Learning path · Camera
Drones: flying legally for film in the UK
UK drone rules from 1 January 2026, checked with the Civil Aviation Authority on 11 November 2026: Flyer ID from 100g, Operator ID, class marks, Remote ID, the A2 CofC and GVC, and flying for a production. Then drone cinematography. Rules change: check caa.co.uk before you fly.
Free films in teaching order, for one craft. Watch, tick them off and test yourself. It's practice that prepares you for an Academy course. This one prepares you for Camera department Foundation.
Lesson 1
UK Drone Laws 2026 Explained | What Changed & What's Coming in 2028
Drone Site Surveys · 3:29 · original on YouTube
You will learn: Get the 2026 changes and what comes in 2028.
Note: Check each point against caa.co.uk: Flyer ID from 100g, class marks from 1 January 2026, Remote ID dates.
By the end you will be able to
- Explain the UK rules from 1 January 2026: a Flyer ID for any drone of 100g or more; an Operator ID for 250g or more, or 100g or more with a camera
- Explain UK class marks (UK0 to UK6) and when Remote ID is required (class-marked drones from 1 January 2026; older drones of 100g or more with a camera from 1 January 2028)
- Explain what the A2 CofC and the GVC let you do, and that filming for a production may need further CAA authorisation
- Plan a simple, legal drone shot with the camera team
Test yourself
Could you do it on a set?
4 real situations, one for each thing this path teaches. It's optional practice, not pass or fail, and your answers stay on this device.
Next: do it for real
This path prepares you for Camera department Foundation.
Eight lessons in the order a camera trainee meets the job: safety, who's who, prep, kit care, slates and camera reports, media, lenses and marks.
It's free and open in the pilot. Finish it to book a competency check, then a practical on our unit.
How learning with FIF works
Learning path. Free films in teaching order, for one craft. Watch, tick them off and test yourself. It's practice that prepares you for an Academy course.
- Learn onlineFree films, paths and Academy coursesYou are here
- Competency checkA short check with us, online or in person
- In-person practicalOn our unit at Pinewood or 3 Mills
- FIF CertificateFrom the practical only
The FIF Certificate comes only from the practical. How it works · Book a competency check
Director Vs Cinematographer: Who Does What?In Depth Cine · Careers13 min.
3 Basic Camera Settings Every Cinematographer Should KnowIn Depth Cine · Lesson11 min.
The Light Meter Explained — How and Why to Use Light MetersStudioBinder · Lesson10 min.
How ND Filters Make Footage Look CinematicStudioBinder Academy · Lesson4 min.
Go further
Beyond YouTube, labelled honestly. Free first. Paid options are labelled.
- Getting what you need to fly legally Free
Civil Aviation Authority. Flyer ID, Operator ID and class marks. Checked 11 November 2026. - Remote ID Free
Civil Aviation Authority. Which drones need Remote ID, and from when. Checked 11 November 2026. - Remote pilot qualifications Free
Civil Aviation Authority. A2 CofC, GVC and what each allows.
For learners and trainers
Every lesson is a free video by its original maker, played from YouTube with privacy-enhanced settings. Found a broken video? Email [email protected].