The sport of model flying has undergone some significant changes over the last few years and none more so than the advent of the multirotor (drone) which is very high technology-based.
The developments of motors, batteries, and in the case of drones the control systems have gone ahead in leaps and bounds. No longer are these just for the extremely experienced modeler/flyer they are now a practical off-the-shelf proposition that can be flown by almost everyone. With more and more people buying and using these drones, especially for aerial footage, below is a gentle reminder of things to do and what not to do when operating your drone. I know all this has been said before but it can never be said too much or too often.
- When flying a drone, have fun but be responsible for safety: "Extract from Article 166"; (2) The person in charge of a small unmanned aircraft may only fly the aircraft if reasonably satisfied that the flight can safely be made.
- Keep your drone in sight at all times: Extract from "Article 166"; (3) The person in charge of a small unmanned aircraft must maintain direct, unaided visual contact with the aircraft sufficient to monitor its flight path in relation to other aircraft, persons, vehicles, vessels, and structures for the purpose of avoiding collisions.
- Choose a site to fly from that is free of obstructions, people and away from roads and railways, etc.
- Check your drone before every flight, plan your flight, and if necessary consult with more experienced pilots and learn from them.
- Read the manufacturer's instructions carefully, especially the part (if your drone has features like "Return to Home") concerning setting up and using the GPS functions.
- Keep away from airports and helipads: Extract from "Article 137"; ‘A person must not recklessly or negligently act in a manner likely to endanger an aircraft or any person in an aircraft’. Fly within an aerodrome traffic zone during the notified hours of watch of the air traffic control unit (if any) at that aerodrome unless permission of any such air traffic control unit has been obtained.
- Remember that you are responsible for avoiding collisions and endangering any persons or property: Extract from "Article 138"; “A person must not recklessly or negligently cause or permit an aircraft to endanger any person or property”.
- You must have permission to do paid work with your drone: "Extract from "Article 166"; (5) The person in charge of a small unmanned aircraft must not fly the aircraft for the purposes of aerial work except in accordance with permission granted by the CAA or your National governing body.
- Do not fly in any way that could endanger people.
- Do not fly overhead people, property, or vehicles.
- Do not fly within 50 meters of people, property, or vehicles: Extract from "Article 167"; (c) within 50 meters of any vessel, vehicle or structure which is not under the control of the person in charge of the aircraft; or (d) subject to paragraphs (3) and (4), within 50 meters of any person.
- Do not fly higher than 150 meters from the ground.
- Do not fly near full-size airplanes or helicopters.
- Please do not forget your National rules and guidelines governing the use of drones in your country which may differ slightly from those mentioned above.
- Please remember; The operation of multirotors/drones for sport and recreational purposes is covered by the same legal considerations as other model aircraft; the law makes no specific distinction on types of aircraft other than weight limits.
So just another reminder, please remember to fly your drone or any model airplane or helicopter for that matter in a safe and considerate way. More and more people are getting into this wonderful hobby but a small minority are spoiling it for the rest of us by flying in a dangerous and inconsiderate manner. Let you not be one of those people and enjoy the thrill of flying your drone, if it has a camera then enjoy watching footage that you capture which is unique to drone flying. Have fun, fly safely.
Written by Garythegliderpilot
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