The core requirements for operating unmanned aircraft are in the following regulations, which are available in our regulations library:
UK Regulation (EU) 2019/947
UK Regulation (EU) 2019/945
The library includes the applicable Acceptable Means of Compliance (AMC), Guidance Material (GM), and Certification Specifications (CS).
You can also get information on the wider UK aviation regulations (opens in a new tab).
Acceptable Means of Compliance (AMC) and Guidance Material (GM)
Acceptable Means of Compliance (AMC) are non-binding standards issued by the CAA to illustrate ways to comply with the requirements of legislation. Complying with AMC ensures you’ll meet the regulatory requirements.
Guidance Material (GM) provides additional information, explanations, and recommendations to help you understand and apply the legislation and AMC. GM is advisory and not legally binding. It may include examples, definitions and descriptions to help you interpret regulations and comply with safety standards.
Consultations
You can find and participate in consultations relating to drones and other unmanned aircraft at the CAA's Consultation Hub (opens in a new tab).
Policy programmes
Information on our work to facilitate the safe and legal use of drones and other unmanned aircraft is in our policy programmes.
Civil Aviation Publications (CAPs) relating to drones and unmanned aircraft
We issue CAPs to provide supplementary guidance on topics.
Each CAP sets out the intent of its content and its legal status.
UAS operations in UK airspace, CAP 722 series
Links open in a new tab.