Do I Need PDRA01? UK Commercial Drone Rules
Not every drone job needs a PDRA01 operational authorisation. Whether you need one depends on how, where and what you fly. This guide explains where PDRA01 sits between the Open category and a full UK SORA, so you can tell which route applies.
Reviewed 10 July 2026 · UK guidance
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Open category vs Specific category
UK drone flights fall into categories based on risk. Many lower-risk flights fit the Open category, which needs no operational authorisation as long as you stay inside its subcategory rules. Higher-risk operations sit in the Specific category, which does need an authorisation — and PDRA01 is one of the faster routes into it.
The distance you keep from uninvolved people is often the deciding factor. A minimum horizontal separation of 50 m must be maintained from uninvolved persons, reducible to 30 m during take-off and landing. Assemblies of people must never be overflown, and a minimum horizontal separation of 50 m from assemblies must be kept (also observing the 1:1 rule: horizontal separation at least equal to the height of the aircraft).
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When PDRA01 is the right route
PDRA01 is a Pre-Defined Risk Assessment for specific visual line of sight operations. The CAA describes it as covering VLOS operations with unmanned aircraft below 25 kg in UK locations subject to airspace restrictions, including residential, commercial, industrial and recreational areas.
Typical PDRA01 flying stays within visual line of sight, at or below 120 m (400 ft) above the surface, and keeps the distance from people that the authorisation requires. If that describes your work and you cannot stay inside the Open category, PDRA01 is likely the route.
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When you probably do not need PDRA01
If your flights fit the Open category — for example, lighter aircraft flown at a safe distance from people in line with the subcategory rules — you may not need an operational authorisation at all. The A2 Certificate of Competency exists for certain closer Open-category flying and is a lighter qualification than a Specific-category certificate.
It is worth confirming this rather than assuming, because Open-category limits are specific and an aircraft's class or mass can change which subcategory applies.
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When PDRA01 is not enough
Some operations fall outside PDRA01's predefined limits — for example, flying beyond visual line of sight, higher than the standard height limit, or in ways the pre-defined risk assessment does not cover. These need a full UK SORA, where you build and submit your own risk assessment.
The PDRA01 vs UK SORA guide explains that boundary in more detail.
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The fastest way to find out
The questions above are exactly what the free route checker asks. It walks through country, aircraft, how you keep the aircraft in sight, height, distance from people and a few others, then tells you whether your operation looks suitable for PDRA01, needs review, or falls outside it — without asking you to commit to anything.
Practical answers
Frequently asked questions
Is PDRA01 the same as a drone licence?
No. PDRA01 is an operational authorisation for the operator, based on a pre-defined risk assessment. The remote pilot separately holds a competence certificate such as an RPC-L1 or GVC.
Do I need PDRA01 to fly commercially?
Not always. Commercial flights that fit the Open category rules may not need an authorisation. PDRA01 is for Specific-category operations that need one but fit its predefined limits.
What if my operation is outside PDRA01?
Operations beyond the predefined limits — such as beyond visual line of sight — generally need a full UK SORA, where you submit your own risk assessment to the CAA.
Build your draft pack
Start with the free route check.
Answer a short set of questions, see route warnings, then generate editable PDRA01-style documentation for review. No authorisation or compliance outcome is guaranteed.
Check the proposed operation →