Types of drones
Drones are classified into the following types and size categories. You may need a remote pilot licence (RePL) to fly some drone types or sizes.
A model aircraft is a drone flown for sport or recreation – for fun. A remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) is a drone flown for business or as part of your job – commercially.
Type classifications
Multi-rotor helicopter
This type has more than one power-driven engine (rotor) that rotate or turn vertically. It takes off, lands, flies and hovers like a traditional 'single rotor' helicopter but has more than one rotor.
Single-rotor helicopter
This type has one power-driven engine (rotor) and looks a bit like a traditional helicopter. It usually also has another rotor on the tail or end of the aircraft.
Aeroplane
This type looks and flies like a regular plane - it has fixed wings. It also takes off and lands horizontally and usually can't hover.
Powered lift
This type can take off and land vertically (straight up and down) like a helicopter, but can then move into forward flight like a traditional plane.
Airship
This type is engine powered and is 'lighter than air' - it can be filled with a buoyant gas and usually 'floats' in the air. A blimp is a good example of an airship.
These represent simplified 'plain-English' definitions.
You can find the official technical definitions for each RPA in the locations below:
Multi and Single-rotor helicopter - Civil Aviation Regulations 1988, Volume 1, Part 1, 2 Interpretation (both covered by the common 'helicopter' definition)
Aeroplane - Civil Aviation Regulations 1988, Volume 1, Part 1, 2 Interpretation
Powered lift and Airship - Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998, Volume 5, Dictionary, Part 1 - Definitions.
Size categories
