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UK Civil Aviation Regulations

These are published by the CAA on our UK Regulations pages. EU Regulations and EASA Access Guides published by EASA no longer apply in the UK. Our website and publications are being reviewed to update all references. Any references to EU law and EASA Access guides should be disregarded and where applicable the equivalent UK versions referred to instead.



Model aircraft with a mass of more than 25kg are termed large model aircraft. Within the UK, large model aircraft may only be flown in accordance with an operational authorisation, issued by the CAA.

To gain this please complete the online application form and submit the following documents (the application form will lead you through the process):

  • Certificate of Design and Construction (CDC)
  • Certificate of Flight Test (CFT)

Note: Anyone wishing to build a large model aircraft should engage early with the Large Model Association (LMA). The LMA operates a model inspection scheme, and once satisfied, will issue the required certificates.

Model aircraft displays

Model aircraft operating in a display, must do so in accordance with the terms of the relevant Article 16 authorisation. Any model aircraft pilot wishing to participate in, or run, a display event should contact their relevant model aircraft association for further advice.