New drone rules for 2026

By | January 2, 2026

New Drone rules came into 2026 see how it effects you flying off site

The drone map

For those of you who Fly Drones outside the club environments. This new drone Map shows NOTAM information.

What’s new:

Class marks and new product standards

Class marks and new product standards will be introduced and make it easier to know what your UAS can do and where it can fly. Operators using class marked aircraft will have more freedom under simpler rules.

Green flashing light at night

If you fly a drone or model aircraft at night, your aircraft must have a green flashing light fitted and turned on for operations at night.

Flyer ID for flying aircraft weighing 100g or more

Anyone flying a drone or model aircraft weighing over 100g or more will need to pass the test to get a Flyer ID.

Remote ID

All UK class marked drones (UK1, UK2, UK3, UK5 and UK6) will need to broadcast their Operator’s Remote ID and information when flying.
From 1 January 2028, this will become a requirement for legacy drones (non-UK class marked), model aircraft and privately built drones.

Market surveillance authority for UAS

The CAA will take on the role of the UK’s new UAS Market Surveillance Authority (MSA). The authority will be responsible for checking that all UAS available in the UK meet safety standards and will be able to take action where they don’t.

As our skies get busier, and drone technology advances, these changes will help to keep everyone safe and secure, strengthening public confidence for the future of our exciting and growing sector.

The CAA website has been updated to reflect these changes and provide further stakeholder guidance for each of these areas.

Regards,

UAS Regulatory Review Project Team
UK Civil Aviation Authority