What Do The New Drone Rules Mean For You?

It’s pretty hard not to be excited about the future of drone technology these days. This sector’s immense scope for scalability and convenience makes it a highly reliable option for unmanned conveyance. But with the rise of the commercial drone sector, there are also important new rules and regulations to learn about. 

The Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) new rules for commercial drones are designed to protect people and private property.

These new regulations affect everything from the size of your drone to when you can fly it.

We’ll discuss the drone rules in this article, how they may affect businesses and hobbyists, and the consequences of non-compliance.

What Is A Drone?

Drones are a variety of unmanned aircraft. Another common name used to refer to them is model aircraft. All drones should follow the set of instructions called Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Regulations. 

Open Category Regulations

The most common category under which you can operate your drone is the ‘Open Category.’ For a drone to come under this category, the following terms are to be followed without fail.

• Possessing legal documentation: You should be registered as a UAS operator with the Operator ID. A Flyer ID is also mandatory.
• Keep the drone under direct vision: Whenever you are operating your UAS, you should keep it in direct sight. This will reduce chances of collision with other aircraft by a huge margin.
• Height of flight: The operation of your drone should be below 120m/400ft from the ground at all times.
• Weight of drone: The maximum weight of your drone can be 25kg or below it.
• Following airspace rules: You should not operate your drone in Flight Restriction Zones. It is mandatory to obtain all the relevant permissions before attempting to operate in such zones.

Types Of Drones

There are various types of drones that you should be aware of. It will help you to deduce the category to which you belong precisely. Therefore, you can follow all the essential prerequisite regulations for operation effectively. 

1. Decoy And Target Drones

The military employs these types of drones. They are primarily used in situations involving surveillance and striking. Decoy drones are also used to distract attackers on the ground from actual combat missiles.

2. Reconnaissance Drones

The requirement for high endurance drones in the military led to the construction of reconnaissance drones. The other names of this drone are:

• High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) drones
• Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drones

3. GPS Drones

GPS hookups are used in these GPS drones to enable them to detect their location course on their own. This setting generates further data, which you can extract at your convenience. 

4. Single Rotor Drones

This variety of drones is ideal for long durations of flight, as they offer high thrust. These single rotor drones are able to attain this feature due to their basic design and solitary rotor. These drones are usually powered with gas.

5. Multi-Rotor Drones

For shorter spans of flight, multi-rotor drones are your go-to option. They can fly for about half an hour, powered by the numerous rotors at tactical locations. The high stability and provisions to maintain balance are some of the highlights of this type of drone.

Classification Of Drones

Now, we’ll proceed to learn about the new drone rules and the impact they will have on the existing conditions. It is crucial to stay informed about the different classes of drones and the rules that pertain to them.

Open Category

As mentioned above, a drone should follow all the given regulations to qualify as an open-category drone. This category is further classified into the following sub-divisions.

A1

The A1 category of the drone is also called the ‘Fly-Over People’ variety. It weighs less than 250g and is almost toy-like. Hence, the risk of danger and collision with people is very low. However, they do not possess the permission to fly over open-air people groups.

The sub-categories under A1 include:

• C0 Drones – Flying Class (<250g)
• C1 Drones – Flying Class (<900g)

A2

An A2 category drone must adhere to the following terms to be eligible for the title of ‘Fly Close To People.’ 

• The operator should have the A2 CofC title.
• Should fly horizontally at a distance of 30m from people
• Should fly at a distance of 5m with the low-speed mode activation
• The device should not weigh >4kg

The sub-category under A2 includes:

• C2 Drones – Flying Class (<4kg)

A3

This drone category falls under the title of ‘Fly Far From People.’ These drones are not eligible to fly in the following areas:

• Residential
• Recreational
• Industrial
• Commercial

Any area that is deemed to be congested is strictly off-bounds for A3 drones. The sub-categories under A3 include:

• C3 Drones – Flying Class (<25kg)
• C4 Drones – Flying Class (<25kg)

All these sub-categories are also known as ‘legacy aircrafts’ commonly.

Important Certifications For Drone Flying

To be eligible for operating a drone, you will be required to submit several certifications and permit approvals. These criteria have been discussed in detail below.

1. General VLOS Certificate

The CAA’s Operational Authorisation is necessary for you to obtain the General Visual Line Of Sight certification. You will have to complete the following requirements to procure this certificate successfully.

• A flight test (Practical)
• Assessment of Ground School Theory
• Operations Manual with relevant risk assessments

This certificate will remain valid for five years.

2. Permission For Commercial Operations

In order to operate your drone commercially in the UK, you will require the PfCO. It encompasses the Operational Authorisation as well. This permission is now associated with the General VLOS certification.

3. A2 Certificate Of Competency

As a rider under the Open Category, if you wish to fly the A2 drone, the A2 CofC is a mandatory prerequisite. You can also use this certificate to fly in the A1 category. Some of the main criteria that you have to fulfil through this certification are:

• Flight principles for regions of congestion
• Safety concerns for battery
• Collision avoidance

The Operations Manual will not be required for this certificate. The flight assessment necessity is also not essential as well. This certification will remain valid for five years.

C2 Operation Criteria

With the license to fly an A2 aircraft, you can also fly the C2 drone. Transitional aircraft are also included in this category. You will have to fulfil the following requirements to be able to fly this drone.

• Speed cannot be over 6.7mph or 2m/s
• Should possess a geo-awareness system
• Take-off mass should be <4kg
• Noise produced should be minimal
• Overall risk of injury should be completely negligible

Overview Of The New Drone Rules

The new drone rules regarding their governance aim to achieve a unified approach to bring existing norms under one roof. The basic outline of the rules concerning the operation of drones is as follows.

• There will not be any more distinction between recreational and commercial usage for the flight of drones.
• Possession of lightweight drones will allow you to fly closer to people than before.
• Flying nearby and above buildings is now allowed for drones, irrespective of the people in them.
• Tracking the owners of drones is highly simplified now.
• Monetisation of flying commercial drones is now made possible.
• Overall pilot competence will see a massive boost henceforth.
• Horizontal distance of 50m is to be always maintained, irrespective of the type of drone you operate.

In-Depth Analysis Of New Rules

Several new regulations were announced during December 2020. These terms will come into effect in a gradual, step-wise manner. 

Rules For IDs

• You should be a minimum of 18 years old while applying for the Operator ID. In case you are below this age limit, your parents should apply on your behalf.

• A Flyer ID is mandatory for you in order to fly a drone. You will have to pass a theory test successfully to obtain this identification.
• The validity of the Flyer ID holds good for five years for no cost.
• As an owner and operator of a drone, you must hold an Operator ID to be eligible for the procedure.
• The Operator ID is available for £9 and requires an annual renewal.

Eligibility Tests

The tests for the Flyer and Operator IDs are theoretical in nature. The general terms of this test include: 

• 40 MCQs – In order to clear this test, you should obtain a minimum of 30 marks.
• Remaining idle on the test for over 90 minutes will disqualify you automatically.
• There are no limits on the number of attempts you can avail of on this test.
• Reading the Drone and Model Aircraft Code is an important prerequisite.

Age Requirement Criteria

• For children aged 13 or below, passing the test to obtain a Flyer ID is necessary. They should be under the strict supervision of their parent or guardian. 
• If the child is below 12, they require the supervision of someone aged 16 or above while flying.
• There are no age requirements for flying remote drones under both Open and Specific classifications. Children below 14 can operate the drone without restrictions.

Registration Of The Drone

The Air Navigation Order lays down several new stipulations as part of drone registration and education schemes. 

• Weight requirements: Drones >25kg in the UK should apply for this registration without fail.
• Foundation test: All drone operators are required to complete an online foundation test as part of the registration.
• CAA Management: The registration process is governed by the Civil Aviation Authority.
• Prerequisite for qualifications: Drone registration is a pivotal step to be eligible for the GVC and A2 CofC.
• Annual charges: The annual charge that a user has to pay for this registration is £16.50.
• Fines for non-compliance: £1,000 is the charge that users have to pay as a fine in case they do not register for the tests.

Indoor Usage Of Drones

Unmanned aircraft flown inside buildings do not have any regulations. This feature is due to their lack of impact on the airspace. However, they will be required to follow the terms laid down by the Health and Safety At Work.

Impact Of These Drone Rules

One of the significant reasons for establishing these drone rules is to remove the scope for misuse. Officers will be better equipped to look into the administration and regulation of drone flying as a result. Now, officers can:

• Perform checks for all legal requirements that are associated with drone flying
• Prevent a flying offence if there is substantial suspicion revolving around the same
• Investigate extensively and deduce who was flying the drone if and when an offence takes place
• Check for evidence on drones suspicious of being an ally to misuse or being part of misuse

Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs)

According to the Air Navigation Order, certain penalties will be dealt with under the FPNs provision. These notices apply to individuals who are over 18 years of age. In case the person who commits the offence is below 18 years, the youth framework will take over.

The following situations will be viewed gravely, and officers can issue an FPN in case of breach of these regulations.

• Absence of legal documentation to prove the registration of drones between 250g – 25kg.
• Lack of relevant authority IDs such as Operator IDs or unable to prove any exemption from authority bodies.
• Unavailability of a proper flight plan that has been registered before the time of flying.
• Not complying with police officers or other authorities when asked to land the drone in case of emergencies.
• Non-existence of required competency criteria to fly.

Different Scenarios Of How The Rules Benefit Flyers

Several provisions have been made to help the flyers better and make the flight as smooth as possible. Some of the new changes that assist the flyers have been discussed below.

Neighbour’s Permission: Previously, you had to get the permission of your neighbour to operate the drone in their vicinity. This rule is not applicable anymore.

PfCO Requirements: If you wish to fly in a congested region, you will require a PfCO henceforth. In case your drone weighs less than 250gms, this license is not necessary.

Relaxation For Take-Offs: The restrictions regarding taking off your drone have been immensely relaxed. You can use any public area like footpaths, bridleways, and near other public buildings to set your drone in motion.

Legal Authorities Involved In Drone Flying

The following authority bodies are involved in the operation of drone flying at present. 

Landowners

Drones will require a space to take off from and land on. Therefore, the permission of landowners is required for you to proceed with the registration.

Police

Informing the police about your coordinates and whereabouts is a mandate before you fly your drone. It will assist them in keeping track of your flight and monitor your on-air activity. They will contact you in case they require further drone-related details.

Local Authorities

Apart from the general regulations that you should follow while operating your drone, there may be other specific requirements to follow. These rules will be based according to your jurisdiction. Therefore, it is a good idea to confirm with local authority bodies regarding it.

Controlled Airspace Regulations

The Class G airspace is uncontrolled. All other regions are controlled airspaces. Therefore, you will require the permission of the Air Traffic Control to fly here. 

CAA

The Civil Aviation Authority is the primary body that takes care of the control and maintenance of airspaces. No specific permission is required to fly in open category regions and locations under Operational Authorisation. 

Under certain conditions, you will have to apply for the Operational Safety Case (OSC). It will enable you to fly in complex situations, provided you guarantee absolute safety during the flight.

Aerial Structures Precautions

While operating your drone, safety should be the foremost requirement. Hence, it is imperative to look out for aerial structures such as masts, cranes, other drones and aircraft, wires, and so on. Similarly, birds are another major hurdle that you can encounter frequently.

Restrained Areas

Some regions do not generally permit the movement of aircraft over them. These include:

• Sports Stadiums
• Military Camps
• Prisons
• Nuclear Facilities

If you require an exception, you should contact the relevant authorities and get the green signal prior to flying.

Event Restrictions

The conduction of certain events, such as airshows and other aerial festivals, will cause you to seek prior permission. This stipulation is due to the restrictions that the organisers may have laid earlier.

FAQs

1. Is a license compulsory for all drones?

No, all drones do not require a license. The license requirements for drones depend on the type of the drone and its class of usage primarily. You do not have to produce a license under the following scenarios:

• Weight of drone <250g
• Range of flight is >150m from public spaces

The following table will give you the required insight into the weight of the drone and its license details.

Weight Of Drone	License Needed
<2kg	A2 CofC
2-25kg	Operational Authorisation

2. When should I register for the relevant schemes?

You can register for the required certifications at any time before flying your drone in the air. The only requirement is that your license should be present and valid at the time of flight. 

3. What are the important IDs required to fly/operate a drone?

The UK Drone Registration Scheme maintains all the regulations and requirements involved in drone flying. If your drone weighs >25kg, you will require their approval to operate it. 

• To fly a drone, you should possess a Flyer’s ID.
• To operate a drone of weight >25kg, you should possess an Operator’s ID.

The tests for both these licenses will be conducted online. They will be theoretical in nature. Once you pass the examination, you will obtain the IDs.

4. Is there any age limit required to operate the drone?

The age limit varies based on the category under which you operate your drone. 

Open Category

There are no age limits stipulated under the open category to operate your drone. All drones weighing below 250g can be operated in this category conveniently.

CAA Requirements

You will be required to follow certain age limit stipulations to fly under the governance of CAA. They are:

• Be 13 years old minimum to be eligible for the A2 and A3 categories (Open)
• Be 14 years old minimum to be eligible for the Specific Category

5. What are the ID requirements for class-based drone operations?

The table given below illustrates the Flyer and Operator IDs requirements based on the class of the drone.

Class Of Drone	Flyer ID	Operator ID
C0 – Toy Type	Not Required	Not Required
C0 – Non-Toy Type (Camera Absent)	Not Required	Not Required
C0 – Non-Toy Type (Camera Present)	Not Required	Required
C1	Required	Required
C2	Required	Required
C3	Required	Required
C4	Required	Required

6. What is the validity duration for the IDs?

The duration of validity for the IDs are:

• Flyer’s ID: 5 Years
• Operator’s ID: 1 Year

7. What is the cost of the application of the various IDs?

The cost of application for the IDs is as follows:

• Flyer’s ID: Free
• Operator’s ID: £9 Annually

8. What are some resources that will help me to gain more insight into this sector?

Several applications and websites are available from which you can gather useful information about operating drones. They include:

• Coverdrone FlySafe: With this free application, you can view the best route plans that will simplify your drone’s journey. You will get the safest and quickest paths of travel to undertake.
• NATS Drone Website: On this website, the A to Z of flying drones is present in a comprehensive manner.
• Tesla Magnetic Field Recorder: Magnetic fields are a major threat for drones. They are capable of sabotaging the drone’s operations. Hence, this recorder will help you detect magnetic fields and avoid them effectively.
• AirMap: The legal aspects of flying a drone are covered thoroughly here. All the rules and regulations pertaining to airspace movement is available at this one-stop destination.
• UAV Forecast: Weather is one of the make-or-break aspects involved in operating your drone. This tool will help you analyse the weather pattern and ensure that you are not flying under dangerous conditions.

Wrapping It Up

An extensive set of rules governs drone flying and all the other operations associated with this activity. These regulations undergo periodic amendments and modifications as per the CAA’s instructions.

This guide encompasses all the major terms and identity requirements that you must be aware of to fly the drone conveniently. Multiple resources and eligibility criteria have also been covered in this manual. With this information, flying drones can be a cakewalk for you!