175 g, Pro: ~1,195 g)
• Require Flyer ID + Operator ID
• Lack C-class markings, placing both in A3 Open
• Must observe the 150 m distance rule

The primary differences are in camera capability (8K vs 6K sensor) and minor weight variation. From a regulatory standpoint, neither model has an advantage over the other under current UK rules.

Insurance and Beyond-Open-Category Flying

Third-party liability insurance is legally required for any commercial drone operation in the UK. Even for recreational flights, insurance is highly advisable — an incident involving the 1.17 kg EVO II V3 could cause significant property damage or personal injury.

If the A3 distance requirements are too restrictive for your intended operations, you have two paths forward:

1. Operational Authorisation (Specific category): Apply to the CAA with a risk assessment. This allows closer proximity to people and buildings under defined conditions.
2. GVC (General VLOS Certificate): A recognised training course that can support an Operational Authorisation application for commercial work closer to populated areas.

Both routes involve additional training, assessment, and potentially an operations manual reviewed by the CAA.