I learnt more from this 12 minute video than i have in 2 weeks looking elsewhere . This is my second attempt at getting started in being a recreational drone pilot. Why does it need to be so complicated. Thanks for your efforts . I've liked and subscribed, 10/10.
Very good information in this video, thank you. I purchased my 1st rc aircraft last September, It's a 1/13 scale Bell206 helicopter, a RTF, gps/manual mode, 300+g. model. I had no idea that I need a Flyer ID to fly it. Also, I've been flying in the A3 Category, some local council parks. My local council website states, 'The use of drones for filming purposes is not allowed', that's it. I know and I am very aware my helicopter can be dangerous, I fly when the parks are quite, no people nearby. I'm going to carry on as I am.
Thanks for the comment. Check out the BMFA and look at their membership that allows you to fly with improved permissions under Article 16. This will keep you legal and gives you some public liability insurance too
Any Low Flying Areas you got to make sure theres no aircraft around near by. Its better to have a flight tracker or a scanner to ensure your drone and pilots aircraft safety Also i would say if your in the likes of the mach loop, ogwen valley, parts of the lake district and so on just call the nearest raf base to ensure theres no flights passing through or over where you are going to use your drone at that certain period of time
Thanks for a nice clear overview. When I left the UK a few years back quad flying was just a hobby and the rules were "don't hit people". Not at all surprising that the government shoved its nose in once it started getting popular so I've had to learn new specific ruling for something I previously didn't have to think about.
@@Firefly_UAV At this very moment, nothing. I'm wanting to get back to it and try again. I still have the setup I was using before I left, but I've discovered it's a LOT more out of date than I thought! Built myself, it's an AlienCopter frame, PropDrive 2826 1200kv motors, can't remember what the escs are, and an old KK2.1 controller board. I figured it would all be be obsolete and "old tech" by now but after some research I realise just how much! 🤣 The plan was to strip and rebuild this one and maybe modernise it a little but given how much I'd be looking to replace the only thing I'd end up keeping would be the frame! So I think what I'll do now is rebuild it with fresh wires, solder, etc, but leave the parts as is and keep it as a classic. Then down the line just build a new one anyway with all shiny new bits. Want to go fpv with that next one, that looks like a ton of fun 😁
thank you for your informative rules and law guide ..i had no knowledge of the formalities for operating drones i simply took to youtube found the drone that best suited my needs and purchased without a thought to licence it was only when i learnt of registration did i stumble on this area..so i took the test got my wings and in the next few days i shall be receiving my first drone a dji Air ..fortunately im based near the moorlands of Lancashire..so i will have lots of freedom to roam the skies ..one thing im not able to grasp is the re-registering of a used drone..but i will cross that bridge once it arrives ..thank you..
Thanks for your comment. You should be able to register a used drone just like a new one, that’s assuming the previous owner has in bound it from their account
Great video would be great if you could cover whats required going from hobbiest (operator and flyer ID) to commercial GVC and A2 certification or when they apply.
Thanks for your comment 👍 So the A2cofc is covered in the video I think. To fly commercially you need the correct insurance for commercial work. The GVC is a whole different thing. You fly in the specific category and the open categories don’t apply at all. Each operational authorisation may be different for each permission. With the basic permission you will be able to overfly uninvolved people as long as you’re 50m above them with 30mm on takeoff and landing. You need to get your GVC and then pay the CAA £250 for the first year and a bit cheaper every year to maintain your OA. There aren’t mass classes in the specific category like there are in the open
Thank you for this video as I'm in the process of starting up this hobby so am already looking around on Drone Assist about certain restricted areas local to me, and have already found one that is interesting, that being a local police station and the references on the site to it. The station is on Bournville Lane, in the Bournville area of Birmingham. I can accept that the app probably does not know that this station is known as the E1 (Echo One) and is the operational control room for the local county, but the app has it listed as being a NORTHAMPTONSHIRE Police station when it is actually West Midlands, so is about 50 miles out. This may only seem a minor thing to mention, but it may bring the overall accuracy of this app into question.
Are you returning to the industry? In some ways it’s much easier to get back into commercial work, but in other ways it’s more difficult because anyone with a drone can now do it
@@Firefly_UAV I will return. But not as much as I did. I feel happier operating my new mini pro too be honest. Also fed up with all the Audits going to industrial sites and giving the drone industry a bad name
The mini 3 pro should be renamed the mini ‘stealth’ it’s so quiet! It’s a real shame that some are exercising the permissions that we have in such a way that we’re Lilly to loose some of those permissions
Thanks very much for making this video. The thing that has confused me about the June 2023 update was in relation to new 150m residential and commercial separation / distrance rules for drones over 500g. With my A2CofC I was previously able to do commercial survey work and property videos at 50m with an Air 2s (sub 2kg drone at 595g) but does this mean that now it can only be done with something like a Mini 3 or 4 pro?
First the law hasn’t changed in the last couple of years, what has changed is the advice offered by the CAA. It’s was often assumed that people being in a building is sufficient protection from the drone if it flies out of control, but if those people come out of the building then that protection is lost. Unless you’re flying your 500g> drone in an industrial estate on a Sunday morning you can never really know if someone is about to come out of a building or not. For me I’ve never flown my Air2s in built up areas for inspections / surveys etc because you never know when so one might choose to come out of any building. I’ve always used a sub250g drone. The A2cofc is almost useless for anything over 500g in my opinion. Even with a GVC and OA it’s very difficult to maintain separation distances in built up areas. Being 50m up isn’t much use for roof surveys! If we get acceptance of C class drones and permission to fly them in the A1 subcategory then that will be a game changer! The Air2s is due to get a C1 marking apparently too!
If I want to fly A1 with my Mini 4 Pro but using the "Plus" battery (which pushes it a smidge over 250g), is there any way to do that? - I understand I need a flyer ID in addition to the operator ID, but that seems to limit me to A2? - I'm getting conflicting information that the a2 cofc certificate allows A1 flying for sub 500g drones, but that this is outdated and transitionary and totally useless in 2024? - Any solution for legally flying a 286g take off weight drone under Open Category A1?
London Bridge I’m not sure about. I do specifically cover London airspace in this video though ….. DJI Maps | No Geozones | How to Check UK Airspace | 2024 Updates ua-cam.com/video/EEfVaGLly_4/v-deo.html
Hi there, is there anything for film makers which offers more freedom after taking an exam I want to utilise a mavic 3 pro cine with it having 3 cameras and apple pro res. Now my requirements would be recording in residential areas and other commercial areas and busy places which gets human traffic. I never need to fly over uninvolved people, also don't need to fly higher than 30m most of the time. there will be the occasional time to get wide air shots. its also for commercial use, but I would want to use it for recreational to get plenty of use, so info in both areas.
This video covers the open category. It might be worth you looking at the specific category. Of it’s just recreational then you might be ok with the article 16 permissions that you can get through places like fpvuk. Otherwise you’ll need to go for the GVC where you can fly over people in a 50m bubble. That’s not cheap though and you’ll need to pay the CAA £250 a year for the pleasure. There is some hope that the UK might accept the C class makings int he future that may be just what you need
If registering actually did any practical good, other than raising a lot of cash for the CAA then I might be able to accept it - a bit like being told as a kid that you couldn't do something and when asking why - only to be told "because".
Im currently booked in for infrared training and buying the enterprise 3 thermal for property inspections. I was going to book in for the a2 but looking at these laws im worried that i may be spending alot of money for something i cant use shortly
You’re not doing a GVC? Where are you planning on doing thermal inspections? Big houses on their own or semidetached / terraced? If you’re working in more congested places you may be better off with your GVC and operational authorisation. That will allow you to fly in a 50m bubble from uninvolved people.
@@Firefly_UAV I thought the gvc was mainly for heavier drones. If that's the one I need I'll get it done. It will be for mainly built up areas finding leaks on roofs heat loss and so on. Thanks for your feedback
It’s really for anything where you need the permissions. If you have to fly greater mass than 500g in built up areas it’s really the best thing. I’ve let mine lapse as I can get away with a mini 3pro. Check out UAVHUB which is where I did minor and I’d recommend them
@@Firefly_UAV think my only concern is what happens if I spend the time and money and it ends up been for nothing if gvc is no longer recognized in 2026 as well as my drone been moved into cat 3. But confusing very new for me. If I didn't need the thermal I'd just play it safe and get sub 250 but unfortunately I do
@@troutdoors1996 you need to build your GVC and CAA submission costs into your business plan. It’s going to cost maybe 600 in the first year then a couple of hundred every year after that. I don’t think it will become unrecognised in 2026, it may replaced, but even the PFCO are transferring to GVC now. What you will learn will put you in good stead as far as risk assessments and working in a professional way, that’s worth having! Don’t parrot do a thermal drone that’s under 500g?
Hi everyone. I have recently purchased the HS720R drone (389g). I am a beginner to drone flying and quickly realising that perhaps it would've been sensible to buy a
Hi I fly a mini 2 se atm , i am looking to get a dji air 3 , can i fly this with the flyer id and operator Id with no other qualifications as I am not planning to fly in built up areas /over people and only 150 meters away from such is this something I can do with just the above mentioned?? Thanks in advance
Hi I’ve watched many channels on UA-cam but I fine yours very good So what’s the law if I wanted to fly far and I have spotters is that ok or not so much has change I e subscribe
Thanks for your comment. At the moment extended visual line of sight (EVLOS) isn’t really a thing you can do in the UK. I think it can be done in the USA, but that’s not really my area of expertise
I hope that DJ Audits does not ruin it for everyone! I actually appreciate emphasising rights and educating authorities but surely it should be done in a way that doesnt make enemies. I dont want drones banned.
In terms of privacy, whats the difference with looking at someones garden on Google earth or walking past a house on a high street where you can see into their window?
I think the difference is the camera, or the perception of the camera. I don’t think anyone wants a camera pointed at their house regardless if it’s recording or not. Personally I never have a private home as the main subject in my pictures or videos unless I’ve been instituted to do so by the owners of the home
For drone racing, I assume that the CAA rules don't apply when flying INDOORS with drones designed to far exceed the 45mph limits... say, in a warehouse racecourse. But, what about private land for outdoor racing? What's the height limit, below which CAA regs don't apply? There HAS to be one, surely. Is it "below the height of fixed obstructions" ? I'd like to fly 100mph+ course-racing drones on private land (with netted borders if required) - on land that I'm allowed to shoot shotguns and air rifles - but where's the CAA exception? Nobody seems to know.
I seems the UK is lagging behind many country’s right now. The rules in the EU are broadly the same, but they have the big advantage of C class drones that offer many more freedoms
They’ll likely also confiscate your drone, and controller. Depending where you’re flying you could also get up to a 5k fine and some prison time. Personally I’d just spend £10 a year and fly within the rules
I live on the west coast of Scotland in the middle of nowhere nearest village/town is almost 2 miles away although yes I'm intending on illegally piloting a drone however it's not like I'm at Glasgow Airport being nuisance
A very good informational video, very helpful. What would be really useful though would be a video explaining from the other side of the fence so to speak, ie what are your rights regarding coming across a drone being flown near you and or over your property? Can you legally take it down? Eg with a catapult or stick? How do you find out if the pilot is licensed? What if the pilot is uncooperative by not giving his details, license info etc? Will the police respond to a complaint about a drone on or near your property etc? Thanks in advance.”
Thanks for your comment. It’s very difficult to know what mass any drone is when flying, unless you know your drones well. Even then you also don’t know what qualifications any remote pilot might have to fly over you or your property. In most cases you can fly above someone’s house or property and it’s not trespass, It is reasonable to expect the height of the drone to be such not to disturb you or put you in danger though. You can’t shoot down a drone that’s above your property. People have done this and it always ended up with them in court! The best you can do is report the flight to the police. Tech exists to trace drones and their pilots, it’s not available to every police officer though. What issues are you having?
How come? When I started flying we could only really fly in the A3 subcategory, but now we have many more places to fly that are closer to people and buildings
@@Firefly_UAV Yes but as you said in your video where the dog went for the drone. That was a “footpath” and most public places are footpaths. If you go to the coast, the majority of it is owned by someone like the National Trust. I have a Mavic Pro 2 and hardly ever fly it now.
Yeah it was a footpath. I’ve flown from footpaths many times, but when people weren’t about and when I could take off and land without anyone being affected. If you’re hovering you’re drone at 2 ft with dogs, and people approaching you really deserve why you get
There is a difference between taking off on a regularly used footpath and one running through farm land/wild meadows where you can see 200m in each direction which allows for early warning of passing people. I believe taking off and landing on a footpath is perfectly acceptable in the right circumstances. The rules need more clearly stating and shouldnt be left to peoples own opinions. It is currently legal. I believe your video may contradict that.
Most of the countryside where I live is beautiful and makes for great drone footage, but restrictions seem to prevent me from flying anywhere (e.g. Dartmoor National Park have a blanket ban). My next option would be from coastal paths, but much of the coast is owned and maintained by the National Trust. I'm unclear from your advice whether footpaths that cross National Trust land are included in their prohibition and whether it is permitted to take off from them if there are no persons about. Also, having taken off from the path, then surely I am flying over National Trust property and will fall foul of their ban? Just out of interest do you have any knowledge of policies in other National Parks? For instance the South Downs seem to be a lot more lenient and reasonable from what I can gather.
Too many “A” numbers with no explanation and at 7 mins. the dogs were off lead and out of control. Any harm caused would have been the dog owners fault. Plus the dog owner was entering the pilot’s space without giving him chance to make the area safe. You can fly a drone from a publicly accessible area including footpaths.
You say taking off from a foot path is breaking the navagation order, your argument is a foot path is what it says it is a foot path. Well what is a road, it does not specify that a drone can be flown from a road side or a path, a field is not a take off pad, a car park is what it says it is. By your definition take off would be impossible. Taking off from a foot path does not contravene article 241, taking off from a foot path when there are people around you could contravene article 241 if it were unsafe to do so and depening of drone catogory. The video clip you showed, was a sub 250g drone coming in to land, there were no people in the imediate area at that point, then a out of control dog, not on a lead runs over to the drone when trying to land. To me the dog owner was at fault it was the dog that came from nowahere and attacked the drone. The CAA does not say you cannot take off from foot paths they don't say where yo can take off from at all because the CAA does not have that power, it controls air space not land. THe land is the property owners resposility
Yeah I agree with most of what you’ve said. My point was if you choose to operate from a path you need to take additional precautions to mitigate the risk of people using the footpath. Footpaths tend to be more difficult because by definition they are narrow and long so choosing an alternative location can be more difficult. Like you say the CAA has no authority over foot paths which is correct, but they do have authority when your drone is in the air. As for the dog, if you’re doing your risk assessment as a remote pilot even a mental risk assessment, how likely is it to see someone on a footpath with dog off the lead? I’d say a high chance and of those dogs quite a few would be interested in playing catch with the drone. I think the RP should have mitigated this risk by either having enough battery to keep flying and wait for the dog to pass, or having enough battery to find an alternative place to land. He seems oblivious to anything going on around him and tried to land regardless
@@Firefly_UAV If you listen to the video you can just about hear the woman apologise for her dog attacking the drone, she clealy had no control over the dog. I will say from experience, dogs are very attracted to dornes, they can hear the noise of the drone from afar and that gets their attention. I agree it is important to aways be thinking of another landing spot just incase a dog is likely to appear out of the blue. It's always wise to do a quick circle around before landing just to make sure no dogs or even youngsters are fast heading your way.
That’s an option, but in this video I just stuck to the open category. The specific category has so many more facets and permissions for each organisation that I chose not to confuse things with talking about that too
Wherever the hell I want to. You just have to be willing to walk away from the Drone at any point. What drone Pilots need to do is get together with some Mass non-compliance. Instead of sitting here and trying to outdo each other on who knows more of the technicalities of some stupid edict. Remember you can go out right now and buy a Ultra Lite airplane and fly it with absolutely no license whatsoever. Think about that for a minute
The dog must also be on its lead in designated pedestrian zones, children's play areas, sports pitches, roads, beaches, and parks, that wouldn't of happened if she followed the rules, I'd favour the drone piolet over a brainless in it's own world dog and the irresponsible dog owner.
See I think the remote pilot didn’t consider the risk of a dog, but it could have been a child running, Someone on a bike. It’s safe practise to check your landing area for people before landing, not to do that is negligent and reckless in my eyes
I learnt more from this 12 minute video than i have in 2 weeks looking elsewhere . This is my second attempt at getting started in being a recreational drone pilot. Why does it need to be so complicated. Thanks for your efforts . I've liked and subscribed, 10/10.
Totally agree, I have been researching for a number of weeks before deciding to buy and about to decide not to, best explanation on UA-cam!!!
I've been looking for Uk rules for almost two months and this is by far the most clear info Thank you❤.
Thanks for your comment 😊 I’m glad it helped.
Very good information in this video, thank you. I purchased my 1st rc aircraft last September, It's a 1/13 scale Bell206 helicopter, a RTF, gps/manual mode, 300+g. model. I had no idea that I need a Flyer ID to fly it. Also, I've been flying in the A3 Category, some local council parks. My local council website states, 'The use of drones for filming purposes is not allowed', that's it. I know and I am very aware my helicopter can be dangerous, I fly when the parks are quite, no people nearby. I'm going to carry on as I am.
Thanks for the comment. Check out the BMFA and look at their membership that allows you to fly with improved permissions under Article 16. This will keep you legal and gives you some public liability insurance too
@@Firefly_UAV Thank you for your reply, ok, I will do that.
Well done mate you didn’t send me asleep in 3 minutes like geeksvana does
Any Low Flying Areas you got to make sure theres no aircraft around near by. Its better to have a flight tracker or a scanner to ensure your drone and pilots aircraft safety
Also i would say if your in the likes of the mach loop, ogwen valley, parts of the lake district and so on just call the nearest raf base to ensure theres no flights passing through or over where you are going to use your drone at that certain period of time
Thanks for a nice clear overview. When I left the UK a few years back quad flying was just a hobby and the rules were "don't hit people". Not at all surprising that the government shoved its nose in once it started getting popular so I've had to learn new specific ruling for something I previously didn't have to think about.
Thanks for the comment. I’m glad the video helped. What do you fly?
@@Firefly_UAV At this very moment, nothing. I'm wanting to get back to it and try again. I still have the setup I was using before I left, but I've discovered it's a LOT more out of date than I thought!
Built myself, it's an AlienCopter frame, PropDrive 2826 1200kv motors, can't remember what the escs are, and an old KK2.1 controller board. I figured it would all be be obsolete and "old tech" by now but after some research I realise just how much! 🤣
The plan was to strip and rebuild this one and maybe modernise it a little but given how much I'd be looking to replace the only thing I'd end up keeping would be the frame! So I think what I'll do now is rebuild it with fresh wires, solder, etc, but leave the parts as is and keep it as a classic. Then down the line just build a new one anyway with all shiny new bits. Want to go fpv with that next one, that looks like a ton of fun 😁
really helpful thankyou
thank you for your informative rules and law guide ..i had no knowledge of the formalities for operating drones i simply took to youtube found the drone that best suited my needs and purchased without a thought to licence it was only when i learnt of registration did i stumble on this area..so i took the test got my wings and in the next few days i shall be receiving my first drone a dji Air ..fortunately im based near the moorlands of Lancashire..so i will have lots of freedom to roam the skies ..one thing im not able to grasp is the re-registering of a used drone..but i will cross that bridge once it arrives ..thank you..
Thanks for your comment. You should be able to register a used drone just like a new one, that’s assuming the previous owner has in bound it from their account
Great video would be great if you could cover whats required going from hobbiest (operator and flyer ID) to commercial GVC and A2 certification or when they apply.
Thanks for your comment 👍 So the A2cofc is covered in the video I think. To fly commercially you need the correct insurance for commercial work.
The GVC is a whole different thing. You fly in the specific category and the open categories don’t apply at all. Each operational authorisation may be different for each permission. With the basic permission you will be able to overfly uninvolved people as long as you’re 50m above them with 30mm on takeoff and landing. You need to get your GVC and then pay the CAA £250 for the first year and a bit cheaper every year to maintain your OA. There aren’t mass classes in the specific category like there are in the open
Excellent really informative video 💯
Thank you
Thanks!
Thank you so much! I really appreciate it 😊
Thank you for this video as I'm in the process of starting up this hobby so am already looking around on Drone Assist about certain restricted areas local to me, and have already found one that is interesting, that being a local police station and the references on the site to it.
The station is on Bournville Lane, in the Bournville area of Birmingham. I can accept that the app probably does not know that this station is known as the E1 (Echo One) and is the operational control room for the local county, but the app has it listed as being a NORTHAMPTONSHIRE Police station when it is actually West Midlands, so is about 50 miles out.
This may only seem a minor thing to mention, but it may bring the overall accuracy of this app into question.
Thanks for your comment. Drone assist is great for airspace. The ground stuff is less good though
Thanks for the info and the way you explained it.
Thank you ☺️
I love this video now I can finally fly my drone
Thanks so much for the feedback. How did it help?
I had a full licence for 7 years which was the PfCO then it became the OA . I’m now out of it for a couple of years.
Are you returning to the industry? In some ways it’s much easier to get back into commercial work, but in other ways it’s more difficult because anyone with a drone can now do it
@@Firefly_UAV I will return. But not as much as I did. I feel happier operating my new mini pro too be honest. Also fed up with all the Audits going to industrial sites and giving the drone industry a bad name
The mini 3 pro should be renamed the mini ‘stealth’ it’s so quiet! It’s a real shame that some are exercising the permissions that we have in such a way that we’re Lilly to loose some of those permissions
I agree with the footpath argument. The rights for Footpaths are made for travelling across the land and not stopping on the land 👍
Thanks for your comment. That's how I understand it too
great video, thank you
Thanks very much for making this video. The thing that has confused me about the June 2023 update was in relation to new 150m residential and commercial separation / distrance rules for drones over 500g. With my A2CofC I was previously able to do commercial survey work and property videos at 50m with an Air 2s (sub 2kg drone at 595g) but does this mean that now it can only be done with something like a Mini 3 or 4 pro?
First the law hasn’t changed in the last couple of years, what has changed is the advice offered by the CAA. It’s was often assumed that people being in a building is sufficient protection from the drone if it flies out of control, but if those people come out of the building then that protection is lost.
Unless you’re flying your 500g> drone in an industrial estate on a Sunday morning you can never really know if someone is about to come out of a building or not. For me I’ve never flown my Air2s in built up areas for inspections / surveys etc because you never know when so one might choose to come out of any building. I’ve always used a sub250g drone. The A2cofc is almost useless for anything over 500g in my opinion. Even with a GVC and OA it’s very difficult to maintain separation distances in built up areas. Being 50m up isn’t much use for roof surveys!
If we get acceptance of C class drones and permission to fly them in the A1 subcategory then that will be a game changer! The Air2s is due to get a C1 marking apparently too!
If I want to fly A1 with my Mini 4 Pro but using the "Plus" battery (which pushes it a smidge over 250g), is there any way to do that? - I understand I need a flyer ID in addition to the operator ID, but that seems to limit me to A2? - I'm getting conflicting information that the a2 cofc certificate allows A1 flying for sub 500g drones, but that this is outdated and transitionary and totally useless in 2024? - Any solution for legally flying a 286g take off weight drone under Open Category A1?
Thank you for that, this is very helpful 👍
Thanks for the comment and I’m glad it’s helped
@@Firefly_UAV I fly mini 3 and although it’s less than 250g we all need to know the regulations to fly safe.
Quick question- is flying allowed near the London Bridge? If I go early in the morning for eg will that work??
London Bridge I’m not sure about. I do specifically cover London airspace in this video though …..
DJI Maps | No Geozones | How to Check UK Airspace | 2024 Updates
ua-cam.com/video/EEfVaGLly_4/v-deo.html
Hi there, is there anything for film makers which offers more freedom after taking an exam I want to utilise a mavic 3 pro cine with it having 3 cameras and apple pro res. Now my requirements would be recording in residential areas and other commercial areas and busy places which gets human traffic. I never need to fly over uninvolved people, also don't need to fly higher than 30m most of the time. there will be the occasional time to get wide air shots. its also for commercial use, but I would want to use it for recreational to get plenty of use, so info in both areas.
This video covers the open category. It might be worth you looking at the specific category. Of it’s just recreational then you might be ok with the article 16 permissions that you can get through places like fpvuk. Otherwise you’ll need to go for the GVC where you can fly over people in a 50m bubble. That’s not cheap though and you’ll need to pay the CAA £250 a year for the pleasure. There is some hope that the UK might accept the C class makings int he future that may be just what you need
If registering actually did any practical good, other than raising a lot of cash for the CAA then I might be able to accept it - a bit like being told as a kid that you couldn't do something and when asking why - only to be told "because".
I see you’ve registered with Google, do you think they don’t make any money out of you?
Im currently booked in for infrared training and buying the enterprise 3 thermal for property inspections. I was going to book in for the a2 but looking at these laws im worried that i may be spending alot of money for something i cant use shortly
You’re not doing a GVC? Where are you planning on doing thermal inspections? Big houses on their own or semidetached / terraced? If you’re working in more congested places you may be better off with your GVC and operational authorisation. That will allow you to fly in a 50m bubble from uninvolved people.
@@Firefly_UAV I thought the gvc was mainly for heavier drones. If that's the one I need I'll get it done. It will be for mainly built up areas finding leaks on roofs heat loss and so on. Thanks for your feedback
It’s really for anything where you need the permissions. If you have to fly greater mass than 500g in built up areas it’s really the best thing. I’ve let mine lapse as I can get away with a mini 3pro.
Check out UAVHUB which is where I did minor and I’d recommend them
@@Firefly_UAV think my only concern is what happens if I spend the time and money and it ends up been for nothing if gvc is no longer recognized in 2026 as well as my drone been moved into cat 3. But confusing very new for me. If I didn't need the thermal I'd just play it safe and get sub 250 but unfortunately I do
@@troutdoors1996 you need to build your GVC and CAA submission costs into your business plan. It’s going to cost maybe 600 in the first year then a couple of hundred every year after that. I don’t think it will become unrecognised in 2026, it may replaced, but even the PFCO are transferring to GVC now. What you will learn will put you in good stead as far as risk assessments and working in a professional way, that’s worth having!
Don’t parrot do a thermal drone that’s under 500g?
Hi everyone. I have recently purchased the HS720R drone (389g). I am a beginner to drone flying and quickly realising that perhaps it would've been sensible to buy a
You can fly in the A3 subcategory, or if you do the A2cofc then you can fly in the A1. It’s all in the video 😊
Enjoy your flying!
Well the chances of coppers understanding also are pretty slim
I think it’s better to be as informed as you can be, don’t you’re ever questioned about the legality of a flight you know where you stand
So if take the license can we fly in Europe or any other country as well?
Once you have your flyer and operator ID (no licences, but just levels of competency)
Thanks to Brexit those certificates are not valid in Europe
Hi I fly a mini 2 se atm , i am looking to get a dji air 3 , can i fly this with the flyer id and operator Id with no other qualifications as I am not planning to fly in built up areas /over people and only 150 meters away from such is this something I can do with just the above mentioned?? Thanks in advance
Thanks for the question. Yes you can fly that in the A3 subcategory with a flyer and operator ID
I don't understand! I passed the test CAA A1,A3 I can fly in England with Mavic 3 Pro 150m from people?
You can fly your mavic 3 50m from uninvolved people and 150m from industrial, commercial, residential and recreational areas
@ oooo thanks for the answer😀 I was lost in the tunnels of bureaucracy. why do I need A2? if I want to fly close to people?
The A2cofc will allow you to fly in built up areas, but doesn’t reduce the separation distance to uninvolved people
Hi I’ve watched many channels on UA-cam but I fine yours very good So what’s the law if I wanted to fly far and I have spotters is that ok or not so much has change I e subscribe
Thanks for your comment. At the moment extended visual line of sight (EVLOS) isn’t really a thing you can do in the UK. I think it can be done in the USA, but that’s not really my area of expertise
@@Firefly_UAV okey thanks
What app did you mention about no fly zones?
It’s the drone assist app from altitude angel. Technically they are flight restricted zones
Legend
I hope that DJ Audits does not ruin it for everyone! I actually appreciate emphasising rights and educating authorities but surely it should be done in a way that doesnt make enemies. I dont want drones banned.
I agree with you. I think there are easier ways to educated people - that’s what I try to do.
Confrontation = clicks though
In terms of privacy, whats the difference with looking at someones garden on Google earth or walking past a house on a high street where you can see into their window?
I think the difference is the camera, or the perception of the camera. I don’t think anyone wants a camera pointed at their house regardless if it’s recording or not. Personally I never have a private home as the main subject in my pictures or videos unless I’ve been instituted to do so by the owners of the home
Great video but you didn’t go deep enough on A3
Thanks. What more would you like to know about the A3 subcategory?
For drone racing, I assume that the CAA rules don't apply when flying INDOORS with drones designed to far exceed the 45mph limits... say, in a warehouse racecourse. But, what about private land for outdoor racing?
What's the height limit, below which CAA regs don't apply? There HAS to be one, surely. Is it "below the height of fixed obstructions" ? I'd like to fly 100mph+ course-racing drones on private land (with netted borders if required) - on land that I'm allowed to shoot shotguns and air rifles - but where's the CAA exception? Nobody seems to know.
The byzantine UK rules have managed to make the US FAA regs look plain and simple. Good job.
I seems the UK is lagging behind many country’s right now. The rules in the EU are broadly the same, but they have the big advantage of C class drones that offer many more freedoms
What’s the name of the app ?
Drone assist?
Will they no im flying without a licence
Is all I need to no
Not until you get caught!
@Firefly_UAV that'll do me ,cheers bro
They’ll likely also confiscate your drone, and controller. Depending where you’re flying you could also get up to a 5k fine and some prison time.
Personally I’d just spend £10 a year and fly within the rules
I live on the west coast of Scotland in the middle of nowhere nearest village/town is almost 2 miles away although yes I'm intending on illegally piloting a drone however it's not like I'm at Glasgow Airport being nuisance
All these vids just say you can't fly drones, can you fly in the local park?
With what drone?
@Firefly_UAV dgi avata 2
A very good informational video, very helpful. What would be really useful though would be a video explaining from the other side of the fence so to speak, ie what are your rights regarding coming across a drone being flown near you and or over your property?
Can you legally take it down? Eg with a catapult or stick? How do you find out if the pilot is licensed? What if the pilot is uncooperative by not giving his details, license info etc? Will the police respond to a complaint about a drone on or near your property etc?
Thanks in advance.”
Thanks for your comment. It’s very difficult to know what mass any drone is when flying, unless you know your drones well. Even then you also don’t know what qualifications any remote pilot might have to fly over you or your property.
In most cases you can fly above someone’s house or property and it’s not trespass,
It is reasonable to expect the height of the drone to be such not to disturb you or put you in danger though.
You can’t shoot down a drone that’s above your property. People have done this and it always ended up with them in court!
The best you can do is report the flight to the police. Tech exists to trace drones and their pilots, it’s not available to every police officer though.
What issues are you having?
It looks like it’s impossible to fly anywhere these days.
How come? When I started flying we could only really fly in the A3 subcategory, but now we have many more places to fly that are closer to people and buildings
@@Firefly_UAV Yes but as you said in your video where the dog went for the drone. That was a “footpath” and most public places are footpaths. If you go to the coast, the majority of it is owned by someone like the National Trust. I have a Mavic Pro 2 and hardly ever fly it now.
Yeah it was a footpath. I’ve flown from footpaths many times, but when people weren’t about and when I could take off and land without anyone being affected. If you’re hovering you’re drone at 2 ft with dogs, and people approaching you really deserve why you get
There is a difference between taking off on a regularly used footpath and one running through farm land/wild meadows where you can see 200m in each direction which allows for early warning of passing people. I believe taking off and landing on a footpath is perfectly acceptable in the right circumstances.
The rules need more clearly stating and shouldnt be left to peoples own opinions. It is currently legal. I believe your video may contradict that.
A1 is best since its safer and pretty much u csn fly anywhere
Most of the countryside where I live is beautiful and makes for great drone footage, but restrictions seem to prevent me from flying anywhere (e.g. Dartmoor National Park have a blanket ban). My next option would be from coastal paths, but much of the coast is owned and maintained by the National Trust. I'm unclear from your advice whether footpaths that cross National Trust land are included in their prohibition and whether it is permitted to take off from them if there are no persons about. Also, having taken off from the path, then surely I am flying over National Trust property and will fall foul of their ban? Just out of interest do you have any knowledge of policies in other National Parks? For instance the South Downs seem to be a lot more lenient and reasonable from what I can gather.
Too many “A” numbers with no explanation and at 7 mins. the dogs were off lead and out of control. Any harm caused would have been the dog owners fault. Plus the dog owner was entering the pilot’s space without giving him chance to make the area safe. You can fly a drone from a publicly accessible area including footpaths.
You say taking off from a foot path is breaking the navagation order, your argument is a foot path is what it says it is a foot path. Well what is a road, it does not specify that a drone can be flown from a road side or a path, a field is not a take off pad, a car park is what it says it is. By your definition take off would be impossible.
Taking off from a foot path does not contravene article 241, taking off from a foot path when there are people around you could contravene article 241 if it were unsafe to do so and depening of drone catogory. The video clip you showed, was a sub 250g drone coming in to land, there were no people in the imediate area at that point, then a out of control dog, not on a lead runs over to the drone when trying to land. To me the dog owner was at fault it was the dog that came from nowahere and attacked the drone.
The CAA does not say you cannot take off from foot paths they don't say where yo can take off from at all because the CAA does not have that power, it controls air space not land. THe land is the property owners resposility
Yeah I agree with most of what you’ve said. My point was if you choose to operate from a path you need to take additional precautions to mitigate the risk of people using the footpath. Footpaths tend to be more difficult because by definition they are narrow and long so choosing an alternative location can be more difficult. Like you say the CAA has no authority over foot paths which is correct, but they do have authority when your drone is in the air.
As for the dog, if you’re doing your risk assessment as a remote pilot even a mental risk assessment, how likely is it to see someone on a footpath with dog off the lead? I’d say a high chance and of those dogs quite a few would be interested in playing catch with the drone. I think the RP should have mitigated this risk by either having enough battery to keep flying and wait for the dog to pass, or having enough battery to find an alternative place to land. He seems oblivious to anything going on around him and tried to land regardless
@@Firefly_UAV If you listen to the video you can just about hear the woman apologise for her dog attacking the drone, she clealy had no control over the dog.
I will say from experience, dogs are very attracted to dornes, they can hear the noise of the drone from afar and that gets their attention. I agree it is important to aways be thinking of another landing spot just incase a dog is likely to appear out of the blue. It's always wise to do a quick circle around before landing just to make sure no dogs or even youngsters are fast heading your way.
Dont forget you can fly the Air3s under Article 16 just join a drone club.
That’s an option, but in this video I just stuck to the open category. The specific category has so many more facets and permissions for each organisation that I chose not to confuse things with talking about that too
Wherever the hell I want to. You just have to be willing to walk away from the Drone at any point. What drone Pilots need to do is get together with some Mass non-compliance. Instead of sitting here and trying to outdo each other on who knows more of the technicalities of some stupid edict. Remember you can go out right now and buy a Ultra Lite airplane and fly it with absolutely no license whatsoever. Think about that for a minute
The dog must also be on its lead in designated pedestrian zones, children's play areas, sports pitches, roads, beaches, and parks, that wouldn't of happened if she followed the rules, I'd favour the drone piolet over a brainless in it's own world dog and the irresponsible dog owner.
See I think the remote pilot didn’t consider the risk of a dog, but it could have been a child running, Someone on a bike. It’s safe practise to check your landing area for people before landing, not to do that is negligent and reckless in my eyes