Drone Classifications

Drone Classifications

All drones are to be given drone classifications from C0 up to C4 dependent on requirements based on Maximum Take off weight /mass (MTOM) and capabilities of the drone.

No drones have been classified yet but expect manufactures like DJI, Parrot and Yuneec to bring out new classified drones in 2021.

It has been recognised that drone manufacturers will need time to create products that are compliant with the new standards set out in each of the drone classifications.

During a transitional period until 31st December 2022 existing drone products that are compliant with the CAA Class C0 to C4 standards can be for sale/used in the Open category.  These are known as ‘legacy’ aircraft.

However as C2 drones have yet to be developed by manufactures, this is the reason behind the transitional period until December 31st 2022.  Drone Pilots who fly a non CE marked drone will be able to operate in the A2 subcategory under the transitional provisions.

After the transitional period if you are still operating these ‘legacy’ aircraft then you will be able to fly in the A3 subcategory (fly far from people).  This means no uninvolved people can be present and you cannot fly within 150m horizontally of residential, commercial, industrial, or recreational areas.

A2 CofC Drone Classifications

If you hold an A2 Certificate of Competency (A2 CofC) you will be able to fly in the A2 or A1 subcategory if your aircraft meets the specification requirements.  The A2 subcategory allows you to fly a C2 aircraft down to a distance of 30m horizontally from uninvolved people or up to 5m in ‘low-speed mode’ or 50m horizontally from uninvolved people for A2 Transitional Aircraft.

Drone Classifications

Flying Class C0 Drones in A1 Subcategory (Under 250g)

C0 drones are small and include toy drones;

  • Under 250g maximum take-off mass
  • Maximum speed of 19m/s (approx. 42.5mph)
  • Cannot be flown more than 120m (400ft) from the pilot

What training and certification do I need to fly a C0 Drone?

  • UK Drone Registration required if the drone has a camera
  • Read manufacturer user manual
  • Online training for operators
  • Online foundation test for operators

Flying Class C1 Drones in the A1 Subcategory (Under 900g)

C1 drones are heavier than C0 drones and cover more commercial UAV’s;

  • Under 900g in maximum take-off mass, or are made and perform in a way that if they collide with a person, the energy transmitted will be less than 80 Joules
  • They have a maximum speed of 19m/s (approx. 42.5 mph)
  • They are designed and constructed so as to minimise injury to people
  • The standards also cover other aspects such as noise limits, height limits and requirements for remote identification and geo-awareness systems.

What training and certification do I need to fly a C1 Drone?

  • UK Drone Registration required
  • Read manufacturer user manual
  • Online training
  • Online foundation test

Flying Class C2 drones in the A2 subcategory ‘close to’ (Under 4kg)

C2 class drones

  • Are less than 4kg in weight
  • They are designed and constructed so as to minimise injury to people
  • They are equipped with a low-speed mode which limits the maximum speed to 3m/s (approx. 6.7 mph) when selected by the remote pilot
  • The standards also cover other aspects such as noise limits (but different from Class C1), height limits and requirements for remote identification and geo-awareness systems, plus additional requirements if it is to be used during tethered flight

What training and certification do I need to fly a C2 Drone?

  • UK Drone Registration required
  • Read manufacturer user manual
  • Online training
  • Online foundation test
  • Self-practical training
  • A2 Certificate of Competency (A2 CofC) 

Flying Class C3 drones in the A3 subcategory far from people (Under 25kg)

Drones that have automatic control modes (such as found in typical multi-rotar drones) which:

  • Weigh less than 25kg in take-off mass
  • The standards also cover other aspects covering height limits and requirements for remote identification and geo-awareness systems
  • There are also additional requirements if it is to be used during tethered flight, but there is no specified noise limit

What training and certification do I need to fly a C3 Drone?

  • UK Drone Registration required
  • Read manufacturer user manual
  • Online training
  • Online foundation test

Flying class C4 drones in the A3 subcategory far from people (Under 25kg):

  • C4 class drones don’t possess any automation, other than for basic flight stabilisation (and so are more representative of a ‘traditional’ model aircraft)
  • C4 drones are less than 25kg maximum take-off mass

What training and certification do I need to fly a C4 Drone?

  • UK Drone Registration required
  • Read manufacturer user manual
  • Online training
  • Online foundation test