What we check.
Every result runs five compliance checks. Here's what each one means, why it matters, and how we decide whether it applies to your flight.
Registration
Most countries require drones above a weight threshold to be registered with the civil aviation authority before the first flight.
Weight is the primary trigger. EASA and UK CAA set the bar at 250 g. The FAA uses 250 g for hobbyists, Transport Canada uses 250 g for recreational pilots. Australia (CASA) has indefinitely paused recreational registration — no registration required regardless of weight. New Zealand (CAA NZ) has no current registration requirement, with proposed rules not yet in force.
A unique registration number that must be affixed to the drone (or entered into its software) and presented to authorities on request. Many systems also issue a digital certificate.
We compare your drone's take-off weight against the threshold for the selected country's regime and mark it required if you meet or exceed that limit.
Pilot test / certificate
Many jurisdictions require recreational or commercial drone pilots to pass a knowledge test before flying legally.
Airspace rules, weather interpretation, emergency procedures, and local regulations. Tests are typically online and can be completed in under an hour.
EASA uses a two-tier system (A1/A3 online vs A2 with an additional in-person element). FAA requires the TRUST certificate for hobbyists (free, 20 min) and Part 107 for commercial use. Transport Canada requires a Basic or Advanced exam through Transport Canada's Drone Management Portal. Australia's CASA and New Zealand's CAA NZ do not require any knowledge test or certificate for recreational flying — both offer optional courses but nothing is legally mandated.
We check the selected country's active regime. If that regime mandates a certificate for drones in your weight class, we flag it required.
Drone marking
Operators are often required to physically label their drone with a registration number or operator ID so it can be traced if found or involved in an incident.
Typically the registration number printed or engraved on the frame, or a label that won't come off in flight. Some authorities also require the operator's contact details.
Rules vary — some require it inside the battery compartment, others on the outer frame. Your issuing authority's website will have the precise format requirement.
Marking is generally required whenever registration is required, so we link these two checks. If the regime mandates marking separately, we show it as its own item.
Insurance
Third-party liability insurance protects you if your drone causes damage to property or injures someone.
EASA mandates third-party liability insurance (under EU Regulation 2021/947) for all drones except those in the "Open A1" subcategory flying over unpopulated areas. The UK CAA requires it for commercial operations. The FAA does not mandate insurance but many airspace providers do.
Property damage and bodily injury caused to third parties. It does not typically cover the drone itself — that's hull insurance, which is separate and usually optional.
We check the regime rules for the country. If your drone's weight and the operation type (recreational vs commercial) places you in a category that requires insurance, we flag it.
Remote ID
Remote ID broadcasts identifying information about a drone in flight — think of it as a digital licence plate visible to ground observers and air traffic systems.
A module in the drone broadcasts its ID, operator ID, position, altitude, and velocity over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Authorities and other airspace users can receive this broadcast passively without any app.
The FAA required Remote ID on all registered drones from March 2024. EASA mandates it for C1 class and above (>250 g in standard scenarios). UK CAA has a phased rollout aligned with EASA classes. Transport Canada is moving toward a requirement but hadn't mandated it at our last review. Australia (CASA) has Remote ID under active consultation with no implementation date set. New Zealand (CAA NZ) has the legal framework under the Civil Aviation Act 2023 but has not yet mandated it.
We check whether your specific drone model has Remote ID built in (our drone database notes this), and whether the country's regime requires it. If the regime requires it and your drone lacks it, we flag a warning.
Select your drone and destination — results in under 60 seconds.