After a bumpy false start, the CAA has announced The UK’s new Drone and Model Aircraft Registration and Education Service will go live on 5 November 2019. You will not be required or able to register before this date, but you must register by law from 30 November 2019 if you own and/or fly a Drone or Model Aircraft.
There are two elements to the Registration and Education service which are:
- Anyone responsible for a drone or unmanned aircraft (including model aircraft) weighing between 250g and 20kg will need to register as an (SUA) operator
- The cost for this will be £9 and needs to be paid annually.
- Anyone flying a drone or unmanned aircraft (including model aircraft) weighing between 250g and 20kg will need to take and pass an online education package.
- This is free and renewable every three years.
On the 5 November 2019 this will go live and you will be able to register via https://Register-drones.caa.co.uk
For holders of current CAA permissions (PfCO) or exemptions for drone operations
Remote pilots flying in accordance with a permission (PfCO), exemption or operational authorisation that has been issued to a named UAS operator by the CAA will be exempt from having to undertake the online education training and test. (this is the FREE part of the registration)
Where a UK model aircraft association already has an established and CAA reviewed ‘competency scheme’ and you are a member who holds an appropriate achievement certificate or award (such as the BMFA ‘A’ certificate) you will also be exempt from having to undertake the FREE online education training and test.
If you aren't covered under the two points above you will have to take the FREE online test.
If you are asked to demonstrate competence if challenged (for example by the police) the CAA will be issuing a formal exemption that can be used alongside existing permissions and/or certificates. The CAA will release an exemption that will be in place until 30 June 2020, when new regulations are expected.
For members of ARPAS-UK, British Model Flying Association (BMFA), Scottish Aeromodellers’ Association (SAA), Large Model Association (LMA) and FPV UK
Members of ARPAS-UK, BMFA, SAA, LMA and FPV UK will not need to register as an operator with the CAA system if you are a current member of these associations.
With permission, the associations will collect the registration fee from members directly and supply their data to the CAA. This will take place initially by 31 January 2020 and an exemption from the need to register will be put in place by 30 November to cover association members until then.
If you are a member of any of the above associations, please visit their respected websites for further detailed guidance.
How will the Drone Registration and Education Scheme work?
The requirement to complete the registration will only be for Operators flying aircraft between 250fg- 20kg that are used outdoors.
There are three parts that may be applicable to you, they are:
You must:
- Pass an online test to get a flyer ID (FREE - Renewed every 3 years)
- if you want to fly ANY drone or model aircraft over 250g but less than 20kg
- Register for an operator ID (PAY £9 ANNUALLY)
- if you’re responsible for a drone or model aircraft
- Label any drones and model aircraft with your Operator ID
How do I get my FREE Remote Pilot Flyer ID?
Anyone who wants to fly a drone or model aircraft must pass an online theory test on flying safely and legally (Unless you hold a permission, exemption or are part of a registered association - see above).
The test has 20 multiple-choice questions and the pass mark is 16. You can take the test as many times as you need - See our FREE ICARUS 1 Course to help with the learning or you can find all of the knowledge needed to pass the test is in a new Drone and Model Aircraft Code.
When you pass the test, you’ll get a flyer ID, which acts as your acknowledgement of competency as a remote pilot from the CAA.
Terms & Conditions of the Remote Pilot Registration
Minimum age: None, but children under 13 can only register with a parent or guardian present
Registration period: 3 years
Fee: Free
How do I get my Operator ID if I own or am responsible for an aircraft?
If you own or are responsible for a drone or model aircraft, and you are 18 or over then you will need to register as an operator.
When you register, you’ll get an operator ID with your certificate of registration. You must display your operator ID on your drones and model aircraft.
You can use the same operator ID for all your drones and model aircraft.
You must be aged 18 or over to be an operator.
Terms & Conditions of the Operator Registration
Minimum age: 18
Registration period: 1 year
Fee: Currently £9 annually
Summary
From the 5th November 2019 if you fly any drone outdoors and it's over 250g but less than 20kg you will need to register as a remote pilot through the new registration scheme portal.
You'll need to take a 20 question multiple-choice examination and pass with a mark of 16. This is FREE and you can take as many attempts at the exam as required. There is no minimum age required to register as a Remote Pilot.
If you own and/or are responsible for a drone or model aircraft over 250g but less than 20kg you will need to register as an Operator, pay a £9 annual fee and attach you unique Operator ID to all aircraft you own and/or are responsible for.
You need to be over 18 to register as an Operator.
If you hold a PfCO, Operational Authorisation, recognised Exemption or hold a certificate of competency from a recognised body such as the BMFA 'A' you won't be required to take the 20 question examination to be a Remote Pilot - a formal exemption will be issued to go alongside your permissions/exemptions/certificate.
Members of ARPAS-UK, BMFA, SAA, LMA and FPV UK will not need to register as an operator with the CAA system if you are a current member of these associations.
With permission, the associations will collect the registration fee from yourself directly and supply their data to the CAA (for more information contact the respected organisation).
REMEMBER, this does not go live until 5 November 2019 and must be done via the CAA's portal here >>> https://Register-drones.caa.co.uk
Do not use any other website other than the CAA's official Drone Registration Portal.
You will need to be registered by LAW from 30 November 2019.
We hope that's cleared things up for you and if you'd like to know anything else please contact the team on 01491 526 700 or email info@flyicarus.co.uk
