How to Register a Parrot ANAFI AI in the UK

Why the Parrot ANAFI AI Requires Registration

The Parrot ANAFI AI is Parrot's flagship enterprise drone with 4G connectivity, a 48-megapixel camera, and an impressive 32-minute flight time. At 898g maximum take-off mass (MTOM), it sits firmly above the 250g registration threshold set by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Any drone weighing 250g or more that is flown outdoors in the UK requires its operator to hold both a Flyer ID and an Operator ID. The ANAFI AI is no exception. This requirement applies regardless of whether you fly the drone for recreational purposes or for commercial work.

Step-by-Step Registration Process

1. Create a CAA Account

Visit the CAA drone registration service at register-drones.caa.co.uk. You will need a valid email address and a UK postal address. Both individuals and organisations can register.

2. Pass the Flyer ID Test

The Flyer ID test is free and taken online. It consists of 20 multiple-choice questions covering airspace rules, safety procedures, and privacy considerations. You need at least 16 correct answers to pass. If you do not pass on your first attempt, you can retake the test immediately. The Flyer ID is valid for 5 years.

3. Obtain Your Operator ID

The Operator ID costs £10.33 per year and must be renewed annually. Once issued, your Operator ID must be displayed on every drone you operate — including your ANAFI AI. Use a label that is legible and durable enough to withstand outdoor conditions.

4. Label Your ANAFI AI

Place your Operator ID on the body of the drone where it can be read without tools. Many ANAFI AI owners place the label on the underside of the fuselage or inside the battery compartment door.

A3 Open Category — What It Means for the ANAFI AI

Because the Parrot ANAFI AI does not carry a class marking (such as C0, C1, C2, or C3), it must be flown under the A3 subcategory of the Open Category. This is the standard pathway for drones without class marks that weigh between 250g and 25kg.

Under A3 rules, you must:

• Fly at least 150 metres away from residential, commercial, industrial, and recreational areas
• Keep the drone within visual line of sight (VLOS) at all times
• Stay below 120 metres (400 feet) above ground level
• Never fly near airports or airfields without prior authorisation
• Give way to all manned aircraft

The 150-metre buffer is measured horizontally from the boundary of the area, not from individual buildings. This restriction can significantly limit where you fly in urban environments.

Using the ANAFI AI's 4G Connectivity

The ANAFI AI's 4G connection extends command range well beyond traditional radio links. However, UK regulations require visual line of sight at all times under the Open Category. Extended range via 4G does not change this requirement.

If you need to fly beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS), you must apply for a specific operational authorisation from the CAA under the Specific Category. This involves a detailed risk assessment and is typically reserved for commercial operations with appropriate safety mitigations in place.

Flying Commercially with the ANAFI AI

The ANAFI AI is designed for professional use — mapping, surveying, inspections, and 3D modelling. For commercial flights under A3 Open Category rules, no additional permissions are required beyond your Flyer ID and Operator ID, provided you stay within A3 limitations.

For operations that fall outside Open Category limits — such as flying closer to people, over congested areas, or beyond visual line of sight — you will need to operate under the Specific Category. This requires an Operational Authorisation (OA) from the CAA, which involves submitting a risk assessment using the SORA methodology or an equivalent framework.

Registration Costs at a Glance