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What's considered an unmanned aircraft?

What is and isn't an unmanned aircraft?

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An unmanned aircraft (UA) is any aircraft that can: 

  • operate and fly autonomously; or 
  • be remotely piloted, without a pilot onboard 

Common types of unmanned aircraft include drones, and model aircraft 

Drones include:

  • rotary wing drones
  • fixed wing drones 

Model aircraft include: 

  • model aeroplanes
  • model gliders
  • model helicopters 

Unmanned aircraft may be untethered or tethered. 

It is against the law to fly a drone or model aircraft without meeting the regulatory requirements. You can also be fined for breaking the law when flying. in the most serious cases, you could be sent to prison. 

 

If you're new to drones and unmanned aircraft, read our guidance on getting started. 

Flying objects that are not unmanned aircraft 

We do not consider the following flying objects to be unmanned aircraft: 

  • paper aeroplanes
  • hand-launched gliders that don't have moveable control surfaces or a remote control link
  • frisbees, darts and other thrown toys 

Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) 

Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) means an unmanned aircraft and the equipment to control it remotely. 

Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) 

Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS), a remotely piloted aircraft, its associated remote pilot station(s), and required command and control links. 

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