Van Lifers with Drones
It's time to talk about Drones. I've avoided it at all costs up to now, as it's a potentially divisive issue. We try not to be divisive; there's enough of it out there in the world, and our mission is to try and bring light, not darkness, to our content.
However, enough people have asked us about drone use, especially in Europe, from our community that it wouldn't be right to avoid it further.
As most of the people asking the questions are new to drone flying and usually own or are thinking about owning the lighter sub 250g drones like the DJI Mini series, this article is aimed at that cohort.
I am aiming this blog at the recreational end of drone flying and assuming no knowledge, so this is an attempt to simplify the issue and signpost others towards more expert opinions.
This video is for those who want to fly legitimately.
I would always advise reading the Drone Code initially , and I personally would advise everyone to take the Flyer ID test regardless of whether you are flying a mini which is exempt from Flyer ID. The information you would gain would be invaluable and may prevent you from being involved with law enforcement or, worse, an incident with your drone.
This is the link for that resource - https://register-drones.caa.co.uk/drone-code/getting-what-you-need-to-fly
My experience and training:
- I have a Flyer ID and Operator ID for both the UK and Europe.
- An A2 C of C Drone Operators Certificate which makes me qualified to fly bigger drones closer to people.
- I am a recreational flyer and not a commercial operator.
- I have been flying drones for 5 years and so far have not experienced any issues with drones, which I find highly reliable, although my experience is only with DJI Drones.
- I have also completed the Drone Master Class program with the UAV Hub.
BUT - let me reinforce this, I am not an expert and I'm not seeking to set myself up as such in this or in any subject.
The drone world is growing and with it is a counter lobby for more flight restrictions and training and there is a growing sense of concern about privacy being disturbed.
We have to accept that they are noisy and people don't universally like them, therefore it seems reasonable to develop a set of flight ethics which not only comply with the law but are considerate to others.
As well as knowing the legal aspects of flying, personal ethics play a part. I ask myself because it's permissible to fly should I and what am I trying to achieve with the flight.
So let's assume you have bought or own a sub 250g drone and are wondering what to do as a UK resident. These things are important and not especially in order:
- Read the CAA drone code - https://register-drones.caa.co.uk/drone-code
- Obtain an Operator ID and attach it to your drone - A legal requirement
- You can fly over people with a sub 250g drone, but not crowds. What is a crowd is subjective of course but I wouldn't fly over a group of people socialising i.e. a Rally.
- You must keep the drone in line of sight at all times - no binoculars. It's been suggested that the CAA work to a 500m rule then declare the drone out of sight. We are starting to see prosecutions for this offence in the UK.
- The maximum height you can fly is 120m or 400 feet above the ground.
- Never fly near a prison, an airfield, or a structure, which would be restricted.
- Download an App such as Drone Assist which will show on a map where flight is restricted. https://www.altitudeangel.com/solutions/drone-assist
- Just because you can fly, ask yourself should you. Privacy should be respected where possible, there is always something you can do.
- Choose a time to fly when there is the least chance of population density.
- Have a flight objective - when done, stop, no mission creep to use up the battery.
- I don't launch with less than 50% battery, and I carry spares. Incidentally, if you put the bigger battery in the Mini 4 Pro, it will take it over 250g and out of the A1 category which means you need to be away from people.
- There are lots of bylaws which prevent flight launch, e.g., National Trust, but they don't own the skies, but I wouldn't personally fly over stately homes.
- Beware of the concept of reckless flying.It’s an offence and the penalties can be severe.
- Weather considerations - the more you fly, you'll get used to the aircraft's handling, but consider the drone weather app UAV Forecast; it will tell you if it's fit to fly. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/uav-forecast/id1050023752
- Birds - fly long enough, and you'll be dogfighting with birds. Consider wildlife and if they start to swoop, drop the drone low and fly it back to you, land, and find somewhere else to fly.
- Consider Insurance - not compulsory but Liability Insurance is cheap and fly away drones are rare but do happen. DJI Refresh does have a scheme I personally use Cover Drone.
- Social Media - look at the footage before you post in detail. If you capture something private, delete it.
Europe:
The rules are similar after all; the UK CAA was a signatory to the EASA Rules when we were a member of the EU.
You will need an operator ID from an EU Country, normally the first country you want to fly in. Some nations, however, do allow you to do this online, Luxembourg, for example, is the option I took.
But there are some differences of direction emerging. The CAA is just running a consultation exercise in which commentators are suggesting that greater regulation of drone flyers is coming, in particular from the sub 250g drones category. It is likely Mini flyers will need to obtain a Flyer ID and sit the test, but I recommend you do this anyway.
But it means that the UK is pursuing a policy of greater regulation on drone operators while in Spain I see a different approach with a greater use of restricted fly zones. So, it's essential in Spain that you check the no-fly zones; you can see from this website the areas of Restricted Zones which are being clearly being used more widely. This will affect Mini Flying RZ's trump other processes.
Hope that helps.
Martin
