January 2026: New CAA rules.
New CAA rules came into force on January 1st 2026 and apply to drone and model aircraft operations.
Class marks and new product standards
Class marks and new product standards will be introduced and make it easier to know what your UAS can do and where it can fly. Operators using class marked aircraft will have more freedom under simpler rules.
Green flashing light at night
If you fly a drone or model aircraft at night, your aircraft must have a green flashing light fitted and turned on for operations at night.
Flyer ID for flying aircraft weighing 100g or more
Anyone flying a drone or model aircraft weighing over 100g or more will need to pass the test to get a Flyer ID.
Remote ID
All UK class marked drones (UK1, UK2, UK3, UK5 and UK6) will need to broadcast their Operator’s Remote ID and information when flying. {Ed: Be aware, drones only at the moment but see next paragraph – this will be interesting!!!}
From 1 January 2028, this will become a requirement for legacy drones (non-UK class marked), model aircraft and privately built drones.
Market surveillance authority for UAS
The CAA will take on the role of the UK’s new UAS Market Surveillance Authority (MSA). The authority will be responsible for checking that all UAS available in the UK meet safety standards and will be able to take action where they don’t.