UK Drone Laws and Flying Restrictions Around Airports 🛫 | Drone Safety

UK drone laws and flying restrictions around airports are changing. UK drone users should be aware that on the 13th of March the new flight restrictions come in to effect surrounding airports. This comes shortly after the chaos caused at multiple airports in the UK including Gatwick.

What is the new UK drone law?

The new law states that drone pilots may not enter a 2 and a half mile radius of the airport. This replaces the old legislation and updates it slightly in both an increased distance and structure. It takes into consideration the areas in which the planes take off and land from adding an additional 1km exclusion zone to these areas of the airport. These areas are out of bounds for all drone users, the only exception to this is if you have permission from air traffic control.

What do I need to do to comply with the new drone law?

Now, this sounds really complicated but in the easiest way to see it is on the DroneCode map available on their website or app. You can easily geolocate to where or you are or search to where you are planning to fly.

You should also make sure that the firmware on your drone is up to date. Most mainstream drones will have geofencing added to the flight software that will flag warnings or ground the drone in restricted areas. If you do not have this software on your drone, then you will just need to be sure to plan your flights and make sure you are not flying in restricted areas.

And of course, you still need to comply with the Drone Code and make sure you are flying safely – https://dronesafe.uk/drone-code/

Remember the rules are there for a reason, there is a lot of responsibility that comes with flying a drone. Flying irresponsibly can do damage to property, injur, or even worse cause fatal accidents. A drone hitting an aircraft or car will cause a lot of damage and you are liable for the outcome of that incident.

Just be sensible, be responsible and fly safe!

UK drone law resources

DroneSafe is the official resource for drone laws created by NATS (Air Traffic Control) and the CAA (Civil Aviation Authority).

You can see all the latest airfield restrictions here
https://dronesafe.uk/restrictions/

Or download the app (available for iOS or Android) here
https://dronesafe.uk/safety-apps/

More safety resources are available here