A drone is a tool for the trip: the campsite from above, the track ahead, the view you walked all day for. But the rules change at every border, and some of them are different the moment the flying is for work. This page sends you to each country's own aviation authority. Check it before you fly, every trip.
Where are you Flying?
Australia New Zealand United Kingdom Europe Canada
Australia
Flying for Fun: no licence and no registration, at any weight up to 25 kg, but CASA's rules apply:
- No higher than 120 m.
- At least 30 m from other people, and never over anyone.
- One drone at a time, in daylight, in your own line of sight (not just on the screen).
- Not over beaches, parks, events or sports grounds while people are using them, and nowhere near an emergency.
- Over 250 g: stay at least 5.5 km from a controlled airport. 250 g or less: within 5.5 km you may fly only up to 45 m and outside the airport boundary.
Flying for Work, the Farm Included: any paid or business use counts, even under 250 g. The drone must be registered and you need an operator accreditation or a remote pilot licence. CASA has the details on its registration page.
Look Up Where you are:
- CASA-verified drone safety apps: type in where you are and see where you can fly.
- The Australian Government's Local Drone Rules map, for park and council rules.
- State and territory rules. In New South Wales you need approval to fly in any national park; in Western Australia, contact the park's district office first.
- Know Your Drone, CASA's site for people flying for fun.
New Zealand
Under 25 kg, no higher than 120 m, in daylight and in your own sight; 4 km from any aerodrome, and controlled airspace needs approval through AirShare. You need consent from people and property owners you fly over, and should check with the council or the Department of Conservation before flying in parks. AirShare: know the rules.
United Kingdom
From 100 g you need a Flyer ID (a free online test), and an Operator ID if the drone has a camera; every drone of 250 g or more needs an Operator ID. New drones placed on the UK market must also carry a UK class mark (EU class marks are accepted for now). None of our drones has a class mark we can verify, so check with the CAA before you fly one there. UK CAA: registering to fly.
Europe
The open category needs a C0 to C4 class mark on the drone, and operators must register if the drone has a camera. None of our drones has a class mark we can verify, so check with the country's aviation authority before you fly one there. EASA: each country's aviation authority.
Canada
Drones of 250 g and over must be registered and marked, and you need a pilot certificate; under 250 g follows the microdrone rules. Transport Canada: where to fly your drone.
Anywhere Else
Search for the country's civil aviation authority and its drone rules before you go, and check again on arrival. Rules change; these links go to each authority's own page, so they stay current when we can't.