In April, the UK implemented new drone laws. The changes are designed to make it easier for drone operators to fly safely and responsibly in Britain. But how do you know if your drone is affected? And what exactly does that mean for you? Here’s everything you need to know about operating a drone in the UK, including a quick guide on what’s changing—and how it might affect your flying habits.
What are the UK’s current drone laws?
The UK’s current drone laws are a bit of a hot mess. A lot of confusion comes from the fact that there are multiple sets of regulations in place and they all have different requirements.
The most important thing to know is that the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) governs the use of small unmanned aircraft (sUAS) weighing less than 20kg, or 2kg if it uses an electric motor. In addition, the police have their own set of rules for flying drones beyond line-of-sight distance in public places, which we’ll get into later on. Other bodies like the Ministry of Defence also have their own rules for using UAVs in military operations; something which we’ll also discuss later on in this guide!
What will change by April 30th?
- New drone categories. The UK government is introducing new drone categories, which will make it easier to operate a drone legally and more convenient to fly in the UK.
- New rules for recreational pilots of small drones (under 20kg). You’ll be able to fly your small drone without any special permission from the CAA, as long as you follow certain safety rules.*
- New rules for commercial operators of large drones (over 20kg). If you’re flying a large drone commercially, then you’ll need permission from the CAA before taking flight.*
- New insurance requirements for all pilots flying any size of drone.*
- New safety features that come standard with all new drones sold in the UK.*
Can I fly my drone anywhere?
It is worth noting that the new rules are not as strict as you may have feared. You can still fly your drone anywhere, so long as it’s kept under 400ft (120m) and stays away from airports and airfields. If you want to be extra careful, then you’ll need to check out which areas are prohibited for drone flying and make sure that your chosen location isn’t on their list.
There are also some new categories of drones which have been introduced into UK law since 2019, with each type of aircraft having its own set of rules:
- Micro drones (also known as UAVs or unmanned aerial vehicles) – these devices must weigh less than 20kg and cannot exceed 250 grams in weight when fully loaded with battery and camera equipment; they must also stay under 50 meters in height;
- Nano drones – these devices must weigh less than 1kg when fully loaded with battery and camera equipment; they cannot exceed 500 grams in weight when fully loaded with battery and camera equipment;
- Flying toy drones – these devices cannot exceed 30cm x 30cm x 30cm when folded up to fit inside a pocket;
- Racing drones – these devices cannot exceed 120cm x 120cm x 120cm when unfolded for flight use
How do I know where I can fly my drone?
If you want to take your drone out for a spin, there’s one thing you must do first: check whether you need permission from the CAA. You can find more information on their website and they even have a map of restricted areas.
What are the new drone categories and how do they work?
There are four main categories of drones. Each has its own level of restriction, but all are subject to the same general laws. These regulations apply regardless of whether you’re flying your drone commercially or just for fun.
The first category is the micro drone, which includes any unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that weighs less than 250 grams and fits inside an area no larger than 20 centimeters by 15 centimeters by 10 centimeters when folded up. This is the most common type of UAV—and also one of the easiest ones for kids to fly outside on their own! Micro drones can only be flown in daytime and under 400 feet, so don’t expect them to carry out sophisticated missions like delivering parcels or surveillance equipment anytime soon. If you want a license for these kinds of operations then it’s best not even bother trying because it will cost too much time and money….
Do I need permission from the CAA to fly my drone?
The answer to this question is a resounding yes. The CAA have strict guidelines for people flying drones and you must always abide by them. You can apply for permission online, by post or by phone, but what happens if you want to fly your drone outside of these channels? Well then it’s time to send an email or fax the CAA!
Do I need insurance to fly a drone in the UK?
If you’re a UK resident, the answer is yes. You need to have insurance for your drone, and it’s not just because it’s the law. Insurance can help cover damage to other people or property you might cause if something goes wrong during flight. Insurance also provides liability coverage in case someone accidentally gets hurt by your drone (or vice versa).
You can get insurance from many sources, including brokers and manufacturers like DJI. Make sure that whichever company you choose offers a policy that applies to the UK; some companies’ policies aren’t valid here because their home base is outside of Europe or North America. And always read through all of the terms and conditions before buying anything—you might find out something important about how much coverage they offer!
Where do I get insurance for my drone in the UK?
You’ll need to get a policy from a company that’s been approved by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). If you do, make sure it covers everything you want. For example, some policies don’t cover damage caused by negligent flying or incidents where the drone is in your possession but not being flown (e.g., if a gust of wind blows it off your desk).
UK-based insurance provider Stelios Insurance Services explains: “Make sure that you are covered for accidental loss or damage. You should also check whether third-party liability is included in your policy – this will help protect others against injury and/or property damage.”
It’s also worth noting that drone insurance isn’t mandatory yet in the UK so subscribing to one doesn’t mean you’re breaking any laws. However, as drones become more common place and people begin using them for commercial purposes like filming and photography (as well as other activities), it’s likely we’ll see new regulations come into play soon enough—such as mandatory insurance requirements—which could make these types of policies more important than ever before!
Will the UK’s new drone laws affect me if I visit from another country?
If you’re visiting London from another country, then yes: the UK’s new drone laws will affect you. You will need to meet the requirements before flying your drone in Britain.
If you’ve already purchased a drone and are planning a trip across the pond, know that these regulations apply for any sort of commercial or recreational use of your unmanned aircraft in Britain. The same goes for tourists who wish to fly their drones while on vacation—if they do not achieve certification from an approved training provider beforehand, then they’ll be unable to operate their aircrafts after March 20th 2022
You’ll need to meet new requirements before flying your drone in Britain.
In 2022, the UK will enforce new drone regulations. You’ll need to register your drone, have insurance, obtain a licence and be over 18 years old. Your drone must also meet certain requirements set by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Conclusion
If you’re planning on flying your drone in the UK, you must be aware of these new laws and how they apply to you. You may think that because you are visiting the country it won’t affect you, but this isn’t always true. If you have any questions about your drone or if you want to get insurance for it before flying then contact our team today!