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2026 Flight Registration requirements in the UK
In the UK, the registration requirements for flying radio-controlled (RC) model aircraft outdoors depend on the weight of your aircraft and whether it has a camera. The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) governs these regulations under the Drone and Model Aircraft Registration and Education Scheme (DMARES).
The requirements are split into two separate IDs:
1. Flyer ID (Proof of Competency) (Shows you are aware of the rules)
The Flyer ID is required for anyone piloting the aircraft.
- When it is required: If your model aircraft weighs 100g or more.
- How to get it: You must pass a free, 20-question multiple-choice online theory test based on the CAA Drone and Model Aircraft Code. This can be attempted multiple times.
- Cost & Validity: It is free (£0) and valid for 5 years.
- Age Limit: Children under 13 must take the test with a parent or guardian present.
2. Operator ID (Owner Registration)
The Operator ID is required for the person or organization responsible for managing the aircraft.
- When it is required: If your model aircraft weighs 250g or more, OR if it weighs 100g to 249g and features a camera.
- Labelling: You must clearly label your Operator ID on your aircraft. The same Operator ID covers all model aircraft you own.
- Cost & Validity: There is a small fee and must be renewed annually.
- Age Limit: You must be 18 years or older to get an Operator ID. If the pilot is under 18, a parent or guardian must register for the Operator ID.
Summary Checklist by Aircraft Weight
| Aircraft Weight | Flyer ID Required? | Operator ID Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Under 100g (No camera) | No (Recommended) | No |
| 100g to 249g (No camera) | Yes | No |
| 100g to 249g (With camera) | Yes | Yes |
| 250g to 7.5kg | Yes | Yes |
Additional Rules to Keep in Mind
- Remote ID (RID): For aircraft requiring Remote ID (depending on class and markings), it must be active during flight. Legacy and homebuilt models have a transition period until January 1, 2028 to add this feature.
- Club Exemptions: If you are a member of a recognized association like the British Model Flying Association (BMFA) or FPV UK, you can often take your competency test through their portal, and they can handle your CAA registration automatically.
- Flying Limits: Standard Open Category flights are restricted to a maximum altitude of 120m (400ft) above ground level and must maintain a direct visual line of sight. If you fly at a local flying club, they can raise this restriction to higher altitudes. Please check with your local club for their site rules.
Make sure you are legal to fly BEFORE you fly. You can take the test on the Civil Aviation Authority website. Click here to access the site.
New to RC planes?
Ready to Fly (RTF) arrives built with radio and battery included — charge and go. Almost Ready to Fly (ARTF) needs your own radio gear, motor or battery fitted. Kits you build from balsa or foam for the full hobby experience.
New to flying? Start with a Beginner trainer — high-wing, self-righting and forgiving of a heavy hand. Intermediate models suit pilots comfortable with basic aerobatics. Advanced aircraft (warbirds, 3D aerobatic and EDF jets) fly fast and unforgiving — not the first plane to solo on.
Common questions
What's the difference between RTF, ARTF and a kit?
Ready to Fly (RTF) arrives built, with radio and battery included — charge and go. Almost Ready to Fly (ARTF) varies: PNP comes with everything except radio gear and batteries. Other ARTF may require some assembly and glueing, as well as everything to get it up flying — servos, your choice of power package and radio gear. Kits you build from balsa or foam yourself, for the full hobby experience.
What skill level should I start with?
New to flying? Start with a Trainer — high-wing, much more stable in the air, lots of lift and hard to stall. Aerobatic models suit pilots who want to do aerobatics, from mild to extreme options. Depending on the model these can stall more easily and can't take a hard landing. Sports models are an entry-level aerobatic model, much more forgiving. EDF jets need to be flown fast due to their low wing loading, which makes them much more twitchy to fly. With no propeller to help slow the aircraft down, jets land fast, so tend to need flaps to slow them down — this requires more programming on the radio. Warbird models fly more to scale and are harder to take off and land. They're more prone to stalling, so need to be flown faster than a trainer or sports model. Some have four-blade propellers, which cause more torque steer — something to be careful of when taking off.
Do I need to buy anything else to fly?
An RTF model needs nothing extra beyond a charge. An ARTF needs a radio transmitter/receiver and usually a battery and charger fitted before its first flight — see "You'll also need" above.
What is an EDF jet?
EDF stands for Electric Ducted Fan — a shrouded fan spun by an electric motor stands in for a real jet engine, giving scale jets like our F-15s and F-18s realistic looks and speed without the complexity of a turbine.