What Is Drone Open Category | Explained For Drone Pilots

If you're flying a drone for fun or basic commercial work, you're likely operating in the Open Category. This framework allows for low-risk flights without prior authorization, but it isn't a free-for-all.

To ensure you're flying legally, you must first determine which of the three distinct subcategories your operation falls under.

What Is Drone Open Category?

Because it's built for low-risk drone operations, the Open Category is the regulatory framework you'll use for most recreational and basic commercial flying in the UK and EU. This classification system simplifies the rules for flights that don't pose a significant danger to people, property, or other drones.

It’s designed as the standard, default category for most drone pilots. If your planned flight fits within its defined limits, you won't need to seek prior operational authorization from aviation authorities before you take off, which streamlines your entire flying process.

The Open Category is one of three main regulatory structures. For more complex operations, you'd look to the Specific Category, which covers moderate-risk flights, or the Certified Category, reserved for high-risk activities similar to manned aviation. For the vast majority of consumer drone users, however, you'll find the Open Category's rules are all you need to follow.

To fly in the Open Category, drone operations must meet all of these conditions

To ensure your flight qualifies for the Open Category, you must meet all of the following conditions. First, your drone's maximum take-off mass (MTOM) can't be more than 25 kg. You’re also required to keep the drone within your visual line of sight (VLOS) at all times.

This means you must be able to see the drone without any help from binoculars or video goggles to maintain full awareness of its location and surroundings.

Furthermore, you can't fly your drone higher than 120 meters (about 400 feet) above the nearest point on the earth’s surface. It's crucial that you avoid flying over any assemblies of people. You’re also prohibited from carrying dangerous goods or dropping any items from your drone during flight. Meeting every single one of these rules is non-negotiable for your operation to remain in the Open Category.

Drone Open Category Has 3 subcategories

The Open category isn't a single set of rules; it's divided into the A1, A2, and A3 subcategories. The main difference between them is how close you're allowed to fly to people. A1 lets you fly over people, A2 is for flying close to people, and A3 requires you to stay far away from them.

A1 - Fly over people

When operating in the A1 subcategory, you're allowed to fly over uninvolved people, but not over assemblies of people. This subcategory is specifically designed for the lightest, lowest-risk drones, giving you more operational freedom.

For these flights, you must use a drone that weighs less than 250g, or one that has a specific C0 or C1 class marking. The main rule to remember is avoiding “assemblies of people.” This means you can't fly over dense crowds where individuals can't easily move away to avoid a falling drone.

For example, flying over a few people on a city street is permissible, but flying over a packed festival or stadium is not. Your drone's low weight is what makes this subcategory possible.

A2 - Fly close to people

With a C2 class drone, you're permitted to fly horizontally within 30 meters of uninvolved people. If your C2 drone has a slow-speed mode, you can safely reduce this distance down to just 5 meters.

For older “legacy” drones that weigh under 2kg, you're required to maintain a 50-meter horizontal distance from people at all times.

A3 - Fly far from people

Flying in the A3 subcategory means you're operating far from people. This subcategory is for drone operations that pose the lowest risk, primarily because you're flying in areas where you don't expect to find anyone who isn't involved in the flight. Think wide-open spaces like empty fields or deserted coastlines.

The main rule you'll need to follow is simple: you must maintain a safe horizontal distance of at least 150 meters from any residential, commercial, industrial, or recreational areas. Essentially, if there's a place where people might gather—a park, a building, a neighbourhood—you can't fly near it. This restriction ensures that even in the unlikely event of an incident, uninvolved people on the ground won't be in danger.

Basic Requirements

To fly in the Open category, you'll need to meet a few basic requirements. First, if your drone is heavier than 250g or has a camera, you must register as a drone operator with the CAA.

Upon successful registration, you'll receive a unique Operator ID number. It's crucial that you clearly display this ID on every drone you operate. This registration directly links the drone back to you, the responsible operator.

Next, all drone pilots must pass an online theoretical test to obtain a Flyer ID. This test confirms you understand the fundamental rules for flying safely and legally. Finally, remember that you always maintain full responsibility for your flight operations. It’s your job to ensure every flight you conduct is safe and fully compliant with all current regulations. Your diligence is absolutely essential to keeping the skies safe for everyone involved.

2026 Changes

As the rules for the Open category evolve, several key changes are set to take effect on January 1, 2026. You’ll need to familiarize yourself with these updates to stay compliant.

First, the UK is introducing new UK class marks (UK0-UK6) for drones sold under the Open category. Certain classes will require you to broadcast your drone's location and registration via Remote ID. The registration threshold is also dropping.

If your camera-equipped drone weighs 100g or more, you'll need both a Flyer ID and an Operator ID. This replaces the old 250g threshold. For those with legacy or EU-class drones, you can continue to operate them under transitional rules.

However, these provisions expire on December 31, 2027, so it's vital you plan for what comes next for your specific drone. This gives you a clear window to adapt your equipment and operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ensure Your Open Category Project is Safe and Compliant

Understanding the Open Category's A1, A2, and A3 subcategories is essential for legal drone flights, but ensuring every project adheres to these specific distance and weight rules can be challenging. This is where professional expertise becomes invaluable. HireDronePilot solves this problem by connecting you with pilots who are fully vetted and knowledgeable about current CAA regulations.

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