Vendet e fluturimit
Where you can fly unmanned aircraft in Mbretërisë së Bashkuar
Key facts
Max altitude
120 m
Urban distance
≥ 150 m
Flight mode
VLOS
Before flying
Geo-zone map
General rules across Mbretërisë së Bashkuar
Before choosing a location, always check the UAS geo-zone map. EU Open category rules apply across Mbretërisë së Bashkuar:
- Maximum altitude: 120 m AGL (Open category A3).
- Distance from urban areas: no closer than 150 m (A3 subcategory).
- VLOS: the aircraft must remain in sight at all times.
- Prohibited: over crowds, large events, military sites, critical infrastructure, aerodrome controlled airspace without permission.
- Private land: owner consent required to fly over and land on the property.
Below are recommended locations by region. Before every flight verify the zone is not in prohibited or restricted airspace.
London and southeast England
Heathrow Airport (LHR) — controlled or restricted airspace nearby.
Recommended spots (verify geo-zones):
- Kent countryside beyond 150 m from towns
- Surrey Hills open areas after FRZ check
- Essex rural farmland away from Stansted CTR
London FRZ and major airports require strict authorisation checks.
Midlands and central England
Birmingham Airport (BHX) — controlled or restricted airspace nearby.
Recommended spots (verify geo-zones):
- Peak District margins outside national park restrictions
- Lincolnshire open farmland
- Shropshire rural valleys
Always verify the official geo-zone map before flying in this region.
Manchester and northern England
Manchester Airport (MAN) — controlled or restricted airspace nearby.
Recommended spots (verify geo-zones):
- Yorkshire Dales outskirts
- Lake District edges after park permission check
- Lancashire coastal rural fields
Always verify the official geo-zone map before flying in this region.
Scotland
Edinburgh Airport (EDI) — controlled or restricted airspace nearby.
Recommended spots (verify geo-zones):
- Highland glens away from settlements
- Aberdeenshire open farmland
- Scottish Borders rural areas
Always verify the official geo-zone map before flying in this region.
Locations where flying is prohibited or restricted
Geo-zone colour guide
Prohibited
No UAS flight without special authorisation
Restricted
Permission or NOTAM check required
Sensitive
Nature reserves, borders, infrastructure
Open (check rules)
Open category A3 if distance & altitude rules met
Across Mbretërisë së Bashkuar UAS flights are prohibited or restricted in:
- Aerodrome controlled and restricted airspace (LHR, LGW, MAN, BHX, EDI)
- Military sites and security zones
- State border strips and sensitive zones
- Critical infrastructure: power plants, bridges, railways, high-voltage lines
- Over crowds, large events, and sports competitions
- National parks — without director permission (Lake District, Peak District, Snowdonia)
- Central urban areas of London, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh (A3 distance requirement)
Always use the official UAS geo-zone map before every flight.