New Rules - Flying Drones & Model Aircraft.

Dear resident

The rules regarding flying drones and model aircraft changed in the UK on 1 January 2026. You must have Flyer ID if your drone or model aircraft weighs 100g or more and an Operator ID if it weighs 100g or more and has a camera. Full details are on the UK Civil Aviation Authority website - https://www.caa.co.uk/drones/getting-started-with-drones-and-model-aircraft/ Military and civil airfields are protected by Flight Restriction Zones (FRZ) and you must have permission before flying in an FRZ - https://www.caa.co.uk/drones/moving-on-to-more-advanced-flying/airspace/aerodromes-heliports-and-spaceports/

Key Changes (Effective Jan 1, 2026)

• Lower Registration Threshold: You now need a Flyer ID (by passing a test) for drones 100g+ (previously 250g+) and an Operator ID for drones 100g-250g with a camera. 
• UK Class Marks: New drones placed on the market must have UK class markings (UK0-UK6), determining where they can fly. 
• Remote ID: UK-marked drones (UK1, UK2, UK3, UK5, UK6) must broadcast Remote ID, identifying the drone and operator. 
• Night Flying: A green flashing light is now mandatory for all drones flown at night (or an exemption sought). 
• Age Rules: Children under 13 need a parent/guardian to take the Flyer ID test; children under 12 must be supervised. 

What You Need to Do

• Check Your Drone: Determine its weight and if it has a UK or C-class mark. 
• Get IDs: Register with the CAA for a Flyer ID (theory test) and Operator ID (if owning 100g+ with camera). 
• Know the Drone Code: Understand where and how to fly safely and legally. 
• Equip for Night Flying: Get a green flashing light if your drone doesn't have one. 
• Older Drones (Legacy)
• Drones without a UK class mark can still fly, but rules depend on their weight and features, with full Remote ID becoming mandatory for many of them by 2028.