Flying drones

Guidance on the safety rules that apply when flying unmanned and model aircraft

Popularly known as drones, but also referred to as remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) they come in a variety of shapes and sizes, ranging from small handheld types up to large aircraft, potentially a similar size to airliners.

Just like any other aircraft, an unmanned aircraft must always be flown in a safe manner, both with respect to other aircraft in the air and also to people and properties on the ground.The CAA’s primary aim is to enable the full and safe integration of all UAS operations into the UK’s total aviation system.

Latest news
EASA consultation on UAS regulation

EASA is consulting on its proposed European Rules for Unmanned Aircraft Systems. View EASA's consultation on Unmanned Aircraft Systems regulation. Note that the consultation period has now been extended to 15 September 2017.

We have produced an outline of EASA's consultation document to provide readers with a simple explanation of the general intent behind the key parts of the proposed regulation.
Guidance for keeping your drone flight safe and legal
Flying drones for fun (non-commercial flights)

Our Dronecode contains simple steps for flying your drone safely and legally.

Permissions

You may need a permission and this will depend on where you plan to fly the drone.

Please see our guidance below that explains when this is required and what you need to do.

Do you need a permission?

If you want to use a drone for non-commercial work and are unsure whether you need a permission, please see our

guidance on operating permissions

This may be of particular relevance to public sector organisations, charities and NGOs.

Using drones for commercial work

relevant regulation and how to get a permission from the CAA

how to renew or change your permission

guidance for flying large unmanned aircraft (aircraft with an operating mass of more than 20kg)

Find a commercial drone operator

If you are looking for a drone operator to use for an event or job, you can access details below:

all individuals and organisations that hold a CAA Permission for Commercial Operations

Please note, these companies are only approved from a safety perspective and the CAA does not take any responsibility for the quality of their work.
Regulations relating to drones and unmanned aircraft

Changes to the Air Navigation Order affecting unmanned aircraft

EASA Geo-Limitation Task Force Report

EASA Drone Collision task Force Report

Reporting safety concerns

Anyone using a drone has to follow some basic safety rules to ensure that members of the public are protected.

Drone operators must also respect the privacy of people on the ground. More information on this is available from the Information Commissioner’s Office.

If you have any concerns about drones being used in your area, either from a safety or privacy perspective, contact your local police on 101.

The CAA does not investigate complaints of drone misuse.

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