What you need before you fly model aircraft
Model aircraft are regarded as a type of unmanned aircraft (remotely piloted aircraft) in the UK regulations.
Just as with any type of unmanned aircraft, you can fly a model aircraft:
- in the Open Category providing you meet the requirements
- under a Specific Category Operational Authorisation from us
- in the Specific Category as member of a CAA-recognised model aircraft association (Article 16 Authorisation)
Article 16 Authorisations
Model aircraft clubs and associations can apply to us for an Article 16 Authorisation.
Members can fly under the framework of the club or association in accordance with the conditions of the organisation's Article 16 Authorisation.
Your model aircraft club or association will tell you the conditions you must comply with if you want to fly under their Article 16 Authorisation.
The following organisations have an Article 16 Authorisation:
- British Model Flying Association (BMFA)
- FPV UK
- Large Model Association (LMA)
- Scottish Aeromodellers Association (SAA)
Flyer ID tests
Some model aircraft clubs and associations have arrangements in place that enable you to take your Flyer ID test with them.
Check with your club or association for details.
Model aircraft displays
If you want to run or fly in a model aircraft display, you must operate in accordance with a relevant Article 16 authorisation.
Check with your club or association for details.
Building and flying large model aircraft over 25kg
Model aircraft with a mass of more than 25kg are regarded as a 'large model aircraft' under UK regulations.
If you want to fly a large model aircraft, you must have a permit issued by the Large Model Association (LMA) under their Over 25kg Scheme (opens in a new tab)
If you're considering building a large model aircraft and wish to use the LMA scheme, it's a good idea to contact them as early as possible in your planning.
Model aircraft clubs that fly near to aerodromes
Many model aircraft clubs fly at or near to aerodromes.
Remote Pilots who wish to operate in an aerodrome’s Flight Restriction Zone (FRZ) must first get permission from the aerodrome's operator or air traffic control service. This permission does not have to be on a per-flight basis; it may be issued on a more general basis, such as for a period of time or for specific days or times. Permission may be granted by a letter of agreement or similar.
We recommend that model aircraft clubs near aerodromes establish a good working relationship with the aerodrome operator. Some model aircraft associations offer guidance to their members on engaging with aerodrome operators.
If you believe a request to operate near an aerodrome has not been considered appropriately, you can report your concerns to us.
Tell us about permanent model flying sites
If you are responsible for a permanent model flying site, you must provide certain information about the site to us. You must also tell us if any of that information later changes.
To tell us about a permanent model flying site, email our Airspace Regulation Operations team at: arops@caa.co.uk
NATS lists the locations of some permanent model flying sites in section ENR 5.5 of the Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) (opens in a new tab).