UK Drone Law Changes

New UK Drone Laws

Drone regulations have been quite lax in the past, but new UK drone laws introduced by the government on July 31st will attempt to curb potentially dangerous incidents involving them.

What are they?

• You can no longer fly your drone above 400ft (120m)
• You cannot fly within 1km of airport boundaries
• From 30 November 2019, all owners drones that weigh at least 250g will have to register with the CAA and pass an online safety test. Anyone who fails to register or sit the competency tests could face fines of up to £1,000.

The Department for Transport (DfT) are also in open consultation regarding drone legislation, use, restrictions and enforcement – currently called the Drone Bill.

As a commercial drone operator, this current amendment has no real effect – CAA PfCO holders are expected to fly within 500m visual line of sight (VLOS) whilst keeping the drone below 400ft, and this is drilled into you during your training.