The UK Pilot’s Guide to 2026 Class Markings and the Open Category

If you have been monitoring the CAA updates, you will know that 1 January 2026 was the official pivot point for how we buy and fly enterprise hardware in the UK. The transition from EU C-marks to our domestic UK Class Marking system (UK0 to UK6) is now live. For those of us running DJI Matrice or Mavic Enterprise fleets in the Open Category, the rules for where we can fly—and what we need to broadcast—have changed.

Understanding the Open Category

The Open Category is the primary "home" for the majority of commercial drone operations that present a low risk to third parties. It is divided into three subcategories—A1, A2, and A3—which dictate how close you can fly to people and buildings based on the weight and safety features of your drone. While these drones can be flown in the "Specific Category" to unlock more complex urban missions with additional qualifications like the RPC-L1 (formerly GVC), the Open Category remains the most accessible starting point for professional pilots.

The 2026 Regulatory Pivot

As of 1 January 2026, any new drone placed on the UK market must carry an official UK Class Mark. While the CAA recognises EU C-marks as equivalent until 31 December 2027, any new kit added to your hangar from now on should carry the UK mark to stay compliant.

The Weight Threshold Drop

One of the biggest changes for light ops is the drop in the Flyer and Operator ID threshold. * As of 1 January 2026, any drone weighing 100g or more with a camera requires an Operator ID.

• Any pilot flying a drone of 100g or more, regardless of whether it has a camera, now requires a Flyer ID.
  
  
• If you are using sub-250g kit for quick site surveys, you must ensure your IDs are up to date and clearly displayed.
  

Dronedesk Shop Hardware & Class Markings

To help you navigate the Open Category, we have mapped our enterprise drones to their required UK Class and subcategory.

Pro Tip: The A2 CofC remains vital for UK2 aircraft. Even with a UK2-marked M30T or M4D, you still need your A2 Certificate of Competence to operate down to 30m (or 5m in 'slow mode') from uninvolved people. Without it, you are restricted to A3 distances.

Remote ID: Your Digital Number Plate

As of 1 January 2026, Remote ID is mandatory for all UK1, UK2, and UK3 drones . This digital broadcast of your Operator ID and position is a simple settings task for most DJI Enterprise gear using the DJI Pilot 2 app.

Legacy kit (unmarked drones bought before 2026) and UK0 drones have until 1 January 2028 to comply. Also, remember the new "Night Flight" rule: all drones flying at night now require a functional green flashing light to remain visible.

The Airspace Constants

No matter which subcategory you fly in, four core safety mandates remain non-negotiable:

• 120m Altitude Cap: Never exceed 400ft above the surface.
• VLOS: You must be able to see your drone clearly with your own eyes at all times.
• Crowd Prohibition: Flying over intentional crowds is strictly forbidden.
  
  
• Accountability: The pilot is always legally responsible for the safety of people and property.

Managing the Paperwork

As regulations tighten, the admin burden grows. This is where Dronedesk software comes in, enabling you to track battery cycles, log Remote ID-compliant flights, and ensure your RAMS are always up to date with the latest CAA requirements.

Next Steps for Your Fleet

Check your current airframes and start planning your transition before the 2028 hard deadline. If you are looking to scale your team with compliant, heavy-duty tools that won't be grounded by a policy shift, explore our latest arrivals: Enterprise Drones