Aerial footage shows a site, a building or a piece of land in a way ground-level photography cannot. It is also the area where businesses most often break rules without realising, because the equipment is easy to buy and the regulations are not obvious.
This covers the UK position for commercial filming. Rules change, so check the CAA’s current guidance before flying.
- 1
Understand that commercial use is not a separate category
Since 2020 the UK has not distinguished commercial from recreational flying. What matters is the drone’s weight and class marking, and where you fly. Being paid does not by itself change the rules — a common and costly misunderstanding.
- 2
Register with the CAA
Flying almost any drone with a camera requires an Operator ID, which must be displayed on the aircraft, and the person flying needs a Flyer ID obtained by passing a free online test. Operator ID carries an annual fee. Flying without them is an offence.
- 3
Work out which subcategory you are in
Most business filming sits in the Open category, subdivided by weight and class marking. These determine how close you may fly to uninvolved people and built-up areas. Sub-250g drones have the most freedom, which is why they dominate commercial work.
- 4
Get an A2 CofC if you need to fly closer
To fly nearer to people and buildings than the basic rules allow, you need an A2 Certificate of Competency, or an operational authorisation for anything beyond that. This is where most business filming near premises actually lands. A day’s training and a test.
- 5
Arrange proper insurance
Commercial drone operation requires third-party liability insurance meeting retained EC 785/2004. Ordinary business insurance almost never covers it. Any competent operator will provide their certificate without being pressed — ask for it.
- 6
Check the airspace and get permissions
Use a service like Drone Assist or Altitude Angel before every flight. Check for airport zones, restricted airspace and temporary restrictions. You also need the landowner’s permission to take off and land, and separate permissions for many parks, National Trust and council-owned land.
- 7
Handle privacy properly
Filming identifiable people or neighbouring property engages UK GDPR. Notify people on site, avoid capturing neighbouring gardens and windows, and delete footage you do not need. For a business site this is usually straightforward, and it is the complaint most likely to reach you.
Hiring rather than flying
For most businesses, commissioning an operator is cheaper and simpler than qualifying, insuring and maintaining equipment for occasional use. Ask any operator for their Operator ID, their qualification, and their insurance certificate. A professional will have all three ready.
Practical filming notes
Overcast light is often kinder than bright sun for showing a building. Wind matters more than rain for stability. Golden hour flatters almost any site. Allow a weather contingency day for anything that must be shot.
Frequently asked questions
You need an Operator ID and Flyer ID for almost any camera drone, and possibly an A2 CofC depending on proximity to people and buildings. Owning the land does not exempt you from the air rules.
Would rather we did it?
These guides are here so you can do it yourself. If you would rather hand it over, that is what we do.
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