Officials at Gatwick Airport are urging people to familiarise themselves with drone regulations before operating one, especially with Christmas Day fast approaching.
Current laws prohibit the use of drones within 5 kilometres of the airport.
Despite these restrictions, the airport has reported 368 unauthorised drone sightings this year alone.
In England, drone usage is regulated to ensure safety and privacy for all airspace users and people on the ground. Here’s an overview of the key laws and regulations surrounding drone usage:
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Registration and Certification:
- Drones weighing between 250 grams and 20 kilograms must be registered with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
- Drone operators need to pass an online theory test to get a flyer ID. Additionally, if they are responsible for the drone or model aircraft, they must also obtain an operator ID which should be visibly displayed on the drone.
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Flight Restrictions:
- Drones must not fly above 120 meters (400 feet) or closer than 50 meters (150 feet) to people and properties. This distance is increased to 150 meters (500 feet) in congested areas and from gatherings of over 1,000 people.
- Flying near airports and airfields is highly restricted without prior permission, and drones must not be flown within the Flight Restriction Zone (FRZ) which typically includes a 5-kilometre radius from an airfield.
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Privacy Considerations:
- Drone operators must respect other people's privacy and may be subject to legal action if they use drones to record or photograph individuals without their consent under the Data Protection Act and GDPR.
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Insurance:
- While not mandatory for recreational users, it’s recommended to have liability insurance to cover potential damages caused by drone operations.
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Special Permissions:
- For commercial operations, specific tasks, or flights beyond the standard regulations (such as flying in restricted areas or conducting night operations), operators must apply for a Permission for Commercial Operations (PfCO) from the CAA.
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Geo-Awareness:
- Drone users are advised to use apps like the CAA’s Drone and Model Aircraft Registration and Education Service (DRES), which provides real-time information about airspace restrictions and other flying guidelines based on the drone’s location.
By adhering to these rules, drone users in England can ensure their flights are safe, legal, and respectful of the rights of others.
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