Do I need a licence to fly a drone in public?

Question

If I practice flying a drone in a public park not over gardens or using the camera for looking into windows do I need a licence?

Answer 1

Skykam has provided a summary of UK regulations for 2023:

1. Drone operators must be at least 12 years old to fly independently
2. Drones are not permitted to fly higher than 400 feet (120 meters)
3. Operators must maintain a line of sight with their drone at all times
4. Permission is required before flying in restricted airspace
5. Do not fly your drone within a 5-kilometer radius of airports.
6. A minimum distance of 50 meters must be maintained from uninvolved persons (Drones below 250 grams are permitted to fly closer and over people)
7. Drones weighing 250 grams or more must be operated at least 150 meters away from parks, industrial areas, residential zones, and other built-up locations.
8. If a drone is equipped with a camera, the operator must register for an Operator ID with the CAA.
9. Insurance is mandatory for commercial drone use.
10. Compliance with these regulations is required during both daytime and nighttime operations.

So...

• If your drone has a camera, then Yes, you will need a flyer ID. This isn't a licence as such, and is free, but does involve a theory test.
• If your drone weighs 250g or more, then you can't use it in a park.