How to Register a Parrot ANAFI Thermal in the UK

ANAFI Thermal Specifications and Registration Status

The Parrot ANAFI Thermal pairs a standard visible-light camera with a FLIR thermal imaging sensor, making it popular for building inspections, search and rescue support, and agricultural surveys. With a maximum take-off mass of approximately 315g and a 26-minute flight time, it is compact yet firmly above the CAA's 250g registration line.

At 315g, the ANAFI Thermal is only 65g above the threshold — but 65g is enough. Every gram above 250g triggers the same registration obligations. There is no reduced requirement for drones that are only slightly over the limit.

How to Register with the CAA

1. Visit register-drones.caa.co.uk — create your account with a valid email and UK address
2. Take the Flyer ID test — 20 questions, 16 correct to pass, free, valid for 5 years. You can retake it as many times as needed
3. Pay for your Operator ID — £10.33 per year, renewed annually
4. Label your ANAFI Thermal — attach your Operator ID to the drone in a legible, durable format. Given the compact size of the ANAFI Thermal, a small printed label on the underside of the body works well

A3 Open Category Rules

Like all Parrot ANAFI models currently available, the ANAFI Thermal does not carry a class marking. This places it in the A3 subcategory of the Open Category, which imposes the following restrictions:

• Minimum 150 metres horizontal distance from residential, commercial, industrial, and recreational areas
• Maximum altitude of 120 metres (400 feet) above ground level
• Visual line of sight must be maintained throughout the flight
• No flights in controlled airspace without prior authorisation
• Give way to all manned aircraft at all times

The 150-metre rule is the most significant practical limitation for thermal drone users. Building inspections and roof surveys often require flying close to — or directly above — structures in residential or commercial zones. Under A3 rules, this is not permitted without additional authorisation.

Thermal Imaging and UK Privacy Law

Thermal cameras detect infrared radiation and produce images based on heat signatures. While they do not capture the same level of visual detail as a standard camera, they can reveal information about people and private spaces — such as occupancy patterns, body heat through walls, or energy usage.

Under the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR, thermal imagery that could identify an individual — directly or indirectly — may constitute personal data. If you are using the ANAFI Thermal for commercial inspections, you should:

• Inform property owners or occupants before flying near their buildings
• Minimise data capture to what is strictly necessary for the task
• Store thermal imagery securely and delete it when no longer needed
• Have a documented data protection policy if processing thermal data regularly

Operating Beyond A3 Limitations

Many professional thermal drone applications require flying closer than 150 metres to buildings. If your work demands operating outside A3 rules, you have two main options:

• Operational Authorisation (OA) — apply to the CAA under the Specific Category with a risk assessment tailored to your operations
• GVC (General VLOS Certificate) — a recognised qualification that enables flights closer to people and structures under an appropriate OA

For occasional inspection work, some operators find it practical to use the ANAFI Thermal's zoom capabilities from beyond 150 metres rather than applying for an OA. However, this approach has obvious limitations depending on the detail required.

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