Naik Media | Cumbria, North West Aerial Drone Photography & Video – What are UK aerial drone restrictions?
Please note this information is correct at time of publication (9 January 2017), but may change. We will do our best to keep this article updated should any further changes be implemented by the CAA. Please ensure that you always fly your drone within the CAA’s restrictions with the safety of others and their property as a highest priority.
It’s important to know these rules whether you’re flying a drone yourself or looking to hire someone to fly commercially for you.
The Rules
The rules for drones in the UK are asserted by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). It’s their remit to ensure that the skies above us are safe. As a result they’ve laid down the following rules when it comes to UAS (unmanned aerial systems)/drones:
- Maintain line of sight – The drone must remain visible to the pilot at all times.
- Always fly below 400ft (120m) – It’s also worth noting your location and any aerial activity at the time of your flight to ensure there’s no other low flying aerial vehicles (e.g. hot-air balloons, aerial displays); NATS is a useful resource for finding out more on aerial activity.
- Do not fly within 150ft (50m) of people and property.
- Do not fly within 500ft (150m) of crowds or built-up areas.
- Do not fly near airports or airfields.
For more information on the above check out Dronesafe.
Commercial Drone Activity
A further restriction is placed on commercial activity – only licensed operators have permission to fly drones commercially. If there is any remuneration involved, it must be licensed.
For those looking to hire a commercial operator but are concerned the above restrictions may prevent your project from going ahead, it’s worth getting in touch with your local aerial UAS/drone operator to discuss it with them. They may be able to get an extended permission from the CAA or devise a legal and safe way to carry out the flight.
