Buried inside the 2026 regulation package is a rule change that has caught a lot of experienced pilots off guard: from 1 January 2026, any drone or model aircraft flown at night in the UK must have a green flashing light active during flight. If your drone doesn't have one built in, you need to fit one securely before flying after dark.
What counts as "night"?
In UK aviation law, night means the period from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise — the same definition used for manned aircraft. Check sunset times for your location before planning any late-session flying. In winter, sunset in the UK can be as early as 15:45 in Scotland, so this rule bites far more often than pilots assume.
Why green?
Green is already used internationally for the starboard (right) navigation light on aircraft. A green flashing light on a drone is internationally recognisable as an airborne object, distinct from the steady red/green nav lights on manned aircraft and from white strobes. The CAA's choice of green specifically is intentional — it gives manned aircraft crews and observers a consistent signal.
Does my drone already comply?
Some drones have built-in strobes or navigation lights that include green. Check your manual:
- DJI Mini 4 Pro: has front red/white and rear red lights — no green, so you'll need an add-on
- DJI Air 3 / Air 3S: similar — red/white strobes, no dedicated green flash
- DJI Mavic 3 series: no dedicated green flash built in
- Some FPV aircraft run addressable LED strips — if you can program one to flash green, that satisfies the requirement
If in doubt, fit an add-on. The CAA says the light must be green and flashing — a steady green or a different colour doesn't meet the requirement.
What to buy
Aftermarket drone navigation lights are widely available from the usual UK FPV suppliers. Look for:
- Dedicated drone strobe lights that include a green flash mode (many are red/white only — check before buying)
- Lightweight clip-on strobes designed for DJI Mini series arms
- For FPV builds: addressable LED controllers (like the RMRC or Matek LED controllers) where you can set a green flash pattern
Weight matters — a heavy add-on on a sub-250g drone could push it over the 250g threshold and change which rules apply. Weigh your aircraft with the light attached.
The mount must be secure
The CAA specifies the light must be securely fitted — a light that shakes loose mid-flight or detaches on landing isn't compliant and is a FOD hazard. Use purpose-made mounts or check that adhesive/Velcro solutions won't shift under vibration. Include light security in your pre-flight checks.
Night flying and NOTAMs
The green light rule is a minimum safety requirement — it doesn't waive any other night flying obligations. FRZ rules, NOTAM restrictions, and your operating category all still apply in the dark. Use ukdronemap.app to check the airspace picture before any night session. NOTAMs are often more active at night around busy airports, and FRZ boundaries don't move because the sun has gone down.