UK Drone Operators at Risk of Non-compliance as Figures Reveal Dramatic Drop in Flyer ID Renewals
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has released new figures that show a significant decline in Flyer ID renewals, the mandatory competency credential required for drone operators in the UK. The data, obtained through a Freedom of Information request by HireDronePilot, has raised concerns about mass non-compliance among UK drone operators.
According to the data, in 2024, 100,739 Flyer IDs expired without renewal, while only 6,954 were renewed, resulting in a 14:1 expiry-to-renewal ratio. In the first five months of 2025, 98,601 Flyer IDs expired, while only 2,296 were renewed, resulting in a 43:1 ratio. This alarming trend is expected to continue with an annualized rate of approximately 237,000 expiries in 2025 if the current pace continues.
Peter Leslie, a GVC-certified drone pilot and director of HireDronePilot, expressed concern over the data, stating, “Hundreds of thousands of people took the Flyer ID test in 2019, but the renewal data shows the system is losing them at scale. We’re heading for a compliance cliff—and a communications failure.”
The Flyer ID system was introduced in December 2019 with a five-year validity period, making 2024 the first major renewal cycle. This presents the earliest opportunity to see if pilots are maintaining their qualifications.
The UK’s drone registration system splits responsibility into two IDs: Flyer ID, which proves the pilot has passed a competency test and is valid for five years, and Operator ID, which registers the person or business responsible for the drone and is valid annually or every three years.
While Operator ID renewals remain relatively steady, Flyer ID renewals have collapsed, suggesting confusion between the two systems, ineffective renewal reminders, or a large cohort of one-time test-takers who never intended to fly regularly.
Experts point to several factors that may be driving the decline, including public confusion between Flyer ID and Operator ID, weak renewal reminders, rule changes and terminology shifts that have outpaced public understanding, and a significant number of people who passed the test once but never continued flying.
HireDronePilot obtained the data through a FOI request (Ref: F0007412, letter dated 23 June 2025), covering the period of 2019-2025 (year-to-date as of 31 May 2025). They have made the full datasets and visualisations available on their website at https://hiredronepilot.uk/how-many-drone-pilots-uk.
For media enquiries, please contact Peter Leslie at HireDronePilotPeter@hiredronepilot.uk.
About HireDronePilot:
HireDronePilot is a UK managed marketplace connecting organizations with vetted, insured drone pilots nationwide. They aim to promote safe and responsible drone operations while providing clients with reliable and efficient drone services.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.