What Is A Legacy Drone?
“A legacy drone is a drone brought before 1st January 2023 which does not have a Class marking.”
There are no Class-marked drones on the market right now. What exactly does this mean? Should you buy a heritage drone or wait until January 1, 2023, when all new drones will be automatically labelled with various Class markings?
C0, C1, C2, C3, C4 - What’s The Difference?
A legacy drone is one that was purchased before January 2023 and does not have a class designation.
The CAA has stated that the transitional time for Legacy Drones will be two years for individuals who do not have a class marking on their drones.
You can legally fly your Legacy drone in the ‘open’ category as long as it meets certain criteria.
For more information visit the CAA’s official website by clicking here
What Are The Different Drone Categories?
Because the DJI Mini 2 is marketed as weighing less than 250 grams and is not considered a toy, it is authorised to fly in the A1 categorisation. However, you'll need to obtain an Operator ID for this and a Flyer ID is recommended.
Drones that don't fall into the under 250g category can fly in the A2 subcategory. The aeroplane must weigh between 500g and 2kg to qualify. Drones like the DJI Mavic 2 Pro, Mavic Air 2S, and others fall within this category. You must keep a distance of 50 metres from uninvolved individuals and have passed the A2CofC to fly this.
The A3 subcategory of the Open category allows drones weighing between 2kg and 25kg to fly. Unless you obtain an Operational Authorisation (OA) from the CAA, you must remain at a safe distance of at least 150m from any built-up areas.
What Happens After 1st January 2023?
If the legacy drone weighs less than 250g (DJI Mini 2) it is still allowed to be flown in the A1 Subcategory.
All unmarked drones over 250g will be permitted to fly in the A3 subcategory.
Where Can I Find Drone Training?
The A2CofC is available at a reduced price of £69 through our online store here. Our trust drone training provider Osprey Drone Training offers an A2CofC course, GVC and PFCO to GVC conversion course.
Where To Buy Legacy Drones?
The Drone Safe Store is an in-store or online drone shop that sells legacy drones. We sell the DJI Mini 2 which complies with the Sub 250g category, we sell A2 drones also. Shop legacy drones here.
Drone Safe Store is a drone shop on Terminus Road in Chichester, West Sussex. Customers come from all across the country, but if you live too far away, we can also provide excellent service online. Because we want to be available for you with any assistance you may require, we answer our phone and instant chat feature almost immediately.