Hiring a drone operator for filming

Aerial footage turns up in all sorts of everyday work. Builders, estate agents and event organisers all use it.

In the UK, the people who fly drones follow rules set by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Knowing the basics helps you ask the right questions before anyone takes off. This page uses the UK rules.

The two IDs

A Flyer ID shows that the pilot has passed the CAA's online theory test. Anyone flying a drone of 100g or more needs one. It lasts five years.

An Operator ID belongs to the person or business responsible for the drone. It is needed for any drone of 250g or more, and for one of 100g or more with a camera. The operator must be 18 or over, must renew every year, and must label every drone with the ID. The CAA has an online service where anyone can check a registration.

New drone models put on sale from 1 January 2026 carry a UK class mark, from UK0 to UK6. Some of them must fly with Remote ID switched on, which broadcasts the drone's identity and position.

Insurance

The CAA says anyone flying a drone for a commercial reason must have third party insurance as a minimum. Being paid to take pictures or record video is one of its examples. The operator is responsible for having the right cover. You can ask to see it before the day.

Where a drone can fly

Under the basic Drone Code, drones stay below 120m (400ft). Heavier drones keep at least 50m from people who are not part of the shoot, and 150m from towns, parks, beaches and business areas. Nobody may fly over a crowd, whatever the size of the drone.

Drones under 250g, and some newer classes, can fly closer to people and inside built-up areas. For a heavier drone near people, the pilot needs extra training, such as the A2 Certificate of Competence, or an authorisation from the CAA. One common authorisation, called PDRA01, covers drones from 250g to 25kg within the pilot's sight, including in residential and commercial areas. Flying close to a crowd needs a separate authorisation.

Airports and restricted areas

Most airports and airfields have a Flight Restriction Zone. A drone may only fly inside one with the airport's permission. Flying can also be restricted around prisons, military ranges, royal palaces and government buildings. Some events, such as airshows and festivals, bring temporary bans.

NATS, the air traffic control organisation, publishes a drone map and notices about short-term hazards. Local byelaws can also limit flying, and they rarely appear in apps. Endangering an aircraft can lead to five years in prison.

Land, privacy and the footage

A pilot standing on private land needs the owner's permission to be there. Footage that shows people may fall under data protection law. Someone recording for commercial use has extra duties as what the law calls a data controller.

The CAA asks pilots to let people know before recording, to think before sharing, and to store images securely and delete what they do not need.

Questions to ask before you book

What is your Operator ID, and can I check it?
Does the pilot hold a Flyer ID, an A2 certificate or a CAA authorisation for this job?
Can I see your insurance?
Have you checked the site for airspace restrictions and byelaws?
Who will give permission for the take-off spot?
How will you handle footage of people who are not part of the shoot?