• Registered: 07-06-2012
  • Posts: 17

Topic: License required in the UK?

I've read this BBC News article about a UK police force getting in trouble with the Civil Aviation Authority for using a drone like the ar.drone without a license.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/8517726.stm

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said it needed to be consulted over any use of the drones, that can fly up to 400ft and reach speeds of 30mph.

The force's drone was used last week to catch a car thief in thick undergrowth.

All unmanned aircraft, not just ones that weigh 15lb (7kg) or more, now have to be licensed to conduct aerial surveillance work after the law changed at the start of the year.

They need CAA permission to fly within 164ft (50m) of people and within 492ft (150m) of buildings.

I've asked the CAA what the situtation is:

http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/p … e_legality

But I was wondering if Parrot have come across this issue, considered it, what the response was?

Thank you

  • Registered: 05-30-2012
  • Posts: 21

Re: License required in the UK?

hi before i went for the drone i had a chat with the shop owner about this and it seems that we are not affected
as we come under the limit and i think its got to fly at certain speed before you need a lisence but i could be wrong.

I have flown it around people find it intresting apart from a few of the wildlife attacking it

As far as i know we are not affected as these drones are classed as a toy.
this is as far as i know hopefully someone here will have a better idea than me

Matt

  • From: UK
  • Registered: 04-20-2012
  • Posts: 283

Re: License required in the UK?

kingqueen no, you do not need to in the UK.

it is not motorized (engine) and you will not be using it for surveillance on the public.
they are talking (if its even true) about a bigger drone with thermal imaging cameras blah blah blah. also just because it said "drone" why does it have to look like ours? uav drones have wings and fly like planes  wink

Parrot would issue a warning with all drones explaining in some countries a license will be required etc but don't worry kingqueen go get one and enjoy it  wink

www.droneshop.co.uk
Official Parrot AR. Drone Reseller for all genuine spares and upgrades.

www.ardroneownersclub.co.uk

droneshop's Website

  • Registered: 07-06-2012
  • Posts: 17

Re: License required in the UK?

Well we shall soon have chapter and verse. http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/p … e_legality

  • ixxe
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  • Registered: 05-09-2012
  • Posts: 36

Re: License required in the UK?

the big issue is " to conduct aerial surveillance work ". Its not for hobby use

Where i live you can do airial fotografy as hobby, BUT if you do it for profit or buissnes you need a license from  Aviation Authority AND from the military.

  • From: UK
  • Registered: 04-20-2012
  • Posts: 283

Re: License required in the UK?

ixxe wrote:

the big issue is " to conduct aerial surveillance work ". Its not for hobby use

Where i live you can do airial fotografy as hobby, BUT if you do it for profit or buissnes you need a license from  Aviation Authority AND from the military.

i really do not agree with the above. There has been no such warning given by parrot who is legally obliged to do so. Remember the police use big drones not small toy drones like ours. i would love to see a small parrot ar drone or other small quadricoptor handle taking off with a thermal imaging camera strapped to it.
But i noticed you did say where you live which is completely different to the UK maybe. I would honestly re-check as again if there was problems Parrot should have issued warnings. However Parrot would have approached all the aviation industries before production.... id like to hope they did anyway  roll

www.droneshop.co.uk
Official Parrot AR. Drone Reseller for all genuine spares and upgrades.

www.ardroneownersclub.co.uk

droneshop's Website

  • Registered: 04-21-2012
  • Posts: 1,665

Re: License required in the UK?

Seems like you two guys are saying the same thing.... "the ar drone is not a problem"

1.4mile (2.25kilometer) World Record AR.Drone 2.0 long range flight
December 16th 2012.................YouTube Link here
  • Registered: 07-06-2012
  • Posts: 17

Re: License required in the UK?

The Civil Aviation Authority have responded helpfully and comprehensively with chapter and verse.

The full response is here, http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/1 … Letter.pdf but they summarise at the end:

In essence therefore, provided the aircraft has a mass of 20kg or less, the current regulations state,

  1. The operation must not endanger anyone or anything

  2. If the flight is to be conducted within 'Controlled' Airspace, or within the ATZ of an airfield (the dimensions of an airfield ATZs vary, but have encompass the airspace within either a 2nm or a 2.5nm radius of the airfield) permission to fly must be obtained from the ATC unit/authority and the flight must be operated in accordance with that permission and any additional restrictions required by ATC. Obviously therefore, there is an inference that the 'pilot' needs to have a degree of awareness about the airspace that he/she wishes to fly in.

  3. The aircraft must be kept within the line of sight (500m horiz, 400ft vert) of its pilot'.  Operations beyond these distances must be approved by the CAA (the basic premise being for the operator to prove that he/she can do this safely).

  4. Small unmanned aircraft (irrespective of their mass) that are being used for surveillance purposes are subject to tighter restrictions, which invariably will require permission from the CAA before operations are commenced

  5. CAA permission is also required for all flights that are being conducted for aerial work (ie. you are getting paid for doing it)

  6. The 'pilot' has the responsibility for satisfying himself that the flight can be conducted safely

Basically: Don't fly near an airport. Keep the drone in sight, and within 500m laterally / 400ft height (which is basically mandated by the software / Wifi connection anyway, unless using mirumod!). You're responsible for any stuff-ups and resultant consequences. Beyond that, as long as you're not conducting surveillance or paid work with it, do as you want.

So there you go

  • ixxe
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  • Registered: 05-09-2012
  • Posts: 36

Re: License required in the UK?

Seems the rules are pretty much the same smile

  • From: UK
  • Registered: 04-20-2012
  • Posts: 283

Re: License required in the UK?

sounds good. nice work kingqueen  wink  so cash work for vids and pics is fine  big_smile

www.droneshop.co.uk
Official Parrot AR. Drone Reseller for all genuine spares and upgrades.

www.ardroneownersclub.co.uk

droneshop's Website

  • Registered: 08-20-2012
  • Posts: 46

Re: License required in the UK?

I like your optimism of flights up to a 100m high ???    Wifi only has a maximum range of 60m without the use of a extender ?  In that case it might be a concern to the Aviation authorities as you will loose control of it and it will go up....uuuup...uuuuup ana awaaaaaaay , posing a risk for aircraft big_smile