UK CAA Drone Rules and Regulations Explained

Drones have become a common sight in our skies offering a multitude of applications ranging from recreational photography to professional surveying and everything in between. However, with great power comes great responsibility, and as drone technology continues to evolve, so do the regulations governing their use. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in the United Kingdom has implemented a comprehensive set of rules and guidelines to ensure the safe and responsible operation of drones. In this blog post, we will explore the current CAA UK drone regulations, providing you with the information you need to fly your drone legally and responsibly.

CAA Drone Rules Explained

Understanding the Categories:

Before delving into the specifics, it’s essential to understand the different categories of drone operation in the UK, as defined by the CAA:

Open Category:

  • A1 (Fly Safely): Drones weighing less than 250g can be flown without a specific CAA permission, but pilots must adhere to the drone’s manufacturer’s instructions.
  • A2 (Fly Safely): For drones weighing between 250g and 2kg, you must complete a CAA online test and follow the associated rules.
  • A3 (Fly Safely): Drones weighing more than 2kg can only be flown in areas designated by the CAA and require a specific CAA permission.

Specific Category:

  • This category involves more complex operations and requires a specific CAA permission.

Certified Category:

  • Reserved for drones used in commercial aviation and requires full CAA certification.

Drone qualifications for University students

Key Rules For Open Category:

For those operating drones in the Open Category, here are some of the key rules to keep in mind:

  • Maintain Visual Line of Sight (VLOS): You must always keep your drone in sight while flying. Using binoculars or other visual aids does not count.
  • Respect Altitude Restrictions: Drones must not fly higher than 120 meters (400 feet) above ground level. This rule helps avoid conflicts with manned aircraft.
  • Stay Away from Restricted Areas: Avoid flying in or near airports, airfields, and other restricted airspace.
  • Fly Responsibly: Never fly your drone near people, animals, or vehicles in a way that could endanger them. Maintain a safe distance.
  • Register Your Drone: If your drone weighs over 250g, it must be registered with the CAA.
  • Complete Online Tests: If your drone falls into the A2 or A3 subcategories, you must complete an online theory test to gain a Flyer ID or Operator ID.
  • Respect Privacy: Be mindful of people’s privacy and data protection laws when capturing images or videos.

Key Rules for Specific Categories:

The Specific Category involves more complex operations and requires obtaining a specific CAA permission. It’s essential to adhere to the specific conditions set out in your permission, which may include additional safety measures and restrictions based on your operation. Read our article on how to become a Drone Pilot in the Special Category here.

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Conclusion:

As drone technology continues to advance, the CAA’s regulations are designed to ensure that drones are operated safely and responsibly in the UK. Whether you’re a recreational drone enthusiast or a professional pilot, understanding and following these regulations is crucial to avoid accidents, protect privacy, and maintain the integrity of our airspace.

Before taking to the skies with your drone, we strongly recommend visiting the official CAA website to stay up-to-date with the latest regulations and guidelines. You can find out all of the training FAQ’s on this page, but we’re also can be contacted here if you have any further questions.

Below you can find the full range of our Drone Training courses:

GVC Transition Course
best seller

TQUK Level 4 Award for Commercial Drone Pilots

£1150

Ofqual-regulated  GVC, A2 CofC, Flight Training and Assessment Drone Training Course.

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A2 CofC Training

A2 CofC Mock Exam

£0

The A2 Certificate of Competency is a remote pilot competency certificate intended to assure the safe operation of unmanned aircraft close to uninvolved persons.

  • Four Online Modules
  • Online Theory Exam
  • Self-Declaration of Flying Practice
  • Ongoing Student Support
  • No need to apply to the CAA
A2 CofC Training

GVC Mock Exam

£0

The General Visual Line Of Sight Certificate (GVC) has been developed for the operation of a drone with a MTOM of <25kg within the Specific Category.

  • Four Online Modules
  • Online Theory Exam
  • Self-Declaration of Flying Practice
  • Ongoing Student Support
  • No need to apply to the CAA
Bespoke Training

Industry Bespoke Training (Classroom & Onsite Available)

POA

Industry Bespoke Training is developed in accordance with how your company intend to operate, which can also offer companies with slightly unusual operations to have the training adapted to their individual requirements.

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Aerial Processing Course

Aerial Data Processing Course (3 Day Classroom)

£795

RUAS Aerial Data Processing course is the next step in data capture for image processing of GIS data product generation through Agisoft Metashape.

  • Introduction to UAV mapping
  • Learn from leading experts
  • Understanding of Data Alignment
  • 'Terrain Follow’ in surveying
  • Image pre-processing/post-processing
A2 CofC Training

A2 CofC (Online)

£99

The A2 Certificate of Competency is a remote pilot competency certificate intended to assure the safe operation of unmanned aircraft close to uninvolved persons.

  • Four Online Modules
  • Online Theory Exam
  • Self-Declaration of Flying Practice
  • Ongoing Student Support
  • No need to apply to the CAA
GVC Transition Course

General VLOS Certificate (GVC) (Online & Classroom)

£599

The General Visual Line Of Sight Certificate (GVC) has been developed for the operation of a drone with a MTOM of <25kg within the Specific Category.

  • Online Pre-learning Modules
  • 1 Day Classroom Training (Virtual options available on request)
  • Written Theory Exam
  • Practical Flight Assessment
  • Operations Manual Support
  • Ongoing Student Support
GVC Transition Course
best seller

A2 CofC and GVC Combined (Online & Classroom)

£649

This Learning Plan includes both the A2 Certificate of Competency and the General VLOS Certificate combined at a reduced price.

  • Online Pre-learning Modules
  • 1 Day Classroom Training (Virtual options available on request)
  • Written / Online Theory Exams
  • Practical Flight Assessment
  • Operations Manual Support
  • Ongoing Student Support
Drone Training Courses

GVC Transition (Online)

£400

The GVC Transition is specifically aimed at individuals who are already operating under the legacy PFCO or NQE prior to December 2020 and who need to re-qualify.

  • 9 Online Learning Modules
  • An Online Theory Exam (invigilated remotely by a member of the RUAS Training Academy team)
  • *A Practical Flight Assessment (*if required – please contact RUAS Training Academy for further details)
Drone Flight Training

Half Day Flight Training

£150

A half day flight training from a CAA approved experienced drone instructor.

  • Online Pre-learning modules
  • Practice on the interactive DJI flight simulator
  • Get to fly one or two of the latest DJI drones
  • CAA Professional drone pilot will teach and advise you
  • Drone flying lesson certificate
Drone Flight Training

Full Day Flight Training

£300

A full day flight training from a CAA approved experienced drone instructor.

  • Online Pre-learning Modules
  • Practice on the interactive DJI flight simulator
  • Get to fly one or two of the latest DJI drones
  • CAA Professional drone pilot will teach and advise you
  • Drone flying lesson certificate
Bespoke Training

Operations Manual Review (Remote Study)

£150

This course has been specifically designed for those who need guidance in preparing their Operations Manual in order to apply for an Operational Authorisation from the CAA.

  • Full Operations Manual guidance
  • Online video tutorials
  • Unique CAA Operations Manual template
  • Design to meet the new CAA requirements
  • Operations Manual review prior to submission

Jessica Garrard-Chick

October 05

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