It is now a requirement that anyone who flies a model aircraft or drone outdoors with a take off mass 250gm or above, or that has a camera attached must have a CAA Flyer ID. Up until now BMFA members who hold a valid BMFA Registration Competency Certificate (RCC), or a BMFA A or B Certificate passed before 31/12/2020, did not require a CAA Flyer ID. This has now changed and you will require a CAA Flyer ID.
We have already emailed members that hold a valid BMFA Registration Competency Certificate (RCC), or a BMFA A or B Certificate passed before 31/12/2020 and started issuing Flyer ID’s to them. The process should be completed by 01/11/2024.
If you have taken and passed the CAA Drone and Model Aircraft Registration and Education Scheme (DMARES) online theory test previously you will already have been issued with a CAA Flyer ID, in these cases we are unable to issue you a Flyer ID as your current Flyer ID will need to be renewed.
Operator and Flyer ID’s, what are they and what are the differences?
Flyer ID
A Flyer ID is in the format GBR-RP-XXXXXXXXXXXX
Any BMFA member who wants to fly a model aircraft or drone outdoors with a take off mass of 250gm or above, or that has a camera attached must pass either the BMFA Registration Competency Certificate (RCC) or the CAA Drone and Model Aircraft Registration and Education Scheme (DMARES) online theory test to demonstrate they are aware of the regulations to fly model aircraft and drones. Both the BMFA RCC and CAA DMARES test have forty multiple choice questions and the pass mark is 30. Once either the BMFA RCC or CAA DMARES test has been passed, remote pilots will receive a flyer ID from the CAA, which acts as proof of competency as a remote pilot from the CAA. There is no minimum age requirement, however children under the age of 13 can only obtain a Flyer ID with consent from a parent or guardian.
Your Flyer ID is valid for five years and it is free of charge to obtain.
If you are required to have a Flyer ID and do not as yet have one you can take the BMFA RCC test at https://rcc.bmfa.uk/rcc. You should ensure you read and understand the information at https://rcc.bmfa.uk/article-16 before taking the test. Once you pass the test you must upload the certificate to your Member Profile on the BMFA JustGo portal at https://bmfa.justgo.com/ . By uploading the certificate, you give the BMFA Consent to obtain a Flyer ID on your behalf.
Operator ID
An Operator ID is in the format of GBR-OP-XXXXXXXXXXXX
An operator ID is separate to a flyer ID in the sense that anybody who is responsible for a model aircraft or drone must register as an operator with the CAA. Once you have registered, you will get an operator ID with your certificate of registration. You must display your operator ID on your drones and model aircraft. You can use the same operator ID for all your drones and model aircraft.
In order to be an operator, you must be aged 18 or over and your registration is valid for one year. The fee for this registration is £11.13 which is renewable annually.
BMFA members can register with the CAA through the BMFA Just Go portal.
