Remote Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) or Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) – commonly known as Drones – have grown in popularity and in their sophistication over the last few years. There are a wide variety of Drones in service today from small hobby machines to large commercial aircraft weighing many tons. Drones can be either fixed-wing or multi-rotor (or a combination of both), but the most common type of drone used by hobbyists and the general public are what are known as ‘Quadcopters’, using 4 rotors to fly.
In the UK, airspace is regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) on behalf of the Government. The CAA publishes a Drone & Model Aircraft Code, which provides rules and advice for Drone users.
According to the CAA,
‘The UK’s drone rules are based on the risk of the flight – where you fly, the proximity to other people, and the size and weight of your drone.
The rules don’t apply if you are flying indoors. Flights within buildings, or within areas where there is no possibility for the drone to escape into the open air (such as a closed netted structure) are not subject to aviation legislation.’
‘If your drone has a camera (unless it is a toy) or weighs 250g or more then you need to register with the CAA. You need to renew this registration every year. This is a registration of you as the Operator, rather than the drone itself. Your Operator ID needs to be displayed prominently on your aircraft.
Anyone flying a drone weighing 250g or more needs to pass a test and get a flyer ID from the CAA. This is free and online. Regardless of whether you legally need a flyer ID we strongly recommend that you do the learning and test as it gives you valuable basic information on flying your drone safely. If you already have a flyer ID that is still valid, you don’t need to re-do the test until it expires, although you are required to keep up to date with the new regulations. You can register, get your flyer ID and find more information at register-drones.caa.co.uk
If you’re not able to use the online service, you can call 0330 022 9930, Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm.
It is against the law to fly a drone or model aircraft without having the required IDs. You can also be fined for breaking the law when flying. In the most serious cases, you could be sent to prison.’
Passing the CAA test is highly recommended even if you don’t plan to fly a drone weighing more than 250g, but the online test should not be compared to the more advanced and certified training that Remote Pilots, such as our Remote Pilot Fraser, have completed.
A key matter in relation to Drone usage is the respect for the privacy of those who are not involved with any Drone operation. FMC Drone Services takes this issue very seriously and we are committed to the respect of the privacy of those neighbours and bystanders who are not involved with our operations.
According to the CAA:
‘The drone rules are based on risk and divided into three categories:
- Open
- Specific
- Certified.
The Open category is intended for low-risk drone flights, for example because you are flying a lightweight drone or operating in the countryside.
The Specific category is for higher risk flights such as flying a heavier drone over an urban area. To be allowed to fly in this category you will need an operating approval.
The Certified category is for large drones which have to meet specific safety certifications along the lines of aircraft.’
In the UK, airspace is regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) on behalf of the Government. The CAA publishes a Drone & Model Aircraft Code, which provides rules and advice for Drone users.
FMC Drone Services currently operates within the Open Category with our Remote Pilot, Fraser, holding an A2 Certificate of Competence. We believe that this allows us to complete all the mission types currently needed to serve our customers.
That said, we are fully prepared to apply for a CAA Operational Authorisation to work in the Specific Category should we deem this is required for our business. Our Remote Pilot, Fraser, also holds a General Visual line-of-sight Certificate (GVC), which is a pre-requisite of gaining an Operational Authorisation. This course involved him demonstrating practical flying competence using a variety of drones. Fraser also holds a Level 4 Diploma in the Remote Piloting of Unmanned Aircraft Systems for Commercial Operation and, as part of that course, he has already thoroughly prepared our CAA application for when it is needed.
In addition to these professional qualifications, FMC Drone Services has full commercial insurance to cover our business operations. This includes full Public Liability and Professional Indemnity Insurance.
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Flying Drones is a great hobby and has never before been so accessible, but all remote pilots need to be aware of the rules and follow them at all times to ensure the safety and privacy of those around them. When you work with FMC Drone Services, you can be sure that all of our Remote Pilots will comply with all existing regulations – and have been thoroughly trained by the same organisation that trains the RAF, Lincolnshire Constabulary and many other Police Forces across the UK