How to Register a DJI Air 2S in the UK

Registration Requirements for the DJI Air 2S

The DJI Air 2S has a maximum take-off mass (MTOM) of 595 grams. Since this exceeds the CAA's 250g threshold, two forms of registration are mandatory before you take to the skies:

• Flyer ID: Earned by passing the CAA's free online theory test. The test covers fundamental airspace knowledge, privacy law, and safe flying principles. Anyone aged 14 or older can obtain a Flyer ID.
• Operator ID: Obtained by registering as a drone operator at register-drones.caa.co.uk. The annual fee is £10.33, and you must be at least 18 years old. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must register as the operator on your behalf.

Although DJI has discontinued the Air 2S, it remains a popular drone on the second-hand market. The registration obligations apply regardless of whether you purchased the drone new or used — there is no exemption for older or discontinued models.

How to Register — Step by Step

1. Create a CAA account: Visit register-drones.caa.co.uk and set up your account with a valid email address.
2. Take the Flyer ID test: Complete the theory assessment. You will receive your Flyer ID number immediately upon passing.
3. Pay for your Operator ID: Complete the operator registration and pay £10.33. Your unique Operator ID will be issued immediately.
4. Label your Air 2S: Attach your Operator ID to the drone in a location that can be read without disassembling the aircraft. The inside of the battery compartment is an acceptable position.
5. Renew each year: Operator registration expires annually. Renew on time to maintain legal standing.

Flying Under Open Category A3

The DJI Air 2S entered the market before the UK introduced its class marking system, making it a legacy drone. Without a class mark (C0 through C6 or UK0 through UK6), it defaults to Open Category A3. This means:

• 150-metre buffer zone: You must remain at least 150 metres horizontally from any residential, commercial, industrial, or recreational area.
• 120-metre altitude ceiling: Maximum height of 120 metres (400 feet) above ground level.
• Visual line of sight: Keep your Air 2S within direct, unaided visual contact at all times.
• No flying over people: Under A3, you may not intentionally fly over uninvolved persons.
• Flight Restriction Zones: Stay clear of the protected airspace around aerodromes unless you hold specific CAA authorisation.

In practical terms, A3 restrictions mean the Air 2S is best suited to rural landscapes, coastlines, open fields, and areas well away from built-up settlements. The 150-metre rule makes most urban and suburban flights unlawful under the Open Category.

Upgrading to A1 Operations

If you need to fly your Air 2S closer to populated areas, you may be able to operate under Open Category A1 with limitations. Because the Air 2S weighs under 2kg, a remote pilot who holds an A2 Certificate of Competency (A2 CofC) can fly it in the A1 subcategory. However, even with the A2 CofC, you must not intentionally fly over uninvolved people.

The A2 CofC requires completing an approved training course, passing a theoretical examination, and demonstrating practical flight competency. This is a meaningful investment of time and money, but it significantly expands where you can lawfully fly the Air 2S.

Camera, Privacy, and Data Protection

The Air 2S features a 1-inch CMOS sensor capable of capturing 5.4K video at 30 frames per second. It also includes an ADS-B receiver, which alerts you to nearby manned aircraft — a valuable safety feature, though it does not change your regulatory obligations.

Any footage captured by the Air 2S that identifies individuals constitutes personal data under the Data Protection Act 2018. You should avoid recording people without their consent, particularly in locations where a reasonable expectation of privacy exists, such as private gardens or residential windows. Commercial use of drone footage carries additional responsibilities under data protection legislation.

Air 2S Specifications Summary

• MTOM: 595g
• Sensor: 1-inch CMOS
• Video: 5.4K/30fps
• Max flight time: 31 minutes
• ADS-B: Built-in receiver
• Class mark: None (legacy drone)
• UK category: Open A3 (or A1 with A2 CofC)
• Registration: Flyer ID + Operator ID (£10.33/year)
• Status: Discontinued (widely available second-hand)