I think you’re over thinking it. In terms of which drones ‘qualify’ for which category, not a lot has changed.
Currently:
To fly in the A2 category you need to have either a drone with no class mark that’s under 2kg and an A2 CofC or a drone with a C2 class mark and an A2 CofC
Under the new rules from January 1st:
To fly in the “Near People (A2)” category you need to have either a drone with no class mark that’s under 2kg and an A2 CofC or a drone with a UK2 or C2 class mark and an A2 CofC.
If your drone or model aircraft has a C class mark on it, the manufacturer has declared that it meets the European class standards. You can fly a C class drone as if it is the corresponding UK class drone until 31 December 2027. For example, you can fly a C1 class drone as if it is a UK1 class drone.
I am not sure this is correct. My understanding is that European class markings will only have relevance in the UK between 1 January 2026 and 31 December 2027. Currently and for the next eleven days, the rules are essentially based on weight.
Remember that the CAA’s website is now primarily showing the rules as from 1 January 2026.
Apologies, yes you’re right… I’ve clearly blocked Brexit from my brain and was just thinking of the EASA regs.
Goes to show though. The great benefits of Brexit… it’s taken us six years to get back to almost exactly the same place as we were looking forward to back in 2019.
You might be right about overthinking but when it seems everyone and specifically me can fly a 4kg drone that is basically a flying lawn mower within 5 meters of people i want to make sure all my ducks are in a row.
If a mini hits someone then chances are no real damage, maybe some scratches etc. If something many times it’s mass hits someone then im pretty sure ambulances, hospitals and insurance claims will follow.
They took 21 grams out of the 3T with the battery and props to get it into C1.
The Mavic 4 Pro is 1063 grams so they 'd need to take 164 grams out of that to make it C1
With the limits of C2 in the UK (post 1 Jan 26) being 4kg and down to 5m separation in slow speed I can’t see them trying too hard for the small UK market.
I ordered some UID labels for my Air3S and it had an option to add UK1 class labels. I added them to the order and have them so on Jan 1 28 i am going to put them on and go fly A1
if i get arrested i guess its not allowed, if i don’t it must be ok so i can keep flying the 3S
I’m fiddling with the conroller upgrade to comply with reg’s then using the controller to apply.
It’s c2 rated out of the factory with original batteries.
The weird thing is the props. According to the regs i’ve read. ‘Low noise’ props must be installed, they are the same part number as the high altitude props.
Ian, I’ve watched a few of your videos and do find them very helpful so thought I would ask you for what is a confusing point. With the new changes happening from Jan 1st I saw one video where a new change is that VLOS is now going to need a spotter with you at all times as the new rules state you have to fly looking at the aircraft and not the controller which to me sound ludicrous. Have I got this right or wrong? Thanks Ian
Its reasonable and expected that you can look at both the screen and the drone switching between both, otherwise every flight ever would need 2 poeple, but the VLOS is tightening so needs to be always in good clear view of the pilot. Ian also says this in one of his videos I watched.
I s it just a prop change? No battery changes required?