How to Fly a Sub-250g Drone in the UK

If you are interested in flying a sub-250g drone in the UK, such as the popular DJI Mini series, you might be wondering what kind of training and regulations you need to follow. In this Sky Eye Imagery post, we will provide you with the basic information course that covers the essential aspects of flying a sub-250g drone in the UK legally and safely.

What is a Sub-250g Drone?

A sub-250g drone is a drone that weighs less than 250 grams, including the battery and any attachments (such as filters and propeller guards). These drones are usually small, lightweight, and easy to fly, making them ideal for beginners and hobbyists. Some examples of sub-250g drones are:

• DJI Mini 3 Pro
• Autel Evo Nano Plus
• DJI Mini 2
• Autel Evo Nano
• DJI Mini SE
• Hubsan Zino Mini Pro
• Holy Stone HS510

Why is the Drone Weight Important?

The weight of your drone determines what category of drone flying you fall into, according to the UK drone laws that came into effect on December 31st, 2020. These laws are based on the risk of the flight, where you fly, the proximity to other people, and the size and weight of your drone.

The three categories of drone flying are:

• Open: for low-risk flights, such as flying a lightweight drone in the countryside.
• Specific: for higher-risk flights, such as flying a heavier drone over an urban area. You need an operating approval to fly in this category.
• Certified: for large drones that have to meet specific safety certifications, similar to aircraft.

Sub-250g drones fall into the Open category, which means they have fewer restrictions and requirements than heavier drones. However, this does not mean you can fly them anywhere and anyhow you want. You still need to follow some rules and regulations to ensure you are flying legally and safely.

What Do You Need to Fly a Sub-250g Drone in the UK?

To fly a sub-250g drone in the UK, you need to:

• Be at least 12 years old to fly independently.
• Register as an operator with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) if your drone has a camera (unless it is a toy). This costs £10 and has to be renewed annually. You will get an Operator ID that you need to affix to your drone.
• Pass a free online test and get a Flyer ID from the CAA if your drone weighs 250g or more. This is valid for five years. You will learn valuable information on flying your drone safely and responsibly.
• Read and understand the user manual of your drone.
• Check the weather conditions and airspace restrictions before you fly.
• Follow the Drone and Model Aircraft Code, which outlines the key rules and advice for flying your drone.

What are the Key Rules for Flying a Sub-250g Drone in the UK?

When flying a sub-250g drone in the UK, you must:

• Never fly higher than 400 feet (120 meters) above the surface.
• Always keep your drone in sight and under your control.
• Never fly in an airport’s flight restriction zone unless you have permission.
• Do not fly within 50 meters of people, vehicles, buildings, or structures that are not under your control (unless they are part of your flight).
• Do not fly over crowds or large gatherings of people.
• Do not fly near military bases, prisons, power stations, or other sensitive areas.
• Respect the privacy of others and avoid capturing images or videos of them without their consent.
• Have insurance if you are using your drone for commercial purposes.

Our half day Drone & UAV Pilot Training Course will help to give you added confidence in drone operations. We will examine how weather, nearby aircraft, restriction zones and hazards can be avoided for a safe flight.

How to Fly a Sub-250g Drone in the UK: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you know what you need and what rules you need to follow to fly a sub-250g drone in the UK, let’s go through a step-by-step guide on how to fly one safely and enjoyably.

Step 1: Choose a Suitable Drone Launch Location

The first step is to choose a suitable location for your flight. Ideally, you want to find a wide-open space away from people, buildings, roads, and other obstacles. You also want to avoid flying near airports, restricted airspace, or no-fly zones. You can use apps like Drone Assist or NATS Drone Portal to check for any airspace restrictions or hazards in your area.

Step 2: Check the Weather Conditions

The second step is to check the weather conditions before you fly. You want to avoid flying in strong winds, rain, snow, fog, or low visibility. These can affect your drone’s performance, stability, battery life, and safety. You also want to avoid flying in extreme temperatures, as they can damage your drone’s components. You can use apps like UAV Forecast or Windy to check the weather conditions and forecasts in your area.

Step 3: Prepare Your Drone and Controller

The third step is to prepare your drone and controller for the flight. You want to make sure your drone’s battery is fully charged and inserted correctly. You also want to make sure your controller’s battery is sufficient and paired with your drone. You want to check your drone’s propellers, motors, sensors, camera, and gimbal for any damage or dirt. You also want to check your drone’s settings, such as the flight mode, return-to-home function, obstacle avoidance, and geofencing. You want to make sure your drone has a valid Operator ID affixed to it if it has a camera.

Step 4: Perform a Pre-Flight Check

The fourth step is to perform a pre-flight check before you take off. You want to make sure there are no people, animals, vehicles, or objects within your take-off and landing area. You also want to make sure there are no overhead wires, trees, or other obstacles that could interfere with your flight. You want to make sure you have a clear line of sight with your drone at all times. You also want to make sure you have a good GPS signal and enough satellites for a stable flight.

Step 5: Take Off and Fly

The fifth step is to take off and fly your drone. You want to follow the instructions in your user manual on how to take off and land your drone safely. You also want to follow the rules and advice in the Drone and Model Aircraft Code on how to fly your drone responsibly. You want to keep your drone within 400 feet (120 meters) of altitude and within 500 meters of horizontal distance from you. You also want to keep your drone away from people, buildings, vehicles, and other drones. You want to monitor your drone’s battery level, speed, altitude, distance, and orientation at all times. You also want to be prepared to react to any emergencies or unexpected situations that may arise during your flight.

Step 6: Land and Retrieve Your Drone

The sixth and final step is to land and retrieve your drone. You want to follow the instructions in your user manual on how to land your drone safely. You also want to follow the rules and advice in the Drone and Model Aircraft Code on how to land your drone respectfully. You want to avoid landing on private property, roads, or other places where you could cause damage or disturbance. You also want to avoid landing near people, animals, vehicles, or other drones. You want to retrieve your drone as soon as possible after landing and turn it off. You also want to remove the battery and store it in a safe place.

Remember, flying a sub-250g drone in the UK can be fun and rewarding, but it also comes with responsibilities and risks. By following the rules and regulations outlined in this guide, you can ensure you are flying legally and safely, while respecting the rights and privacy of others.

Our half day Drone & UAV Pilot Training Course will help to give you added confidence in drone operations. We will examine how weather, nearby aircraft, restriction zones and hazards can be avoided for a safe flight.