The Drone and Model Aircraft Code
For flying drones, model aeroplanes, model gliders, model helicopters, and other unmanned aircraft systems outdoors in the Open A1 and A3 categories| From: | The UK Civil Aviation Authority (opens in a new tab) |
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| Published: | October 2019 |
| Last updated: | March 2024, see all updates |
Flying safely and responsibly (Points 1 and 2)
General responsibilities.
1. You’re responsible for flying safely whenever you fly
Follow this Code to make sure you never put people in danger.
Always be ready in case something should go wrong with your drone or model aircraft.
You could be fined for breaking the law when flying your drone or model aircraft. In the most serious cases, you could be sent to prison.
2. Always keep your drone or model aircraft in direct sight and make sure you have a full view of the surrounding airspace
You must be sure that you'll be able to spot any hazards, in the air or on the ground, and avoid any collisions.
You must be able to see your drone or model aircraft clearly enough that you can tell which way it’s facing. This is so that you can steer and control it safely, even if something happens unexpectedly.
You must be able to see it without using:
- binoculars
- a telephoto lens
- electronic viewing equipment, such as a smart phone, tablet or video goggles
Using normal glasses and contact lenses is fine.
Flying with the help of an observer
You can ask someone to be your observer when you fly.
They must stand next to you and you must be able to talk to each other at all times.
One of you must be able to keep your drone or model aircraft in direct sight and have a full view of the surrounding airspace at all times.
The observer does not need to have a flyer ID, but you must tell them what to look out for. Remember, you’re still responsible for keeping the flight safe.
Flying using first-person view (FPV)
Some drones and model aircraft are fitted with cameras that provide live video to devices such as smart phones, tablets and video goggles. Flying by watching this video is known as first-person view (FPV).
If you want to fly using first-person view, you must have an observer with you and follow the rules above for flying with the help of an observer.
