Drone Training Calculator

Not every drone pilot needs a drone licence. Under UK drone laws, this depends on the drone you have and where you plan to fly it.

A drone licence can be applicable for both commercial and recreational pilots. However, there are cases where a licence is not required, for instance, if you are flying far away from people.

There are two types of drone qualifications in the UK: The A2 CofC and the GVC, which allows you to apply for an Operational Authorisation. These are commonly referred to as a drone licence.

The A2 CofC is for operations within the Open Category.

The Operational Authorisation is for operations in the Specific Category. Completing a GVC drone training course makes you eligible to apply for an Operational Authorisation.

The A2 CofC drone licence course with heliguy™ is £149.50.

The GVC drone licence course with heliguy™ is £699.50. A £253 fee to the CAA applies when applying for an Operational Authorisation.

Find out which drone training you need with our drone licence calculator.

As of the time of writing, there is no hobbyist drone licence n the UK.

Whether or not you'll need some form of qualification depends on the circumstances of your flight - how far you are from uninvolved people and built up areas - and the weight of your drone.

No, not necessarily. A drone licence is not dictated by commercial or recreational flights. The deciding factors are the weight of your drone and where you plan to fly it.

In some cases, you could fly commercially without obtaining a licence: For example, taking commercial photographs while operating in the A3 subcategory (far from people) or commercial work with a DJI Mini drone while operating in the A1 subcategory (fly over people, but not crowds).

Most drone users will need to register with the CAA, regardless of whether or not they have a drone licence.

The only times that registration does not apply are:

• toys below 250g

• drone below 250g with no camera.

Drones under 250g do not require a drone licence to fly in the UK. 

You could also fly any DJI drone that weights between 250g and 25kg without a drone licence - but you will be restricted to flights far from people.

No. Following Brexit, drone pilots need to re-do the A2 CofC or GVC in the EU member state they wish to fly. However, once you have an A2 CofC or GVC in one EU member state, this is valid throughout EU countries.

It is important to note that drone pilots can still operate in an EU member state in the A1 (sub 250g drone only) or A3 Subcategories of the Open Category without a drone licence, provided that they meet the necessary requirements, including registration in accordance to that country's drone registration requirements.

There is no age limit for a UK drone licence.

However, the Accountable Manager must be aged 18+ to apply for an Operational Authorisation for the Specific Category.