My stepdaughter is getting married this month. The venue is within EMA FRZ. I have asked East Mids for permission to fly within the FRZ. I’ve had a reply saying they require a copy of my Operational Authorisation issued by the CAA 
I would only be flying my Mini 3 Pro, max height of around 20m around the hotel gardens. Anyone know whether this Operational Authorisation is a legal requirement for sub 250gm drones ?
As far as I know, (might have changed since my GVC, but don’t think so), the Operation Authorisation is only available if you’ve got the GVC (or previous PfCO). I should contact them again and let them know exactly what you’ll be doing, and when and where you’ll be doing it.
You can fly a M3P with an OA, but you don’t need it.
You will be flying a drone within the open category and also weighing less than 250 grams. That gives you a fair amount of freedom although treat people with courtesy and respect privacy 
Explain to East Midlands that you are not a professional drone operator or photographer but “merely” the father of the bride using a sub 250gram hobbyist drone.
The Open Category - Subcategories A1 - A3
The Open Category is further divided into three subcategories, stipulating where, what and how you can fly:
A1 Subcategory - Fly Over People
This category is for drones which pose the least risk, due to their weight and other factors.
Drones such as the DJI Mavic Mini, Mini 2, and Mini 3 Pro can be operated in this subcategory.
Operating Area
- No flights within restricted airspace (Restricted Areas, Danger Areas, FRZs) without relevant permission.
- Flight permitted within residential, commercial, industrial and recreational areas.
Separation from uninvolved people
- Drones with sub-250g flying weight (such as Mini 3 Pro, Mini 2 and Mavic Mini): No flight over crowds.
- A1 Transitional drones (less than 500g, such as DJI Mavic Air and Spark): No intentional flight over uninvolve
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It’s not. Did you let them know you were planning on flying a sub 250gm drone?
I shoot weddings for a living and use a mini 3 pro, done several in FRZ’s and have never been asked for a OA yet.
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I’ve emailed them back emphasising that this is strictly a non professional thing, for my stepdaughter to provide a unique memento of her wedding day. I’ve attached a screenshot off Google Maps with the area I would be flying in highlighted, a copy of my OP ID and a copy of my insurance. Told them I’m flying in the Open Category ( as opposed to the Specific Category) The drone I’m using and is ( hopefully) a recreational flight)
Awaiting an email off them now 
Quick update, I’ve just had a reply asking me to provide a mobile phone number I can be contacted on, just in case ATC need to ask me to land my drone. I’ve supplied both mine and my wife’s. So hopeful now I might get the permission to fly, so DJI Flysafe can unlock the zone for me.
You’ll also find your answer here John @JockyB
Update, permission received from East Midlands ATC. I think initially they were under the impression I was doing this professionally ( even though I explained to them it was the stepdaughter who is getting married ) Only asked for a half hour window to complete the flight and this has been granted
Did you ask the weather gods for the same half hour (weather) window? Were they as obliging? 
(Hopefully they, too, oblige on the day. 
)
I’m praying to the gods of the weather that the day will be just right for flying. ( Can’t see the venue allowing wedding guests to come back at some indetermined date in the future to recreate the wedding pics / vids )
Fingers and toes crossed that it’s just fine
It’s not unheard of
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Where about on the drone do I need to put my flyer ID? please
Have a look here Jay
Thanks for the link, think I will go with the Sharpie. Haven’t had any luck with Dymo labels, they seem to eventually come off. When I get back home to Australia after my holiday then I can remove the sharpie number.
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Jay, the number can be inside the battery compartment - the law requires a number that can be seen without special tools, they are perfectly happy with a label that can be seen once a battery is removed.
Saves marking your aircraft with a sharpie and possible damage to the plastic depending on the substance used to remove the marking 
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Great, thanks for that info. I will mark it inside the battery compartment. Hadn’t attacked my drone yet with a sharpie.
Nothing to keep you making your phone number extremely visible on the outside. In case something bad happens (god forbid), an honest person would call it.
I had these printed, about 80 (I have a LOT of aircraft) for seven pounds total to my design - off eBay. If anyone is interested I’ll dig out the address
Just out of curiosity, how is the actual drone (aircraft) CAA registered? Isn’t it just the individual who is registered with the CAA with an Operator ID.
Or is it different for the likes of commercial operators?