What is a Legacy Drone?

A Legacy Drone is an existing drone that does not feature the CAA approved certification/class markings (C0, C1, C2, C3 or C4)

A Legacy Drone is a drone that was on the marketplace in the EU and the UK before 1st January 2023 and does not have a Class marking on it (C0, C1, C2, C3 or C4)

Examples of Legacy Drones are:

  • DJI Mavic 3
  • DJI Mavic 2 Pro/Zoom
  • DJI Mavic Pro
  • DJI Mavic Air
  • DJI Mavic Air 2/2s
  • DJI Phantom 4
  • DJI Spark
  • Parrot ANAFI

There are Transitional Provisions in place for drones that are between 250g and 500g (A1 Transitional) and drones that are between 500g and 2kg (A2 Transitional).

Legacy Drones can be flown in the A1 or the A2 Subcategory of the Open Category (based on their weight) if you hold an A2 CofC.

If you don't hold an A2 CofC, you are limited to the A3 Subcategory of the Open Category which means you have got to stay 150 m away from residential, industrial, commercial and recreational areas and no person uninvolved with the flight must be present.

This means that the only place you can fly without an A2 CofC is in a large open empty field. You will NOT be able to fly these drones in your local park.

 

If you want to continue operating Legacy Drones beyond 1st January 2026 in Residential, Commercial, Industrial and Recreational areas you may need an Operational Authorisation from the CAA. You can get an Operational Authorisation by completing a General VLOS Certificate (GVC) Course.