New requirement for outdoor drone flights kicks in at the start of January
From 1 January, people in the UK who plan to fly drones or model aircraft outdoors that weigh 100g or more will be required to pass an online theory test administered by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to receive a Flyer ID. The rule change reduces the previous weight threshold, when a Flyer ID was only mandatory for devices of 250g or above.
The CAA estimates that as many as half a million people could be affected by the widened requirements, which are intended to make rules easier to understand and to support a "safe expansion" of drone use across the country.
The main changes coming into force include:
Jonathan Nicholson, a CAA spokesperson, emphasised the need for awareness among new drone owners, saying with drones becoming a "common Christmas present" it was important people knew how to comply with the law. He added: "With the new drone rules coming into force this week, all drone users must register, get a Flyer ID and follow the regulations," and "We want people to enjoy their drones but it's vital that they have checked the new rules and know how and where to operate their drone safely before they fly."
The CAA's requirements also cover younger users and set out different expectations by age:
The CAA warns that flying a drone or model aircraft without the necessary IDs is illegal and can result in fines or, in serious cases, prison sentences. The regulator encourages existing drone owners to familiarise themselves with the updated guidance, which explains where drones should not be flown and how to respect people's privacy when operating camera-equipped models.
Some experts say enforcing the rules could be challenging. Dr Alan McKenna, a law lecturer at the University of Kent, said effective enforcement would likely be "a case of resources". He told the BBC that while he believed most people would try to follow the new UK requirements for flying drones outdoors, some might try to "fly under the radar".
Dr McKenna added: "You're always going to get people who make mistakes or can't be bothered," and suggested that worries about the environmental, privacy and safety impacts of increased drone use are "wider issues" at play.