Drone regulations in Great Britain (United Kingdom)

Last update on 08.03.2022 | 2 Kommentare

In this post, I’d like to introduce you to the current rules for operating drones in the UK.

On 30 November 2019, new drone rules have become law. If your drone weighs between 250 grams and 20 kilograms and you want to use it in the country, you need to register as an operator and need a flyer ID. An operator is the person or organization responsible for the drone. He or she must be of legal age (18 years or older). Registration is possible online and costs 9 pounds. You can also register as a non-flying operator if you do not fly the drone yourself, for example, because the pilot is your underage child. The Operator ID is renewable annually and the drone must be marked with it. This means the ID must be clearly visible on the main body of the drone without any effort. It must be in capital letters and at least 3 millimeters in size, the marking should be protected from damage. It is best to use a removable label, as the Operator ID might change when it is renewed.

To get your flyer ID, you must complete an online test. This is free and will test you in your knowledge of the safety rules. It consists of 40 multiple choice questions of which you must answer 30 correctly. You can repeat the test as often as necessary. The Flyer ID remains valid for five years.

Overview: Drone rules in Great Britain

Rules for operating drones in the UK

Drones must always be kept within visual line of sight.

A distance of 50 meters must be maintained between your copter and individuals and buildings. Near crowds and built-up areas, a distance of 150 meters must be ensured. The allowed distance to airfields and airports is precisely regulated. It is based on the respective traffic control zone, which you can see on this site.

Commercial pilots

To use your drone in the UK commercially, you must apply for a permit. For simple maneuvers, a standard permission is enough, for which you can apply online. For more complex projects and exemptions, use form SRG 1320.

Good to know: Frequency determinations: 2.4 GHz without power limitation with digital radio; 5.8 GHz in the range of 5.725 to 5.875 MHz

We have researched the listed drone regulations for Great Britain to the best of our knowledge. We can not guarantee the correctness of the information. If you want to be on the safe side, please contact the competent aviation authority. Alternatively, you can also ask the embassy in your country for further information about the regulations. Please leave us a comment when you receive news and/or gain experience with your copter in Great Britain!