The Drone Code | Rules and Regulations (2026 UPDATE)

Drones are more popular than ever, particularly for photography and videography. We love seeing the kinds of creative imagery that the photo community is creating with the best drones, and these days, it’s rare that a new TV show drops without a drone shot or two in it. With drones being affordable, easy to operate and fun to fly, there’s never been a better time to dive into the world of aerial image-making - as long as you make sure you follow the rules.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) regulations have been updated for 2026, and you must stay up to date. Failing to adhere to regulations when flying a drone can lead to severe legal consequences and potentially endanger the welfare of others. So, we’ve put together this quick primer on the Drone Code and what you need to know.

We’ve partnered with Eagle Eye Innovations, accredited specialists in drone pilot training, to help you stay safe in the air. Read on for everything you need to know about flying drones safely and legally.

UK drone regulations 2026: What’s changed?

Lower registration threshold
You now need a Flyer ID from 100g and above, rather than 250g. Operator ID requirements also apply to drones weighing 100g if they have a camera.

UK class marking system (UK0–UK6)
New drones are increasingly classified under UK class marks, which define where they can be flown (A1, A2, A3), whether Remote ID is required, and their operational limits.

Remote ID rollout
Many UK class-marked drones now require Remote ID, allowing them to broadcast identification and location data in flight. This is part of a wider rollout aimed at improving airspace safety and accountability. This will eventually become a standard requirement, especially for models with the new class-marking system (UK0-UK6).

Updated qualification framework (RPC)
The Civil Aviation Authority is introducing a new Remote Pilot Competence (RPC) system. This will gradually replace the GVC for advanced operations, but the transition is phased, and existing qualifications remain valid during the rollout.

RPC-L1: Basic competence (standard VLOS flying)
RPC-L2: Intermediate (more complex operations, limited BVLOS)
RPC-L3: Advanced (extended BVLOS operations)
RPC-L4: Expert (in development; complex, controlled airspace operations)

Safety expectations
The CAA emphasises safety, responsible flying with a focus on geospatial awareness tools, approved flight apps, and cross-checking official sources such as NATS and NOTAMs.

The Drone Code: What IDs do I need?

There are two types of ID you may need to fly a drone - a Flyer ID and an Operator ID. Every drone we sell at Wex will require at least an Operator ID, due to the fact that all drones with cameras require the user to have one.

An Operator ID designates you as the person responsible for the drone, while a Flyer ID shows that you have passed the CAA’s official theory test.

Our drone pre-flight checklist provides more detail on Flyer IDs and Operator IDs, including how to register. For smaller drones, you may only need an Operator ID, but once your drone reaches certain weight thresholds, you’ll also need a Flyer ID.

Type of drone or model aircraft	ID needed
	Flyer ID	Operator ID
Below 250g / toy
Below 250g / not a toy / no camera
Below 250g / not a toy / with camera
250g or above

Drone usage is categorised into different types of flying:

Open A1 (Over people): Basic, low-risk flying. You can fly near people but not over crowds.

Open A2 (Near people): Closer proximity flying with additional restrictions and requirements.

Open A3 (Far from people): Low-risk flying that takes place well away from people and built-up areas.

Flight in A1 and A3 is generally permitted with a Flyer ID and Operator ID. Flying in A2 typically requires additional certification, such as an A2 Certificate of Competency. Eagle Eye offers this qualification, though most casual users won’t need it.

The Drone Code: Flying safely

Flying your drone safely is your responsibility, and it’s essential to be familiar with the rules and regulations surrounding drone flight before you take to the air.

Always keep your drone in sight.

You must maintain direct visual line of sight with your drone at all times. That means seeing it with your own eyes, not through a screen or monitor. Glasses are fine, but binoculars or other visual aids are not.

The exception is certain automated modes, such as follow-me, but even then, you’re still responsible for safe operation at all times.

For FPV flying, you need an observer

An observer is a second person who keeps visual contact with the drone while you fly using goggles or a live feed.

They should be within speaking distance and understand the basic rules. While they don’t need a Flyer ID, they must be capable of spotting hazards and communicating clearly.

If you’re flying FPV, having an observer is mandatory.

Fly below 120m (400ft)

The legal maximum height for drone flying is 120m (400ft). This helps keep drones clear of other aircraft, though you should be mindful of aircraft like helicopters or other drones that may be flying lower.

This height is measured from the surface directly below your drone, so if the terrain changes, your altitude should adjust with it.

Stay at least 50m away from people

You must not fly over crowds under any circumstances.

For most drones, you should maintain a horizontal distance of 50m from people. This can vary depending on your drone’s class and operating category, but the principle is simple: if you’re close enough to cause harm, you’re too close.

There are three main exceptions to the 50m rule:

Exception #1: Your drone weighs less than 250g

Sub-250g drones can be flown closer to people, though you still should not fly directly over them, and should take every precaution not to endanger them.

Exception #2: The people in question are involved with what you’re doing

You can fly near anyone who is involved in your flight - observers, friends, family, etc.

Exception #3: You have an A2 Certificate of Competency

The A2 certification allows you to get closer to people, though still with restrictions regarding flying over them, and regarding the weight of the drone (which shouldn’t exceed 500g).

Ultimately, just don’t fly your drone near people. There’s a level of common sense you can apply; if you think you are too close to people, you probably are. Move. If you are in a busy area where people often move around unpredictably, don’t fly there.

Don’t fly over crowds

You must not fly over crowds under any circumstances.

The definition of a crowd might include a gig audience, a religious gathering, a protest march, a busy shopping street - any gathering of people where those at the centre cannot easily move away.

Keep your distance from buildings

For any drone weighing more than 250g or A3 operations, you’ll need to stay at least 150m clear of residential, commercial and industrial areas.

The exact distance depends on your category and classification, but the intent is consistent: minimise risk to people and property.

Keep away from airports

Non-negotiable.

Do not fly your drone anywhere near an airport. This, more than anything else, is something the authorities take an extremely dim view of.

NATS has an interactive map of no-fly zones around the UK, but you can also exercise a healthy dose of common sense and simply not fly your drone if you are anywhere near anything that even looks like an airport.

Check for flying hazards

In general, it’s a good idea to do a sense-check before you fly in any particular area.

Are there any restricted areas, such as over prisons or government buildings (again, the NATS map is useful here)?
Are there any temporary events happening in the area like festivals, airshows or funfairs?
Is there any endangered wildlife in the area?
Are there any regional bylaws that could impact your flying?

Check for NOTAMs (Notices to Aviation), which detail any reasons why aviation rules in a particular area may have changed - many drone-flying apps will tell you these.

The Drone Code: Familiarise yourself with your drone

Your drone’s instructional manual will provide you with vital statistics such as the safe transmission distance for controlling your drone, estimated maximum flight times, obstacle-avoidance systems and more.

Make sure you know what your drone can do, and what it can’t.

Before every flight, check battery levels, firmware updates and overall condition.

If you plan to carry cargo with your drone, make sure you’re not going to exceed the maximum take-off mass, which you should find in the drone’s instructions. Cargo must be secured properly, must not be dangerous (i.e. corrosive material like bleach or flammable material like petrol) and must never be dropped from your drone mid-flight.

Have you weighed your drone?

Some drones are marketed as sub-100g or sub-250g, but accessories such as propeller guards or ND filters can increase the total weight.

It is the pilot’s responsibility to check the take-off weight before flying.

In the UK:

Drones weighing 100g or more require a Flyer ID
Drones with a camera typically require an Operator ID from 100g upwards
Any drone 250g or above requires both IDs, regardless of the camera

By law, you must:

Register as an operator where required
Hold a Flyer ID if your drone weighs 100g or more
Follow the CAA’s Drone and Model Aircraft Code

For more information or to register, visit https://register-drones.caa.co.uk

The Drone Code: Make sure you and your drone are safe

If there is any reason not to fly, you shouldn’t.

If you are unwell, intoxicated or otherwise impaired… don’t fly.

If the weather could severely affect your flight, due to strong winds, rain or extreme cold… don’t fly.

If there are any unusual circumstances in the area, such as an ongoing emergency, low-flying aircraft or suspicious activity… don’t fly, or stop flying immediately if you already are.

Essentially, if safety is ever at all in doubt… don’t fly.

The Drone Code: Insurance

For the majority of drone flights, insurance is not required. Insurance is only mandatory when you are flying a drone in a non-recreational capacity (i.e. for paid work), or you are flying a drone that weighs more than 20kg.

With that said, taking out third-party liability insurance could be a good idea, as you will be responsible for any damage or injury caused by your drone while you’re flying it.

The Drone Code: Privacy

When your drone is equipped with a camera, you have to be careful not to intrude on anybody’s privacy. This means that taking photographs of video in places where they have a right to a reasonable expectation of privacy - like a home or a garden - is strictly a no-no.

This also means you should be familiar with your drone’s camera and its capabilities, like how far it can zoom, so that you don’t intrude on someone’s privacy unintentionally. People who can see your drone should also be able to see who’s operating it, which is one of the reasons why it is important to maintain line of sight.

Why choose Eagle Eye Innovations for RPC training?

Eagle Eye Innovations is one of the UK’s leading Recognised Assessment Entities (RAEs) and our preferred training partner for RPC-L1 qualifications.

Here’s why we recommend them:

Build your skills with confidence - Their RPC-L1 training is hands-on and practical, delivered by experienced, CAA-accredited instructors. It’s designed to help you build real flying competence, not just pass a test, while giving you a solid grounding in safety and compliance.

Stay compliant, fly safely - A recognised qualification helps ensure you’re operating within current UK regulations. That matters more than ever as drone operations become more structured under the new RPC framework and airspace rules continue to evolve.

Clear route for progression - RPC-L1 is the starting point for more advanced operations. As you build experience, higher-level qualifications open the door to more complex flying, including BVLOS work and professional applications across different industries.

In-person instruction - Face-to-face training means direct feedback, real-time guidance, and proper time in the air. It’s a more grounded way to learn compared to online-only courses, and helps build confidence where it matters most.

Credibility and trust - A recognised qualification carries weight, whether you’re freelancing, contracting, or building a business. Eagle Eye’s established reputation means you can be confident the training meets a high professional standard.

For more details or to explore training options, visit Eagle Eye Innovations.