What is the maximum altitude I'm allowed to fly a model plane or helicopter in England?


According to the UK CAA, a model aircraft is defined as:

any ‘Small Unmanned Aircraft (SUA)’ (0-20 kg) used for sporting and recreational purposes and a ‘large model aircraft’ is defined as any ‘Unmanned Aircraft’ (over 20 kg) used for sporting and recreational purposes.

The following rule applies to all "small unmanned aircraft", i.e. up to 20kg:


The following rule applies between 7kg and 20kg only:





So in theory, a model aircraft weighing less than 7kg could be flown to any altitude, with the only limitation being the requirement to keep in it sight. From 7kg to 20kg the altitude is 400ft, unless you meet the airspace requirements. In practical terms, the requirement to keep the aircraft in sight "unaided" is the main limitation and that restricts the altitude of smaller models in particular.

If it's over 20kg, the model aircraft is subject to all the regular UK aviation rules but in practice a written exemption is required:

Large model aircraft having a mass between 20 kg and 150 kg are subject to all of the Rules or Articles of the Air Navigation Order. As many of these Rules are practically impossible for the model operator to meet, the modeller must request a specific written Exemption to allow the model to be flown

The CAA homepage for model aircraft is here.

  • $\begingroup$ Ah cool thanks :) But what if its bellow 7 kg, mabie 1 kg? what would the maximum height be? $\endgroup$ – user3797758 Nov 6 '14 at 11:08
  • $\begingroup$ @user3797758 I've updated my answer, hopefully it's clearer now $\endgroup$ – Pondlife Nov 6 '14 at 13:57
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ @user3797758 For a very light model like that, my guess is that the altitude is limited by how far away you can clearly see it from. Ironically, that means that the smaller your model gets (so the less damage it can do by hitting something), the closer you have to keep it to yourself! $\endgroup$ – David Richerby Nov 6 '14 at 16:31

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