The Drone and Model Aircraft Code
For flying drones, model aeroplanes, model gliders, model helicopters, and other unmanned aircraft systems outdoors in the Open A1 and A3 categories.
Follow this Code to make sure you always fly safely and legally.
It covers everything you need to know to pass the test to get a flyer ID. This is the starting point for anyone wanting to fly a drone or model aircraft in the UK.
Always check online for the latest version.
It is against the law to fly a drone or model aircraft without having the required IDs. You can also be fined for breaking the law when flying. In the most serious case, you could be sent to prison.
Contents
Getting what you need to fly legally Page 3
How to make sure you have what you need to get started flying legally.
Flying safely and responsibly Page 7
Making every flight safe Page 22
What to do before, during, and after a flight.
Protecting people’s privacy Page 31
Getting a flyer ID before you fly Page 34
Getting an operator ID before you fly Page 36
What to do if you’re a drone or model aircraft operator.
Carrying out less common flying activities.
Background: Drones and model aircraft in the law Page 43
You can use ‘Find’ if you want to search this document for a specific word or phrase. And you can find out more and
register to take the test at the CAA’s drone and model aircraft service
Getting what you need to fly legally
How to make sure you have what you need to get started flying legally.
ID and registration requirements > Page 4
Categories of drone and model aircraft operations > Page 6
ID and registration requirements
There are two IDs you may need before flying drones or model aircraft outdoors in the UK:
flyer ID, which shows you’ve passed the basic flying test
operator ID, which must be labelled on your drone or model aircraft
You may need to have both.
Responsible for flying safely and legally
Responsible for the drone or model aircraft and who they allow to fly it
Type of ID needed
The IDs you need depend on the weight of your drone or model aircraft, whether it is a toy, and whether it has a camera.
Flying weight requirements table
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 | )( | t/ |
250g or above | t/ | t/ |
Our registration site provides guidance to help you work out if your drone or model aircraft is a toy.
Remember, even if you do not need to register, you must still follow the Drone and Model Aircraft Code when you fly.
Flyer ID
You must pass the CAA’s official theory test to get a flyer ID before flying a drone or model aircraft covered by the regulations.
You’re responsible for flying safely and legally whenever you fly.
Operator ID
The operator is the person responsible for managing a drone or model aircraft. This means they’re responsible for things like maintaining it and making sure that anyone who flies
it has a flyer ID.
You must be 18 or over to get an operator ID.
The operator is usually the person or organisation that owns the drone or model aircraft, but not always. For example, if you’re younger than 18 and you own a drone or model aircraft, you must ask your parent or guardian to register for an operator ID. You’ll still be able to fly as long as you have a flyer ID.
Categories of drone and model aircraft operations
The types of flying you do with your drone or model aircraft are known as operations.
There are different categories of operations. The categories affect things like where you can fly, and how close to people and crowds you can fly.
Category | Type of flying |
Open A1 and A3 | Basic, low-risk flying |
Open A2 | More risk than A1 and A3 |
Specific | Moderate-risk flying |
Certified | High-risk, complex flying |
This Code tells you everything you need to know to pass
the test to get a flyer ID. This allows you to fly in the Open A1 and A3 sub-categories, which is the starting point for anyone wanting to fly a drone or model aircraft in the UK.
You’ll need to go on and get further authorisation if you want to do more advanced flying, or if you want to fly a drone or model aircraft that weighs 25kg or more. For example, if you want to fly in the Open A2 sub-category, or Specific category, or Certified category.
Flying safely and responsibly
General responsibilities
You’re responsible for flying safely > Page 8
Always keep your drone or model aircraft > Page 8
in direct sight and make sure you have a full view of the surrounding airspace
1
You’re responsible for flying safely whenever you fly
Follow this Code to make sure you never put people in danger. Always be ready in case something should go wrong with your drone or model aircraft.
2
You could be fined for breaking the law when flying your drone or model aircraft. In the most serious cases, you could be sent to prison.
Always keep your drone or model aircraft in direct sight and make sure you have a full view of the surrounding airspace
You must be sure that you’ll be able to spot any nearby hazards, in the air or on the ground, and avoid any collisions.
You must be able to see your drone or model aircraft clearly enough that you can tell which way it’s facing. This is so that you can steer and control it safely, even if something happens unexpectedly. You must be able to see it without using:
binoculars
a telephoto lens
electronic viewing equipment, such as a smart phone, tablet or video goggles
Using normal glasses and contact lenses is fine.
Always keep your drone or model aircraft in sight
Point 2 continues on next page >
Point 2 continued
Flying with the help of an observer
You can ask someone to be your observer when you fly.
They must stand next to you and you must be able to talk to each other at all times.
One of you must be able to keep your drone or model aircraft in direct sight and have a full view of the surrounding airspace at all times.
The observer does not need to have a flyer ID, but you must tell them what to look out for. Remember, you’re still responsible for keeping the flight safe.
Flying using first-person view (FPV)
Some drones and model aircraft are fitted with cameras that provide live video to devices such as smart phones, tablets and video goggles. Flying by watching this video is known as first-person view (FPV).
If you want to fly using first-person view, you must have an observer with you and follow the rules above for flying with the help of an observer.
Observer
Flying using
first-person view
If you want to fly using first person view, you must have an observer with you
Where you can fly
Legal height limits, distances from people, and areas where you must not fly.
Restrictions on flying near to airports and spaceports.
Fly below 120m (400ft) > Page 11
Do not fly closer to people than 50m > Page 12
Never fly over people who are crowded together > Page 15
Keep at least 150m away from residential, > Page 16
recreational, commercial and industrial areas
Stay well away from airports, airfields, > Page 17
Follow any flying restrictions and check for hazards > Page 19
Get the right authorisation before flying > Page 21
3
Fly below 120m (400ft)
Flying below the legal height limit of 120m (400ft) will reduce the risk of coming across other aircraft, which normally fly higher than this.
Always look and listen out for other aircraft that may be flying below 120m (400ft), such as air ambulances, police helicopters, and low-flying military aircraft.
Never fly more than 120m (400ft) above the earth’s surface
Flying where there are hills, mountains or cliffs
Your drone or model aircraft must never be more than 120m (400ft) from the closest point of the earth’s surface.
If you fly where the ground falls or rises, such as over hills, mountains or cliffs, you may need to adjust your flight path so that your drone or model aircraft is never more than 120m (400ft) from the closest point of the earth’s surface.
Normal glasses and contact lenses are fine.
4
Do not fly closer to people than 50m
This includes people in buildings and transport, including cars, lorries, trains, and boats.
You must keep a minimum horizontal distance of 50m between your drone or model aircraft and people. This creates a no fly zone around people that goes all the way up to the legal height limit. It can help to think of this no fly zone as a cylinder.
You must not fly over people in this no fly zone, even if you fly higher than 50m.
Do not fly closer to people than 50m
People involved in what you’re doing
The rule on minimum distances is different for people involved in what you’re doing.
You can fly closer than 50m to people who are with you and who are involved in what you’re doing, such as friends, family or colleagues out flying with you. Remember, you must never put anyone in danger.
Point 4 continues on next page >
Point 4 continued
Drones and model aircraft below 250g
The rules on minimum distances to people are different for drones and model aircraft below 250g.
If you’re flying a drone or model aircraft that’s below 250g, you can fly closer to people than 50m and you can fly over them. You still can’t fly over crowds.
Remember, you must never put people in danger. Even small drones and model aircraft could injure people if you don’t fly them safely.
Drones and model aircraft that weigh 250g to 500g
If you’re flying a drone or model aircraft that’s between 250g and 500g, you can fly closer to people than 50m if you get the A2 Certificate of Comptency (A2 CofC). You still must not intentionally fly over people.
Point 4 continues on next page >
Point 4 continued
Always keep a safe distance
Sometimes, you’ll need to increase the 50m minimum distance from people to make sure that your flight remains safe. Follow these general rules:
If you fly higher than 50m, you should keep the same distance horizontally. For example, keep 80m away if you fly at a height of 80m.
If poor weather conditions mean that there could be a greater risk to people, fly further away from them. For example if it’s very windy, you should fly further away from people.
If you fly at high speeds, fly further away to give yourself more time to react.
If you fly higher than 50m, you should be at least the same distance away from people
5
Never fly over people who are crowded together
A crowd is any group of people who cannot move away quickly because of the number of other people around them.
Never fly over people who are crowded together, no matter what size of drone or model aircraft you have.
Examples of places where people are often crowded together include:
shopping areas
sports events
religious gatherings
political gatherings
music festivals and concerts
marches and rallies
at a crowded beach or park
parties, carnivals and fêtes
Never fly where people have gathered in crowds or groups
6
Keep at least 150m away from residential, recreational, commercial and industrial sites
150m is the minimum distance. Be prepared to increase the distance if you need to do that to fly safely.
Keep at least 150m away from residential, recreational, commercial and industrial sites
Small drones and model aircraft: below 250g
You can fly small drones and model aircraft that are lighter than 250g at residential, recreational, commercial and industrial sites.
Remember, you must always fly safely.
Type of site
Examples
Residential
Recreational
ns > Beaches and parks
Commercial
s > Business parks
Industrial
Individual residential build
Villages
Cities and towns
Small groups of ings residential buildings
Housing estates
Schools
Tourist attractio
Sports facilities
Theme parks
Shopping centre
Warehouses
Factories
Docks
Rail and transport hubs
7
Stay well away from airports, airfields, spaceports and aircraft
If you endanger the safety of an aircraft, you could go to prison for five years.
Most airports, airfields and spaceports have a flight restriction zone (FRZ).
Never fly in this zone unless you have permission from the airport, airfield or spaceport. The zone is in place to avoid any collisions with aircraft or spacecraft at or near the site.
Some smaller airfields do not have an FRZ, but you still must not fly on or near these airfields where you could pose a danger to the safety of aircraft.
Checking for airport, airfield and spaceport restrictions
You can find details of FRZs and other airspace restrictions in NATS’ map of airspace restrictions.
Some drone apps also give details of flight restriction zones.
Point 7 continues on next page >
Point 7 continued
Smaller airfields may not appear on the map or in drone apps, so you must always look out for light aircraft, equipment or facilities that suggest there could be an airfield nearby.
Never fly in an airport’s flight restriction zone
Never fly in a spaceport’s flight restriction zone
8
Follow any flying restrictions and check for hazards
Always check for restrictions and hazards before you fly.
Examples of restrictions and hazards
Restricted airspace
Flying may be restricted around some sites, such as prisons, military ranges, royal palaces, and government buildings.
Events
Flying may be temporarily banned in specific areas during some events, such as airshows or festivals. This is to keep everyone safe. There may also be security reasons for banning flying, such as at political conferences.
Emergency incidents
You must keep out of the way and not fly in any way that could hamper the emergency services when they’re responding to an emergency incident.
If you’re out flying at or near to an emergency incident when it happens, you must safely and immediately stop flying unless the emergency services give you permission to continue.
You must:
follow any temporary restrictions that are put in place
take particular care not to hinder any aerial support to the emergency services
respect and protect the privacy of anyone involved in the emergency
Examples of emergency incidents include road traffic accidents, fires, floods, rescues, and similar events.
Byelaws
Byelaws may restrict when you can fly and where you can fly from.
Look out for local signs for information and contact details where you can find out more. Byelaws are unlikely to be shown on apps or drone websites.
Point 8 continues on next page >
Point 8 continued
Tall structures
Check for any tall structures, such as cranes, masts and wires.
Do not fly if there are structures in the area that will mean it’s not safe or legal.
Animals and wildlife
Do not fly where you’ll disturb or endanger animals and wildlife.
Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
Flying may be restricted at some Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) where that flight may disturb animals or wildlife. Check on the web for byelaws or look out for local signs and then follow any restrictions that apply.
The following national authorities provide information on SSSIs:
Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA)
Other aircraft
Always be ready to respond in the safest way possible if other aircraft appear where you’re flying.
Look and listen out for unusual or specialist flying activities, such as air ambulances, police helicopters, light aircraft, military aircraft, crop spraying, and electricity pylon surveying.
Useful places to check for restrictions and hazards
Signs
Check for signs that say you cannot fly drones or model aircraft. Some sites may have restrictions that are not listed in apps and other services.
NOTAMs (Notice to Aviation)
NOTAMs are official notices that tell people about activities that may be a hazard to flying. For example, a balloon show.
Many drone apps include details of NOTAMs. You can also find NOTAMs at the NATS drone website.
Point 8 continues on next page >
Point 8 continued
Apps and other resources with details of restrictions
Some flying restrictions are given in the following:
some drone apps
the NATS drone website (NATS is the air traffic control organisation)
the Aeronautical Information Publication
When you use any of these resources, make sure you understand exactly what information it is giving you.
9
Get the right authorisation before flying outside this code
For example, you’ll need authorisation from the Civil Aviation Authority if you want to fly:
at different heights or distances to the ones in this Code
closer to a residential, recreational, commercial or industrial area
over crowds or groups of people
If you want to fly at or near an airport, you need permission from the airport.
From time to time, the Civil Aviation Authority may issue general authorisations.
Authorisation that comes with membership of a club or association
In some cases, being a member of a recognised club or association may give you additional flying authorisation. For example, you may be able to fly in an area that is normally restricted as long as you follow the conditions in the authorisation.
Check with your club or association before you fly.
Making every flight safe
What to do before, during, and after a flight.
Make sure you know what your drone > Page 23
or model aircraft can and cannot do
Make sure your drone or model aircraft is fit to fly > Page 24
Never drop anything from your drone > Page 25
or model aircraft while it’s flying
Never carry any dangerous cargo on your drone > Page 25
Make sure any equipment is secure > Page 25
Do not fly if the weather could affect your flight > Page 26
Make sure you’re fit and safe to fly > Page 27
Take action quickly and safely if the situation > Page 28
in the air or on the ground changes
Report any dangerous incidents, near misses > Page 29
Make sure you have the appropriate insurance > Page 30
10
Make sure you know what your drone or model aircraft can and cannot do
Make sure you have read any instructions before you fly. Key points to know are:
how far your drone or model aircraft can fly from you before it loses signal
how long your drone or model aircraft can fly before running low on power or fuel
If your drone or model aircraft has any of the following functions, you should know how to set and update them:
Maximum flying height.
A lost connection or ‘return-to-home’ function, which means your drone or model aircraft can fly back to you if there’s a problem.
Geo-awareness software to help you avoid flying in certain restricted areas. Do not alter or disable this software if your drone or model aircraft has it.
11
Make sure your drone or model aircraft is fit to fly
Check fuel and battery levels
Take special care to check that fuel and battery levels will last through your flight. This includes any extra fuel you might need in an emergency or for flying in difficult weather, such as windy conditions.
Remember to check the battery power in the controller too.
Check any built-in software is up to date
The built-in software (called firmware) controls important navigation and flying controls. Depending on the type of drone or model aircraft you have, this could include:
how your drone uses its power
how your drone knows its position
how your drone lands if there’s a problem
in some cases, the latest information on flight restriction zones and other airspace restrictions
Keeping this software up to date will also help to protect against cyber attacks.
Follow the instructions to update the built-in software (firmware). Always check that the software has updated correctly before going flying.
12
Never drop, lower or fire anything from your drone or model aircraft while it’s flying
13
Never carry any dangerous cargo on your drone or model aircraft
You must never carry any cargo on your drone or model aircraft that could be dangerous to people, property or the environment if there was an accident.
For example, never carry:
poisonous or corrosive cargo, such as acid or bleach
flammable cargo, such as petrol or oil, apart from what the engine needs for that flight
14
Make sure any equipment is secure
If you plan to carry any equipment on your drone or model aircraft, you must not go over the maximum take-off mass (MTOM). This is the maximum safe weight your drone or model aircraft can take-off and fly with. It includes fuel and any items or equipment attached to it.
You can find the maximum take-off mass in your drone or model aircraft instructions.
15
Do not fly if the weather could affect your flight
Some of the things to look out for:
strong winds could blow your drone or model aircraft off course or make it difficult to fly safely
wind on the ground is often very different to the wind at height
rain or other water, snow and cold weather could stop parts of your drone or model aircraft from working
fog could mean you lose sight of your drone or model aircraft
glare from the sun could mean you lose sight of your drone or model aircraft
cold or wet weather could affect your ability to control your drone or model aircraft safely
standing out in the sun could affect your ability to concentrate
Make sure your drone or model aircraft will work if the temperature is low
Follow the manufacturer’s guidance on the safe temperatures to fly at.
Some types of battery do not hold their charge as long in cold weather and this may reduce the amount of time you can fly.
16
Make sure you’re fit and safe to fly
Do not drink and fly
You must not fly when under the influence of alcohol. Alcohol will seriously affect your judgement and ability.
Do not fly under the influence of drugs or medicine
Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking medicines that may affect your ability to operate your drone
or model aircraft safely. Do not fly if they advise that your ability to drive a car or operate machinery may be affected.
Do not fly if you’re tired or unwell
Your judgement and ability could be affected if you are tired or unwell.
Do not fly while you could be distracted by another activity
For example:
do not fly while driving, riding or operating a vehicle or bicycle
do not fly while messaging or making a phone call
do not fly more than one drone or model aircraft at a time
17
Take action quickly and safely if the situation in the air or on the ground changes
Always be ready to land your drone or model aircraft or reduce your flying height and wait until it is safe to fly again. For example, you may need to land if a group of people or animals turn up in the area where you’re flying.
Low flying aircraft
Reduce your flying height or land as soon as you hear or see
a low flying aircraft that may be affected by your drone or model aircraft.
Land your drone or model aircraft, or hover at a low level well out of the way, and wait until it’s safe to continue with your flight. If it appears the aircraft is attempting to land, you should land your drone or model aircraft immediately.
18
Report any dangerous incidents, near misses or suspicious activity
If you witness or are involved in a serious incident or near miss involving a drone or model aircraft, you must report the incident to the Civil Aviation Authority. You can choose to do this anonymously or you can give your details.
A serious incident includes anything that did, or could have, put any of the following in danger
people
property, buildings, or equipment
aircraft
The Civil Aviation Authority will use this information to monitor potential hazards and risks to help keep flying safe for everyone.
The Civil Aviation Authority website has more guidance on what must be reported.
Suspicious activity and mis-use
If you see anybody using a drone or model aircraft in a suspicious or dangerous way, call your local police on 101. If it’s at an airport, call airport security.
Retrieving your drone or model aircraft after a forced landing
If you make a forced landing or crash on private property, you must get the property owner’s permission before retrieving your drone or model aircraft.
This is especially important at sites where security services are likely to respond if you enter without permission.
19
Make sure you have the appropriate insurance
The insurance you need depends on the size of your drone or model aircraft and what you use it for.
Insurance for drones and model aircraft below 20kg
If you fly a drone or model aircraft that weighs less than 20kg for fun, recreation, sport, or as a hobby, you can choose whether or not to have insurance.
If you fly for any other reason, you must have third party liability insurance. For example, you must have insurance if you:
get paid to take pictures or record video or carry out surveys
use your drone for work, such as on a farm, park or estate
Although insurance is optional if you only fly for fun, recreation, sport, or as a hobby, remember you’re responsible for your actions. You could be held personally liable for any injury or damage you cause, so you may want to consider getting third party liability insurance.
Insurance for drones and model aircraft 20kg and above
If your drone or model aircraft is 20kg or more, you must always have third party insurance, no matter what you use your aircraft for.
Protecting people’s privacy
Making sure that you don’t invade anyone’s privacy when you’re out flying. What you can and can’t do with photos and videos.
Respect other people and their privacy > Page 32
Make sure you know what your camera > Page 32
can do and the kind of images it can take
Make sure you can be clearly seen when > Page 32
Let people know before you start recording > Page 33
Think before sharing photos and videos > Page 33
Keep photos and videos secure > Page 33
20
Respect other people and their privacy
If your drone or model aircraft is fitted with a camera or listening device, you must respect other people’s privacy whenever you use them.
If you use these devices where people can expect privacy, such as inside their home or garden, you’re likely to be breaking data protection laws.
It’s against the law to take photographs or record video or sound for criminal or terrorist purposes.
Any photos or recordings you take may be covered by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
21
Make sure you know what your camera can do and the kind of images it can take
Knowing this will help to reduce the risk of taking photos or recording videos that invade privacy.
Make sure you know:
what quality you can record
how close your camera can zoom in
if you can start and stop recording when you are flying
22
Make sure you can be clearly seen when you’re out flying
This means people will know who’s responsible for your drone or model aircraft.
23
Let people know before you start recording or taking pictures
In some cases, this will be easy. For example, if you’re taking a photo of family and friends at a family barbecue.
In other cases, this will be less practical, so you must be careful to respect everyone’s right to privacy.
Remember, you must never fly over groups, crowds, or any people who are not with you.
24
Think before sharing photos and videos
Avoid sharing anything that could be unfair or harmful to anyone.
Think carefully about who could see your photos and videos – especially before posting them on social media. Apply the same common-sense approach that you would with images or video recorded on a smartphone or digital camera.
25
Keep photos and videos secure
Store images safely. Delete anything you don’t need.
If you record images for commercial use, you’ll need to meet further specific requirements as a data controller.
Getting a flyer ID before you fly
What to do if you will fly a drone or model aircraft that requires you to have a flyer ID, and requirements for children under the age of 13.
You must pass the CAA’s official online theory > Page 35
You must pass the theory test to renew your > Page 35
Always fly safely and legally > Page 35
Getting a flyer ID before you fly
26
You must pass the CAA’s official online theory test to get a flyer ID
Children and adults must pass the test: there is no age limit.
For data protection reasons, children under 13 must be with a parent or guardian when they take the test and register.
You must pass the CAA’s official online theory test to get a flyer ID
27
You must pass the theory test to renew your flyer ID every five years
Your flyer ID will last for five years.
If you took your last test under the previous regulations, that flyer ID will last for three years. You can check when your ID expires in the My registration area.
28
Always fly safely and legally
Following the points in this Code will help you to do this.
Getting an operator ID before you fly
What to do if you’re a drone or model aircraft operator.
The person or organisation that’s responsible > Page 37
for a drone or model aircraft that requires an operator ID must register to get an operator ID
Label all your drones or model aircraft with > Page 38
Always make sure that anyone flying your > Page 39
drone or model aircraft has appropriate authorisation, such as a valid flyer ID
Set out what you expect from anyone who’ll > Page 39
fly your drone or model aircraft and what you’ll be responsible for yourself
Maintain your drone or model aircraft so that > Page 39
You must renew your operator ID every year > Page 39
29
The person or organisation that’s responsible for a drone or model aircraft that requires an operator ID must register to get an operator ID
You must be over 18 to register as an operator. If you’re under 18, you’ll need to ask a parent or guardian to register for an operator ID.
Points 30 to 34 set out what you’re responsible for if you’re an operator.
The person or organisation responsible for a drone or model aircraft that requires an operator ID must register to get an operator ID
30
Label all your drones or model aircraft with your operator ID
You must label your operator ID on every drone or model aircraft you’re responsible for.
You can use the same operator ID for all your drones and model aircraft.
Always label with your operator ID, not your flyer ID.
How to label your drone or model aircraft
Your operator ID must be:
visible from the outside, or within a compartment that can easily be accessed without using a tool
clear and in block capitals taller than 3mm
secure and safe from damage
on the main body of the aircraft
You must label your operator ID on every drone or model aircraft you’re responsible for. You can use the same operator ID for every aircraft
31
Always make sure that anyone flying your drone or model aircraft has appropriate authorisation, such as a valid flyer ID
You can do this at the check someone’s registration
status service. If your drone or model aircraft is below 250g, the person flying it does not need a flyer ID.
32
Set out what you expect from anyone who’ll fly your drone or model aircraft and what you’ll be responsible for yourself
If anyone else will fly a drone or model aircraft you’re responsible for, you must tell them:
to fly safely and follow this Code when they fly
to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for flying
what you’ll be responsible for, such as keeping any built-in software up to date
what you expect them to do, especially to do with flying and maintaining your aircraft
If several people will fly, such as in a business, club or school, consider writing this information down and making it available somewhere that everyone can easily access it.
33
Maintain your drone or model aircraft so that it’s safe to fly
This includes following the manufacturer’s instructions on maintenance and keeping any built-in software (firmware) up to date.
34
Renew your operator ID every year
It is a legal requirement to keep your operator ID registration details up to date.
Less common flying
Carrying out less common flying activities.
These points are not included in the theory test.
Flying with follow-me mode active > Page 41
Height limits for model gliders up to 10kg > Page 41
35
Flying with follow-me mode active
Some drones or model aircraft have a follow-me mode that means you can set your aircraft to follow you within a fixed distance.
You do not have to keep your drone or model aircraft in direct sight when follow-me mode is active and set to follow within 50m of you. You must still follow all of the other points.
36
Height limits for model gliders up to 10kg
The maximum height for model gliders is up to 120m (400ft) above the height you’re standing at rather than above the ground level directly below it.
This is to allow for flying from hills and mountains.
The maximum height for all other drones and model aircraft is measured from the closest point of the earth’s surface to the aircraft during flight.
37
Flying over very tall structures
If the person or organisation responsible for a very tall structure over 105m asks you to carry out a task related to their structure, you’re allowed to fly higher than 120m (400ft). For example, if they ask you to take pictures for a survey.
You must never fly more than 15m above the structure.
Your drone or model aircraft must be within 50m of the structure horizontally when flying over 120m (400ft).
You can fly up to 15m over a building or structure taller than 105m if the person or organisation responsible for the structure asks you to do a task related to it
Ready to take the theory test?
You’re ready to take the theory test when you know the Code.
You can do this online at https://register-drones.caa.co.uk/individual/ register-and-take-test-to-fly
Background: Drones and model aircraft in the law
Acts and regulations
The following acts and regulations include some of the key points of law that this Drone and Model Aircraft Code is based on. The list is not intended to be comprehensive.
For the precise wording of the law, please see the acts and regulations. These are also available in print from The Stationery Office.
The Air Navigation Order 2016,
including the 2018 amendment and 2019 amendment. The Civil Aviation Authority has published a copy of the Air Navigation Order with amendments inserted.