Navigating the Future: New UK Drone Rules for 2026 and What Canada Can Learn

krdroneworks
Dec 22, 2025
3 min read

By: Colonel (ret) Bernie Derbach, KR Droneworks, 22 Dec 25

The drone industry is entering its most significant period of hardware and software integration to date. For pilots in the UK—and those watching from Canada—2026 is the starting line for a major regulatory overhaul.

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is replacing simple weight categories with a sophisticated Class Marking and Direct Remote ID (RID) framework. While these rules are UK-specific, they provide a roadmap for the global integration of drones into shared airspace.

Above: An infographic explaining the key changes, with a UK1-marked drone flying over people and a UK2-marked drone near a wind turbine for inspection.Technical Deep Dive: The New UK Framework

Starting January 1, 2026, the UK will move to a hardware-certification model. This transition introduces specific technical requirements that manufacturers must meet to earn a UK Class Mark (UK0–UK6).

1. The UK Class Marking Breakdown

These markings represent a suite of built-in safety features required by law:

UK0 (<250g): Max speed of 19 m/s and a hard altitude ceiling of 120m.
UK1 (<900g): Enables flight in the "Over People" (A1) category. These drones must feature impact energy limits (typically <80 Joules) and mandatory Geo-awareness.
UK2 (<4kg): Designed for "Near People" (A2) operations. Must include a Low-Speed Mode (limiting the drone to <3 m/s) to allow flights as close as 5m to uninvolved people.
UK3 & UK4 (<25kg): Restricted to "Far From People" (A3). UK4 is specifically designated for model aircraft and DIY builds lacking advanced automation.

2. Direct Remote ID (RID) Specifications

Remote ID is a "digital license plate" that allows drones to broadcast their identity and location without an internet connection.

What is Broadcast: Operator ID, unique serial number, geographical position, altitude, route course, and the location of the remote pilot.
Technical Protocol: Periodic broadcasts via open Wi-Fi or Bluetooth protocols that can be read by public safety apps.
The Private Key: Your Remote ID number includes a 3-digit Private Key. This must be entered into the drone's software to authenticate the broadcast. Never write this key on the drone or share it.

Technical Rollout Timeline

The CAA is implementing these changes in phases to ensure the industry can adapt without grounding existing fleets.

Date	Milestone
Jan 1, 2026	The Big Launch: Registration threshold drops to 100g for camera drones. Mandatory Direct RID begins for all new UK1, UK2, UK3, UK5, and UK6 drones.
Dec 31, 2027	EU Recognition Ends: Recognition of European "C-Class" marks expires. After this, EU-marked drones are treated as "Legacy" unless updated to UK standards.
Jan 1, 2028	Full Compliance: RID becomes mandatory for all drones over 100g with a camera, including legacy models and privately built aircraft.

Pilot Qualifications: UK vs. Canada

As both nations modernize, the requirements for pilot competency are becoming more tiered. Below is a comparison of the certifications needed as of 2026.

Operational Risk	UK Certification (2026)	Canada Certification (2025/26)
Micro / Hobbyist	Flyer ID (Mandatory for >100g with camera). Online theory test only.	No Certificate (for <250g). Registration is optional; no exam required.
Urban / Basic	A2 Certificate of Competency (A2 CofC). Required for UK2 drones or legacy <2kg near people.	Pilot Certificate – Basic Operations. For drones 250g–25kg in uncontrolled airspace.
Complex / Comm.	General Visual Line of Sight (GVC). Standard for professional "Specific Category" work.	Pilot Certificate – Advanced Operations. Required for controlled airspace or flying near people.
Advanced / BVLOS	Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC) Levels 1–4. Modular levels for VLOS and increasingly complex BVLOS missions.	Pilot Certificate – Level 1 Complex Operations. New for 2025; enables lower-risk BVLOS in uncontrolled airspace.

What Does This Mean for Canada?

Canada’s drone landscape is also shifting. On November 4, 2025, Transport Canada enacted major updates to CARs Part IX, focusing on BVLOS and medium-sized drones.

1. The End of the 250g "Free Pass"

The UK’s shift to a 100g threshold suggests the global "sub-250g" loophole is closing. While Canada still uses 250g as the micro-drone cutoff, the technical push for "electronic conspicuity" (Remote ID) may eventually force a lower registration floor here too.

2. Standardization of Safety Declarations

Canada currently relies on manufacturer "Safety Declarations." Adopting a class-marking system like the UK’s would simplify cross-border operations and provide pilots with clearer "out-of-the-box" legality for advanced operations.

3. Remote ID: The Foundation for BVLOS

The technical push for RID is the "missing link" for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flight. Canada’s new 2025 rules for Level 1 Complex Operations (low-risk BVLOS) will eventually require similar tracking tech to ensure safe integration with manned aircraft.