Drone users.

[Skyliner33]

Well as I have a drone I have just been looking at the new 'code' regarding the new rules that came into effect on 1st Jan 2026.

The Drone Code

Now you have to get a Flyer ID as well as the operator ID.

To get that you need to pass a (pretty easy) TEST.

If you abide by all these rules it pretty much negates being able to fly anywhere I would want to. Might as well put it in the bin.

 

[Sasquatch]

I own a part share in a firm that does drone surveying for developers, archaeologists, oil/gas companies, etc, but never flown one myself.

Years of people titting about with them have brought things to a head, so in typical government fashion they're punishing the law abiding while the dodgy twits will carry on breaking the new laws the same way they did the old ones.

 

[Dave A]

I own a part share in a firm that does drone surveying for developers, archaeologists, oil/gas companies, etc, but never flown one myself.

Years of people titting about with them have brought things to a head, so in typical government fashion they're punishing the law abiding while the dodgy twits will carry on breaking the new laws the same way they did the old ones.

It won't stop them flying phones and drugs in to the two prisons near me.

 

[Sasquatch]

Imdeed. The government dont seem to understand that if people are already breaking one law then introducing another law for them to also break won't change a thing.

"Ooh, a new law! We'd better go straight." Said no criminal anywhere ever.

 

[TopCatUK]

I get why the changes have been made, I fly in military helicopters for a living and the amount of near misses and proxes in the last two years has increased dramatically.

Those who break the rules always will, but that shouldn’t stop there being better education and requirements being bought in.

 

[Badjamin]

I have flyer ID and operator ID and have got myself pretty proficient with mine now. I was pondering going into a drone profession of some sort as I really like flying it and am likely to be out of a job some time soon.

I think the new regs changes are reasonable though.

 

[Huba]

I thought I would check my CAA account as seen the headlines. I already have a Flyer ID and cant really see anything significant has changed for the sub 250g that I occasionally fly. I already follow the rules, but I'm a wuss

As has been said above, people often ignore the rules and that will continue to do so. You only have look at the thousands of videos on youtube to see that.

I live next to a RAF base so am particular aware of checking the easily available drone maps before launching.

 

[Skyliner33]

Some mistakes in my OP sorry.

 

[archersam]

Other than a green light I don't recall anything significant affecting sub 250g drones. Now of course the green light is likely to make the drone +250g which is daft and I wont bother adhering to +250g rules because of an led light. Most mini 5's out of the box already weigh over 250g LOL

 

[Sackmycook]

I have flyer ID and operator ID and have got myself pretty proficient with mine now. I was pondering going into a drone profession of some sort as I really like flying it and am likely to be out of a job some time soon.

I hear the Ukrainian Army are looking for people with your skills....

 

[Badjamin]

I hear the Ukrainian Army are looking for people with your skills....

I'd be well up for that but only for destroying munitions and inanimates