FAQ: Commercial Drone Operations in the UK

Welcome to 120mAGL's comprehensive FAQ on commercial drone operations in the UK. Below, we've answered common questions for drone pilots across all experience levels, ensuring you can operate safely, legally, and confidently. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned professional, this guide is designed to help you navigate UK drone regulations effectively.

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General Questions

1. Do I need a license to fly a drone commercially in the UK?

Yes, you need an operational authorisation issued by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to fly drones commercially in the Specific category. This typically involves completing the General Visual Line of Sight Certificate (GVC) and submitting a risk assessment, such as a Pre-Defined Risk Assessment (PDRA01), to the CAA. For operations in the Open category, no separate license is required, but you must follow the relevant rules for subcategories A1, A2, or A3. Regulation Reference: (Reg 2019/947 Art. 5)

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2. What is the difference between the Open and Specific categories?

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  Open category: Includes low-risk operations, such as flying in uncontrolled airspace, away from people, and within visual line of sight. No prior authorisation is needed, but the drone and pilot must meet specific requirements.
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  Specific category: Covers higher-risk operations, such as flights near people or beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS). These require prior authorisation from the CAA and may involve submitting a detailed risk assessment.

Regulation Reference: (Reg 2019/947 Art. 4, 5)

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3. What are the basic requirements for flying a drone in the Open category?

To fly in the Open category, you must:

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  Keep the drone within visual line of sight (VLOS).
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  Maintain a maximum flight altitude of 120m (400ft).
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  Avoid flying over assemblies of people.
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  Operate only in areas away from airports and restricted zones.
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  Register your drone and obtain an Operator ID if it weighs 250g or more.

Regulation Reference: (Reg 2019/947 Art. 4)

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4. What happens if I fly above 120m altitude?

Flying above the maximum altitude limit of 120m (400ft) breaches UK regulations and can result in fines, penalties, or legal action. You may also pose a significant safety risk to manned aircraft operating in the same airspace. Regulation Reference: (Reg 2019/947 Art. 4)

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5. Can I fly my drone near an airport?

Flying near airports is strictly prohibited unless you have specific permission from the CAA and the airport authority. You must avoid restricted airspace unless you have obtained authorisation, as doing so can lead to severe penalties. Regulation Reference: (Reg 2019/947 Art. 5)

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Beginner Questions

6. Do I need to register my drone in the UK?

Yes, you must register your drone if it weighs 250g or more or if it is equipped with a camera or sensor capable of capturing personal data. You will need an Operator ID and Flyer ID, which can be obtained through the UK CAA. Regulation Reference: (Reg 2019/947 Art. 4)

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7. What is the Flyer ID, and how do I get one?

A Flyer ID is required for anyone flying a drone in the UK. To obtain it, you need to pass an online theory test provided by the CAA. The test covers essential safety and operational rules for drones.

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8. Can I fly my drone in a park?

Yes, you can fly a drone in a park as long as you comply with the Open category rules:

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  Avoid flying over people.
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  Keep the drone within visual line of sight.
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  Stay below 120m altitude.

However, you must check local council or park regulations, as some areas may prohibit drone flying.

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Intermediate Questions

9. What should I do if I lose visual line of sight with my drone?

If you lose visual line of sight (VLOS), you must immediately return the drone to within VLOS or activate its return-to-home (RTH) function if available. Flying beyond VLOS without authorisation is prohibited. Regulation Reference: (Reg 2019/947 Art. 4)

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10. Can I fly my drone over people?

Flying over people is prohibited unless operating in the A1 subcategory of the Open category with a drone weighing less than 250g. For heavier drones or Specific category operations, you must have authorisation and ensure the operation meets safety requirements. Regulation Reference: (Reg 2019/947 Art. 4, 5)

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11. How do I apply for a Pre-Defined Risk Assessment (PDRA01)?

To apply for a PDRA01, you must:

1. Complete the General Visual Line of Sight Certificate (GVC).
2. Prepare an operations manual using the CAP 2606 template.
3. Submit your application to the CAA along with supporting documents.

Always ensure your application complies with the requirements outlined in CAP 722.

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Advanced Questions

12. What is BVLOS, and how can I fly BVLOS legally?

BVLOS stands for Beyond Visual Line of Sight. To fly BVLOS legally in the UK, you must obtain specific authorisation from the CAA, demonstrate your operational safety case, and meet stringent requirements for airspace coordination and electronic conspicuity. Regulation Reference: (Reg 2019/947 Art. 5)

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13. Can I use my drone for aerial inspections commercially?

Yes, drones are commonly used for commercial aerial inspections. To do this legally, you must operate in the Specific category, obtain a GVC and PDRA01 approval from the CAA, and comply with all operational and safety requirements. Regulation Reference: (Reg 2019/947 Art. 5)

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14. What are the penalties for flying commercially without a license?

Operating commercially without the required authorisation can result in significant fines, suspension of operations, and legal action by the CAA. Always ensure you have the appropriate operational authorisation before conducting commercial flights. Regulation Reference: (Reg 2019/947 Art. 5)

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15. How can I keep up with changes in UK drone regulations?

To stay updated:

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  Regularly check the UK CAA website for updates.
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  Subscribe to newsletters or alerts from 120mAGL.
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  Monitor amendments to CAP 722 and relevant regulations, such as Reg (EU) 2019/947.
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  Consult with local aviation authorities for area-specific rules.

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Safety Reminders

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  Always check for restricted or controlled airspace before flying.
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  Conduct pre-flight inspections of your drone to ensure it is airworthy.
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  Monitor weather conditions to avoid flying in adverse conditions.
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  Respect privacy and avoid capturing images or data without consent.

Disclaimer: Regulations may change; always verify with official sources such as the UK CAA. This content is educational and does not constitute legal advice. Consult official EASA documentation for complete requirements.

For more detailed guidance, visit our 120mAGL Resources .