Follow these key rules to fly safely and legally in the Open Category.
Read the Drone and Model Aircraft Code before you fly.
Some of the rules vary depending on the weight of your drone or model aircraft and whether it weighs:
- less than 250g (Open A1 Category)
- less than 25kg (Open A3 Category)
We've shown any differences below.
Visual line of sight
You must be sure that you'll be able to spot any hazards, in the air or on the ground, and avoid any collisions. Find out more about visual line of sight
Airspace
Flying below this height reduces the risk of coming across other aircraft, but you still need to look and listen out for other aircraft, such as air ambulances, police helicopters, and low-flying military aircraft. Find out more about keeping clear of aircraft
Most of these sites are surrounded by a Flight Restriction Zone (FRZ) where you must not fly without permission. Find out more on restriction zones
Crowds
A crowd is any group of people who cannot move away quickly because of the number of other people around them. Find out more about flying near people
People and places
For drones or model aircraft that weigh less than 250g (A1)
Flying over and near people
You can fly a drone or model aircraft that weighs less than 250g over people as long as you fly safely and do not fly over crowds. Find out more about flying near people
Residential, recreational, commercial and industrial areas
You can fly a drone or model aircraft that weighs less than 250g in residential, recreational, commercial or industrial areas. Find out more about flying near places
People and places
For drones or model aircraft that weigh 250g or more and less than 25kg (A3)
Do not fly closer to people than 50m horizontally
You must not fly a drone or model aircraft that weighs 250g or more closer to people than 50m horizontally unless they're involved in what you're doing.
You do not have to keep 50m away from people involved in what you're doing, but you must always keep a safe distance.. Find out more about flying near people
Remember, you must never fly over crowds.
Do not fly over people
You must not fly a drone or model aircraft that weighs 250g or more over people unless they're involved in what you're doing. Find out more about flying near people
Residential, recreational, commercial and industrial areas
You must not fly a drone or model aircraft that weighs 250g or more in a residential, recreational, commercial or industrial areas. Find out more about flying near places
Privacy and property
Always respect people's privacy
You must always respect people's privacy and not cause a nuisance. Find out more about privacy
Make sure you're allowed to fly
Make sure the person or organisation that owns the land or property where you want to fly allows you to take off and land from their property. Find out more about where you can fly
Insurance
Make sure you have the appropriate insurance
If you fly for recreation or sport, you can choose whether to have insurance. If you fly commercially, you must have third party insurance.
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 cases, you could be sent to prison.