Please note: this is general background, not legal advice. UK drone rules are set by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and are updated from time to time. For the current position, always check the CAA's own guidance.

Is there such a thing as a "drone licence"?

Not in the way most people imagine. There's no single licence that every drone pilot holds. Instead, the UK uses a system of registration, competency certificates and operating categories. What applies depends mainly on the weight and class of the drone, and on how close it will fly to people and buildings.

Most everyday property work falls under what the CAA calls the Open category, which covers lower-risk flying within set limits. Flying outside those limits, for example with heavier aircraft closer to people, or in more complex environments, moves into the Specific category, which needs an operational authorisation from the CAA.

Registration: Operator ID and Flyer ID

The CAA's registration scheme has two parts:

  • Operator ID — for the person or business responsible for the drone. The ID has to be displayed on the aircraft.
  • Flyer ID — for the person actually flying, obtained by passing a free online theory test.

Which of these you need depends on the drone's weight and whether it carries a camera. The weight thresholds were lowered recently, and most camera drones used for property work now need both. Check the CAA's current requirements rather than relying on older articles.

What is the A2 CofC?

The A2 Certificate of Competency (A2 CofC) is an additional qualification involving further theory study, an exam and a declaration of practical flight training. It allows pilots flying suitable drones to operate closer to uninvolved people than the basic rules permit. It's useful on property shoots in built-up streets, where keeping large distances from passers-by isn't always practical.

Whether it's needed depends on the drone being used and the specific location. Lightweight drones under 250g, such as the DJI Mini 2 used here, are allowed more flexibility near people within the Open category. They still must never fly over crowds, and the pilot must still keep the flight safe.

Rules that apply to every flight

Whatever the drone and whatever the paperwork, some core rules apply to Open category flying. In summary:

  • Keep the drone within direct visual line of sight
  • Stay below the maximum height limit (120 metres above the surface)
  • Never fly over crowds or large gatherings of people
  • Stay out of restricted airspace unless you have permission
  • Respect privacy, since drone cameras are covered by data protection law

Airports and restricted airspace

This is the rule most likely to affect property shoots in Greater Manchester. Airports are surrounded by Flight Restriction Zones (FRZs), and flying inside one needs permission from the airport. Manchester Airport's zone extends over parts of south Manchester and north Cheshire. Other restrictions can apply around prisons, some government and emergency sites, and temporarily around events.

That's why an address should always be checked before a drone booking is confirmed. A property a few streets from another may sit on the opposite side of a boundary.

Can I just fly my own drone for my listing?

Legally, a homeowner or agent can fly a drone if they meet the registration and competency requirements for that aircraft and follow the rules. In practice, the challenges are usually about the result rather than the law. Stable, well-composed aerial footage that matches the colour and quality of the rest of the listing takes practice. So does judging whether a site can be flown safely.

Questions to ask any drone operator

  • Are you registered with the CAA, and is your Operator ID displayed on the aircraft?
  • What qualifications does the pilot hold for the drone being used?
  • Will you check the address for airspace restrictions before the shoot?
  • What happens if the site can't be flown, or the weather rules it out?
  • Do you hold insurance that covers commercial drone work?

How compliance is handled here

Aerial work for this business is flown with a DJI Mini 2 and planned within the applicable CAA rules. Each location is checked for airspace restrictions and site conditions before the booking is confirmed, not on the day. Flights are planned around people, neighbouring property and privacy. If a site can't be flown lawfully or safely, you'll be told plainly and offered alternatives such as elevated ground-level shots. The shoot is never simply cancelled.

Weather can also ground a flight. Wind and rain are the usual reasons. When that happens, ground coverage still goes ahead and aerial work is rescheduled.

See the drone property media service for what aerial coverage can add to a listing, or send the address and it'll be checked as part of your quote.