Drone Zone

Fly your drone responsibly

Drone laws exist to ensure a high level of safety in the skies, especially near sensitive areas like airports and national parks. They also aim to address privacy concerns that arise when camera drones fly in residential areas.

In several regions, such as the United States, drones weighing less than 250g are exempt from registration with civil aviation authorities. While registration might not be mandatory, it's still necessary to follow local drone laws. This includes the requirement to keep your drone within sight at all times when airborne.

Different countries have different rules. Previously, in the UK, drones weighing less than 250g were exempt from registration. This has changed: owners of any camera-equipped drone must now register their aircraft with the Civil Aviation Authority and obtain an Operator ID. This registration carries an annual fee of £10.33 for individuals aged 18 and above.

If your drone exceeds 250g in weight, you will also require a Flyer ID. To obtain this, you need to pass an online test featuring 40 multiple-choice questions. The answers can be found in the Drone Code and are intended to promote safer flying practices.

For drones weighing less than 250g without a camera, neither ID is necessary. That said, you still need to comply with the UK's drone laws. According to the Drone Code, this means maintaining visual contact with your drone, flying no higher than 120m above the ground, staying at least 150m away from populated areas, and avoiding restricted airspace, typically found near airports.

The Federal Aviation Administration requires registration of many drones flown in the US, for hobby or commercial purposes. To learn more about drone registration requirements, visit the Federal Aviation Administration's drone page https://www.faa.gov/uas/