Everything you need to fly your drone legally in the UK

Under 250g

A1 / C0 — e.g. DJI Mini series

• Fly over people allowed — but NEVER over open-air crowds or assemblies
• No minimum separation distance from uninvolved people
• Fly in residential, commercial, industrial and recreational areas
• Flyer ID NOT required (unless you want it) — Operator ID IS required if it has a camera and isn't a toy
• Still 100% banned inside airport FRZs and restricted airspace
• Max height 400ft (120m) above ground level, always within visual line of sight

250g – 900g

A2 / C1 — e.g. DJI Air series

• Flyer ID AND Operator ID both legally required
• Never fly over uninvolved people — plan flight paths around them
• Keep 30m horizontal distance from uninvolved people
• 5m separation allowed in low-speed mode with an A2 Certificate of Competence
• A2 CofC theory exam ≈ £100 via CAA-approved providers, valid 5 years
• No flying over crowds under any circumstances

Over 900g – 25kg

A2 CofC / A3 — e.g. Mavic 3, FPV rigs, cine lifts

• Without A2 CofC: fly ONLY in A3 — 150m away from residential, commercial, industrial and recreational areas
• Keep at least 50m from uninvolved people at all times in A3
• 2kg–25kg drones are A3-only in the Open category regardless of certificates
• Commercial work usually needs a GVC (General VLOS Certificate) + Operational Authorisation (~£1,500 all-in)
• Commercial flights require EC 785/2004 compliant insurance
• Over 25kg = Certified category — full aircraft-style regulation