Guidance on Drones

Drone Guidance Summary

The most simplistic interpretation is that drones weighing under 250g or in classes

‘UK0’, ‘UK1’ ‘C0’ or ‘C1’ can be flown almost anywhere. Drones weighing over 250g

or in other classes are subject to more restrictions and requirements. 

Below is a very basic overview:

Drone Pilot /Operator Requirements and Flight Safety

▪ The pilot of any drone weighing over 100g requires a valid CAA Flyer ID;

▪ The operator of any drone weighing over 250g (or any drone weighing over

100g if fitted with a camera) requires a valid CAA Operator ID, which must be

displayed on the drone.

▪ Drones must be flown within visual line of sight;

▪ Drones must not be flown more than 120m (400 feet) above ground level;

▪ Drones must not be flown over crowds (see definition within CAA Drone Code);

▪ Drones must not be flown in a manner that endangers any person or aircraft;

▪ Drones must not be flown in a manner that may hamper ongoing emergency

services in their response to an ongoing emergency incident;

▪ Drones must not be flown within an airport Flight Restriction Zone (FRZ) without

permission from the aerodrome Air Traffic Control or within restricted airspace

without the permission of the relevant sponsor (as provided on the relevant CAA

‘Notice to Aviation’);

▪ Any drone flown at night must have a flashing green light;

▪ If the pilot is flying for commercial purposes, the pilot must have insurance.

Guidance on Misuse of Drones

If a person is aware that a drone is being used or has been used in a manner which contravenes the requirements or safety guidelines, the Civil Aviation Authority must be notified via their website https://www.caa.co.uk/drones/

If a person believes that a drone is being used to commit criminality the Police must be called either on 999 if it is ongoing or via 101 or https://www.scotland.police.uk/secureforms/contact/
 

Please feel free to share this information with anyone you think this Alert may be relevant to.  

Anyone can sign up to receive Alerts - just scan this QR code and follow the simple steps.