Drone Class & Weight Guide
Last Updated: August 19, 2023
Drone weight and regulatory classification can significantly affect where and how a drone may be operated.
This guide explains common terminology used in European, UK, and US drone regulations.
1. Under 250g Drones
The 250g threshold is particularly important in many drone regulations.
However:
A drone weighing less than 250g is not automatically a C0 drone.
Weight and class identification are separate concepts.
A drone may weigh less than 250g without carrying an EU C0 class identification label.
Never assume that:
“Under 250g” = “C0 Certified.”
2. European C-Class Identification
Under the European regulatory framework, class-marked drones may carry a class identification label such as:
- C0
- C1
- C2
- C3
- C4
Each class has technical and operational requirements.
C0
C0 generally applies to aircraft below the applicable 250g class threshold.
Typical Open Category operation is within A1.
Important restrictions include:
- Do not fly over assemblies of people.
- Maintain the applicable maximum flight height.
- Read and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
EASA currently states that C0 aircraft under 250g may operate in A1 and generally must remain below 120m above the surface. EASA
C1
C1 aircraft are subject to additional requirements, including pilot training requirements and operator registration.
C2
C2 aircraft may be used in A2 subject to applicable pilot competence and distance requirements.
C3 / C4
These classes are commonly associated with operations subject to A3 restrictions in the Open Category.
3. Legacy Drones
A legacy drone generally refers to an aircraft without the relevant class identification label but which may still be operated according to transitional or weight-based rules.
Under current EASA guidance, a drone with a maximum take-off mass below 250g may be operated in A1 subject to applicable requirements. EASA
Consumers should not apply a C0 label to a drone themselves unless legally permitted and supported by the required manufacturer conformity process.
4. Maximum Take-Off Mass
Regulations may refer to:
MTOM — Maximum Take-Off Mass
This can include the aircraft plus permitted payload and accessories.
Adding equipment such as:
- Propeller guards
- Lights
- Cameras
- Accessories
may affect the applicable take-off weight.
Users should consider the actual regulatory weight definition applicable to their aircraft.
5. EU Open Category
The European Open Category is divided into:
A1 — Over People
A2 — Near People
A3 — Far From People
Which subcategory applies depends on the aircraft's:
- Weight
- Class identification
- Date/type of market placement in certain circumstances
- Operational conditions
6. United Kingdom Classes
The United Kingdom has introduced UK class marks.
The UK CAA states that new models placed on the UK market from 1 January 2026 are subject to UK class-mark requirements under the applicable framework. European C-class aircraft continue to receive specified recognition during the current transitional period through 31 December 2027, subject to CAA rules. UK Civil Aviation Authority
Do not assume that an EU C-class label and a UK class mark are permanently interchangeable.
7. United States
The United States does not use the European C0–C4 classification system for FAA recreational drone regulation.
FAA requirements instead depend on factors such as:
- Aircraft weight
- Recreational or Part 107 operation
- Registration requirement
- Remote ID requirement
- Airspace
- Intended operation
For recreational operation, drones weighing 250g or more generally require FAA registration, while drones below 250g flown solely under the recreational exception generally do not require registration. Federal Aviation Administration
Important Notice
Product weight alone does not guarantee that a drone belongs to a specific regulatory class or may be operated without registration.
Always check:
- Actual aircraft weight
- Manufacturer class marking
- Aircraft documentation
- Intended use
- Applicable national regulations