New drone regulation in the UK. How it works from January.
- Aviation Eagle
- 3 hours ago
- 2 min read
From January 1st, 2026, the new CAP2320 drone regulation has been ratified, establishing new rules for the use of drones with a mass EQUAL to or GREATERa 100g.
How is the new drone regulation in the UK constituted?
Flyer ID Requirement: Now required for anyone piloting a drone with a mass of 100g or more. This means that drones previously considered "exempt" (such as many custom-built FPV drones or 150g micro-drones) now require passing the CAA theoretical test.
Operator ID Requirement: If the drone weighs at least 100g and is equipped with a camera, the owner must register as an operator (£11.79/year) and display their ID code on the frame.
The UK0-UK6 Class Marking System
One of the pillars of the new regulation is the final introduction of National Class Markings. Every drone sold or operated in the territory must now fall into a specific category that defines its capabilities and operational limits:
Transmission Standards: Drones belonging to higher classes (UK1-UK6) must be equipped with active identification systems.
Technical Requirements: Each class imposes specifications on weight, maximum speed, and height limitation systems, ensuring that every aircraft is certified for the environment in which it flies.
The Remote ID (RID) Requirement
The most significant technological innovation concerns Remote ID. This system acts as a "digital license plate" for the drone, constantly transmitting vital data during flight.
Data Transmitted: The system communicates the drone's GPS position, altitude, heading, and the operator ID.
Monitoring: Authorities can now identify aircraft in flight in real-time, drastically improving coordination with general aviation and emergency services.
Legacy Drones: For drones without integrated RID, the installation of certified external modules is required to allow the continuation of safe operations.
Flashing Green Light for Night Flight
Under the new drone regulation in the UK, to improve situational awareness, the installation of a high-intensity flashing green light will be mandatory on all drones operating after sunset. This specific color scheme was chosen to avoid confusion with the navigation lights of manned aircraft, facilitating the immediate identification of the type of craft in the night airspace.
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