EASA European Aviation Safety Agency

EASA European Aviation Safety Agency

On 31st December 2020 the EU / EASA Regulations came into force. There is no distinction between Hobby and Commercial Drone Pilots.

The UK regulations were updated in January 2026 to allow our own UK class markings in the Open Category

Drone Pilots fall into two categories - Open Category and the Specified Category

The Open Category fits Professional Pilots, Hobby Pilots and Commercial flights.  There are restrictions in place and are more strict than the Specified Category.

The Open Category is split into 3 Sections.  Drones are split into CE/ UK Marked Classes which fall into certain Open Category Sections.

Drones fall into classes based on their Maximum Take off Mass (MOTM) or Flying Weight.

The UK interprets the terms within the Open Category as follows:

▪ Unmanned aircraft marked with a Class marking (C0/UK0 to C4/UK4) – MTOM will continue to be used as defined

▪ Unmanned aircraft without a Class marking – any reference to MTOM or ‘take-off mass’ should be taken to mean the weight of the unmanned aircraft at any time while it is in flight (which will be referred to as the ‘flying weight’)

Until I January 2028, there is EASA transitional legislation which allows drones with C0 to C4 class markings to be operated in the A1 and A2 Categories.

Under the Regulations the U.K. No Fly Zones still apply to all flights and all categories.

easa european safety agency

A1 Category – Fly OVER People

This Section of the Open Category was created to define the flights that you might make with a lightweight drone.

Drones under 250g or C0 or UK0 or UK1 class are in this section.

From 1 January 2026 until 1 January 2028, you can also fly a C1 class drone or model aircraft in this section.

You can fly closer to people than 50m, including people who are not involved in what you’re doing.

You can fly over people, including people who are not involved in what you’re doing.

Your limits are:

  1.    Max height 120m/400ft
  2.    No dropping of articles
  3.    No carriage of dangerous goods
  4.    Fly over uninvolved people, but  NOT over crowds

Drone Pilot insurance is mandatory with an A2 CoC

A2 – Fly NEAR to People

The A2 subcategory allows you to fly closer to people with heavier drones.  However you will need to complete the following steps to be allowed to fly in this section of the Open Category.

Read the user manual and complete the CAA Drones registration scheme ( Drone and Model Aircraft Registration and Education Service). Flyer ID And Operator ID

Obtain an A2 Certificate of Competency (A2 CofC), which lasts for 5 years before you have to retake the test with a UK RAE.

Drone Pilot insurance is mandatory if you are doing commercial flying.

Drones less than 2KG 

May fly in commercial, industrial, recreational & residential areas

No closer than 50m horizontally from uninvolved people

  • Max height 120m/400ft
  • Maintain Visual Line of Sight
  • No dropping of articles
  • No carriage of dangerous goods
  • No intentional flight over uninvolved persons
  • You must maintain a minimum horizontal distance of 50M at all times from uninvolved people.

Drones up to 4KG with a C2 Class Marking

Your limits would be with a CE rated C2 Drone up to 4KG:

  • Max height 120m/400ft
  • Maintain Visual Line of Sight
  • No dropping of articles
  • No carriage of dangerous goods
  • Min of 30m from uninvolved people

You must maintain a minimum horizontal distance of 5m if the aircraft has been switched to a lowspeed mode – from uninvolved people.

You must abide by the 1:1 Rule at all times.

A3 – Fly FAR From People

The A3 Category is there to allow you to purchase a drone and enjoy flying it.  Past / present and future non CE Marked drones all fall into this category if your drone has a Maximum Take Off Mass of over 250G, but under 25KG.

All Drone Operators in this Section of the Open Category must do the following:

  • Read the user manual
  • complete the CAA Drones registration scheme (Drone and Model Aircraft Registration and Education Service). Operator ID and Flyer ID

Follow the link here to register, take your test and get your Operator and Flyer ID.

Your Limits would be:

  • No uninvolved people present within 50m Horizontal Separation Distance.
  • No flight within 150m horizontally of residential, commercial, industrial or recreational areas
  • Stay 50m from individual homes
  • Maintain Visual Line of Sight
  • You must abide by the 1:1 Rule at all times.

So you are able to fly drones up to 25K but you must fly far from people at all times.

This means you must remain 150m from congested areas.  It’s the closest thing to what was a hobby flying.

Specific Category

In order to operate in the Specific Category with any Drone you need to undertake a GVC General Visual Line of Sight Course with a UK RAE.

This provides you with the proof of competence you will need in order to apply to the CAA for an Operational Authorisation.

Operational Authorisations are renewed annualy

The Specific Category is slightly more complex and will require Operational Authorisation from the CAA based on a risk assessment.