Why
Registration systems differ. The US generally exempts only sub-250 g recreational aircraft; EU operator registration can still apply below 250 g when a non-toy has a camera; the UK changed its threshold in 2026; New Zealand Part 101 does not use general drone registration.
What to do next
- 01Choose the country where you will actually fly.
- 02Check total takeoff mass including guards and payload.
- 03Separate aircraft registration from pilot tests or operator IDs.
- 04Verify on the linked official authority page before flight.
Important exceptions
- Commercial and advanced operations often trigger additional requirements.
- Visitors may need local registration even if registered at home.
- Local land-use rules are separate from aviation registration.
Safety note: Aircraft behaviour varies by model, firmware and configuration. For legal or safety-critical decisions, use the current manual and official aviation authority guidance.