Times are changing. Starting December 2019, drone owners everywhere will be subjected to heavier regulations. Well, it is mostly a £9 fee, an ID, and a few minutes of your time.
UK Drone Registrations
If you are in the United Kingdom, the time for casual flying is nearly over. By this week, you must have already submitted registration forms for your drones. Drones weighing above 250 grams – which is to say, nearly all of them – need registrations.
This can be a good thing – the DJI Mavic Mini for instance weighs in at 249 grams. The weight requirement may mean a sudden surge of sales for smaller drones. These lighter drones need not register as they have limitations in both range and capabilities. For those wanting a more casual flying experience, getting your hands on a small drone may be the key.
Operator and Flyer
For everyone else however, this means it does not have to register for the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Here you need to take an online test to check your drone ABCs. It is a 20-question exam and you need 16 correct out of the 20 to receive a passing mark. can register for one of two IDs. This depends on whether you plan to own a drone or not.
Operator’s ID
An Operator’s ID gives you the privilege of both owning and flying a drone. This means it is a mandatory process for drone owners all over the United Kingdom. The requirements for an Operator’s ID include:
- Annual fee of £9
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Failure to register can result in thousands in fines
Flyer’s ID
A Flyer’s ID is a lighter version of the Operator’s. This is only needed if you want to fly a drone, but do not own one. The only requirement is that you are at least 13 years old, and passed the exams.
