[website] Drone flight restrictions now in force in the UK

[Arthur]

The changes came into effect on 30 July 2018.

 

Source: gov.uk / CAA (via TechCrunch)

 

Consumers using drones in the UK have new safety restrictions they must obey starting today, with a change to the law prohibiting drones from being flown above 400ft (121.92m) or within 1km of an airport boundary.

 

Anyone caught flouting the new restrictions could be charged with recklessly or negligently acting in a manner likely to endanger an aircraft or a person in an aircraft — which carries a penalty of up to five years in prison or an unlimited fine, or both.

 

The safety restrictions were announced by the government in May, and have been brought in via an amendment the 2016 Air Navigation Order.

 

They’re a stop-gap because the government has also been working on a full drone bill — which was originally slated for Spring but has been delayed.

 

However the height and airport flight restrictions for drones were pushed forward, given the clear safety risks — after a year-on-year increase in reports of drone incidents involving aircraft.

 

The Civil Aviation Authority has today published research to coincide with the new laws, saying it’s found widespread support among the public for safety regulations for drones.

 

Commenting in a statement, the regulator’s assistant director Jonathan Nicholson said: “Drones are here to stay, not only as a recreational pastime, but as a vital tool in many industries — from agriculture to blue-light services — so increasing public trust through safe drone flying is crucial.”

 

“As recreational drone use becomes increasingly widespread across the UK it is heartening to see that awareness of the Dronecode has also continued to rise — a clear sign that most drone users take their responsibility seriously and are a credit to the community,” he added, referring to the (informal) set of rules developed by the body to promote safe use of consumer drones — ahead of the government legislating.

 

Additional measures the government has confirmed it will legislate for — announced last summer — include a requirement for owners of drones weighing 250 grams or more to register with the CAA, and for drone pilots to take an online safety test. The CAA says these additional requirements will be enforced from November 30, 2019 — with more information on the registration scheme set to follow next year.

 

For now, though, UK drone owners just need to make sure they’re not flying too high or too close to airports.

 

Earlier this month it emerged the government is considering age restrictions on drone use too. Though it remains to be seen whether or not those proposals will make it into the future drone bill.

[bwestlake]

BOO!!! BOOOOOO!!!

[bwestlake]

My mavic is 750g...

[DalekSec]

BOO!!! BOOOOOO!!!

 

I'm a drone owner also (and drone on!) but i think these rules are needed. Too many idiots out there with drones and need some legislation behind it to protect peoples privacy and to tell the idiots to not be.... well idiots! I see people flying them in stupid places all the time, above busy roads etc. Where if they lost control could easily cause a car crash. I do think the 250g+ that you need a license is a bit low.

[Blue_Cookeh]

It's a welcome addition - the CAA are trying to let us have our fun but still be safe about it. It's a bit crazy my Spark is about 10g over the limit though LOL

 

I'll be fair, DJI makes keeping within the law exceptionally easy (they mark danger spots on the map and let you set your own height limit in the settings) - it could be worse... I have to take 9 exams, a radio oral exam, and a practical exam for my PPL!

Edited August 3, 2018 by Blue_Cookeh

[bwestlake]

I completely get the safety on it, I’ve looked at doing the commercial qualification but it’s over £1k

[Oddbod]

High time something was done…

There was a "no fly drone" zone at the Isle of Man TT this year covering the whole course… because of… safety of the helicam pilots…

 

And yet…

One of the TT races was delayed by over an hour because of some ejeet flying their drone over the course at cronkyvoddy…

 

So… you can't be trusted to behave among yourselves, therefore… "fingers on lips and the lesson doesn't start until everyone is quiet…!"

 

And to top it all… the islands currys/pcworld were selling them at a discount with a unique sales patter that included "you can watch the TT and follow the action!"

 

Erm……

 

The manager was a bit bemused when I gave him a copy of the official TT magazine… it had a full page spread outlawing the use of drones for the whole three weeks… [emoji38]

 

Those caught would be subject to all of the following:

£2500 fine, six weeks jail, five year ban from visiting the island…!

Edited August 3, 2018 by Oddbod