Drones, UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) and traditional model aircraft are becoming increasingly
popular.
You are just six short steps away from planning a safe, legal and enjoyable flight - we look forward to
seeing the footage.
You are just six steps away planning a safe, legal and enjoyable flight.
Remember
It is the pilot's responsibility to ensure that all flights are safe and legal. If in doubt do not fly.
Step OneSelect your competencies, skills and certifications.
Ensure that you have read the manual so that you are familiar with the drone, its specifications, its capabilities and its limitations.
Ensure that you have obtained an operator ID from the Civil Aviation Authority.
Ensure that you have taken the online test and obtained a Flyer ID from the Civil Aviation Authority.
Ensure that you hold a current A2 Certificate of Competency from a CAA approved training organisation.
Ensure that you hold a current General Visual Line of Sight Certificate or GVC for short.
Step TwoSelect the drone category. Refer to the CAA CAP 722 for guidance.
A drone weighing 250g or less, that is either a toy or has no camera or recording device.
A drone weighing 250g or less, that has a camera or other data recording device.
A drone that has been certified by the manufacturer as C1.
A drone that weighs below 500g.
A drone that is C2 certified, operating in low speed mode.
A drone that is C2 certified.
A drone that is below 2kg.
A drone that is over 2kg.
A drone that is over 2kg and has no built-in flight controls. Typically a model aircraft.
Permitted flight categories in Green, others Crossed out in Red.
A1 Fly Over - Stay Over
No miniumum separation from uninvolved people, potentially flying over, and staying over uninvolved people.
A1 Fly Over - Pass Over
No miniumum separation from uninvolved people, potentially flying over, but only passing briefly over uninvolved people.
A2 Close to People - 5m
Minimum separation of 5m from uninvolved people.
A2 Close to People - 30m
Minimum separation of 30m from uninvolved people.
A2 Close to People - 50m
Minimum separation of 50m from uninvolved people.
A3 Far From People
Minimum separation of 50m from uninvolved people AND you must remain over 150m from congested areas.
You may wish to return to the Flight Parameters page to determine your flight category.
Step ThreeEnter a location and Re-Centre Maps.
OS Map
Satellite View
Step FiveReview the Drone Safety Map for air restrictions and ground hazards.
Step SixUse the top-left corner menu of the Drone Safety Map to Submit a Flight Report.