The UK Open category: A1, A2 and A3 explained

Everyone starts in the Open category — basic, low-risk flying, no authorisation needed. It splits into three sub-categories based on your drone's class mark or weight. Whichever one you're in, the universal rules apply: keep the drone in direct sight, stay below 120m (400ft), stay out of restricted airspace, don't drop anything, and follow the Drone Code.

A1 — Over People

For UK0/UK1 (or C0/C1) class drones, or legacy drones under 250g. The freest flying in the UK: you can fly in residential, recreational, commercial and industrial areas, closer than 50m to people, and even briefly over uninvolved people — but never over crowds.

A2 — Near People

For UK2 (or C2) class drones flown by pilots who hold an A2 Certificate of Competence. It lets a mid-weight drone operate closer to people than A3 allows. Without the A2 CofC, a UK2 drone must fly in A3 instead.

A3 — Far From People

For UK2, UK3 and UK4 (or C2–C4) class drones, or legacy drones under 25kg. The strictest sub-category: no closer than 50m to uninvolved people, no flying over them, at least 150m from residential, recreational, commercial or industrial areas, and 50m from individual isolated buildings.

Two more rules worth knowing

Flying at night requires a green flashing light on the aircraft. Insurance is optional for recreational flying but third-party insurance is mandatory for commercial work.