Where Can I Fly A Camera Drone In The UK?

Recreational Flight

Flying a drone in the UK is your responsibility, so it is best if you do a bit of research of the area you are looking to fly over.

Here are some simple steps to make sure you are flying safely and legally.

Make sure your drone is within your field of view at all times and do not fly higher than 400 feet vertically
Keep your drone away from any aircraft, helicopters, airports and airfields as these areas are a definite No Fly Zone
Use your common sense, and fly your drone with others in mind. If you don't you could be prosecuted followed with a fine.

Photography drones must not be flown:

Within 50 metres of pedestrians, vehicles, buildings or structures
Over congested areas or large gatherings. For examples such as a football match or shopping high street.

Official CAA advice on flying a drone

You can view a video by the Civil Aviation Authority below:

Commercial Flight

Flying a drone in the UK is your responsibility whether it's for commercial or recreational use and the safety and legal rules remain. However, commercial usage comes with a few extras that you are required to have.

If you intend to use an unmanned aircraft for any kind of commercial activity, you must get a ‘Permission’ from the Civil Aviation Authority, or you could face prosecution. To acquire permission you need the following;

Pilot Qualification

Currently, there are no RPA (Remotely Piloted Aircraft) licenses recognised in current aviation law. However, it is essential for pilots of any aircraft have at least a basic understanding of the applicable regulations, in particular, the Air Navigation Order and Rules of the Air Regulations. The CAA will require potential RPA operators to demonstrate their ability and understanding before any qualification is issued.

There are a variety of means of demonstrating pilot ability and understanding of the rules and regulations. The most common being to complete a course where the applicant demonstrates the necessary skills and knowledge by passing a ground exam and flight test. Here is a list of CAA approved training and examination centres.

CAA approved:

3iC Ltd
Aerial Motion Pictures
Atec-3D - Restricted
Cambridge UAV
Commercial Drone Training Ltd
Cyberhawk - Restricted
Drone Pilot Academy Ltd - 1360
EuroUSC Ltd
Heliguy
Hexca, - Restricted
NATS RPAS
Resource Group Ltd
RUSTA (RTP-UK)
Sky-Futures Ltd
The Great Circle
UAV Air (ways)
Whispercam
Cyberhawk - Restricted
The Aerial Academy (Hexcam) - Restricted
UAV8 Ltd

Insurance

Pilots of unmanned aircraft must comply with Regulation (EC) 785/2004 (Article 2) on Insurance Requirements for Air Carriers and Aircraft Operators. We advise consulting the Regulation to determine the minimum level of insurance required for small unmanned aircraft and small unmanned surveillance aircraft

If you are unsure if you need a pilot qualification you can check by emailing the CAA by Clicking Here.