Are the CAA trying to destroy our Hobby? Why you HAVE to answer their Call for Input

The CAA are asking for our input on shaping the future of drones in the UK, and these new drone rules will have a massive effect on how we fly. Their proposals include the possibility of removing the exemptions that the Mini 3 Pro enjoys, and bringing in Remote ID in a way that will let them trawl back through flights and issue fines for flights you made months ago.
It's a long video but you really need to take the survey! Tell them it's Unacceptable!
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[@IaninLondon]

Email direct: [e-mail] Anyone can and must take the survey. Don't copy and paste; think of your own answers, but here's my answers in full to help you out..... >> Q1. Neither agree nor disagree It's not clear exactly what the so-called evolving security and safety risks actually are, as no evidence is shown, but the fact remains that the majority of users and flights are consumers flying intelligent, GPS lightweight (sub 1Kg) drones and therefore should benefit from the simplest categories and rules. Q2: Should CAA adopt the following policy objectives for operational requirements and why? Mitigate safety and security risks: No, to an extent User-centric: Definitely yes Enforceable: Yes, to an extent Growth enabling: Yes, to an extent Scalable: Yes, to an extent Overall, existing rules and regulations could be sufficient, especially if more use of geo-fencing is made for sensitive areas. Mitigation should only be on a proportional basis, based on actual evidence. Enforcement should again be proportional and only target those with a clear intention on disruption or misuse, and not penalise users making simple errors. Q3 Do you value international alignment in operational requirements, and why? Yes, to an extent International alignment makes things easier for visitors and crucially, will keep functionality uniform, without having to have different restrictions based on different countries. We don’t have to follow them exactly and a slight divergence may allow for more freedom to fly based on intelligent design and geo-restrictions. Q4 Should CAA re-name operational categories and sub-categories (Opportunity 1) and why? Yes, to an extent: Only to make the names more meaningful. The term Open Category is as simple as it gets, but having sub categories called A1 A2 and A3 means nothing to anyone, so yes, call them what they are: Over, Near or Far away Q 5 Should CAA simplify how operational requirements are categorised (Opportunity 2) and why? Definitely no Keep rules for flying over people in congested areas separate from flights for far away from people in open countryside. Q6 Should CAA update how model aircraft operations are regulated (Opportunity 3) and why? Definitely yes Model Aircraft, when flown / controlled directly from a flying club location, should absolutely have separate regulations as they present different technical abilities, lower risk and usually higher flying skills of the operator. Q7 Should CAA simplify exclusions from operational requirements (Opportunity 4) and why? Please describe any alternative exclusions that should be considered. Definitely no These small drones pose a near negligible threat to safety and their use is widespread. Reliance on geo-restrictions should be increased to avoid sensitive areas. If it has a camera, it is not a toy and must have gps awareness. Q8 Should CAA change transitional arrangements for users of UAS without class-marks (Opportunity 5) and why? Yes, to an extent There is no evidence to suggest that a drone bought today will suddenly become dangerous after 2026. The CAA abandoned C-classifications before they had an alternative, which is already unfair to all UK flyers of these newer models with C1 label. So the transition arrangements should be changed to permit C-1 labelled drones to have the same freedoms enjoyed in Europe. If NEW designs come out with new class markings that permit new exemptions or more freedom, then those new permissions can apply to those new models Q9 Do you agree with the issues identified by stakeholders relating to product requirements, and why? Definitely disagree You don't advise who the stakeholders are, but fundamentally, the class markings are quite simple, with C0 and C1 models making up the vast majority of models flown by amateurs and even professionals. These models already have specific technical requirements that have safety at their core, and are accepted throughout Europe and cause very little confusion. What is trying to be fixed here? Q10 Should CAA adopt the following policy objectives for product requirements, and why? Mitigates safety and security risks: No, to an extent User-centric: Definitely yes Growth enabling: Definitely yes Scalable: Definitely yes Internationally aligned: Yes, to an extent People intent on doing bad will always find ways to mis-use equipment. Mis-use of UAS can be summarised by flying a larger model too close to people - smaller models present practically no risk here. And for criminals or so called auditors, then make more use of geo-restrictions help mitigate this. The requirement for C0 sub 250 gram drones to have gps-awareness and comply with geo-fencing seems the easiest and least intrusive solution here. Q 11 Should CAA implement manufacturer standards (Opportunity 8) and why? Yes, to an extent There is already a universally understood class system, where C0 and C1 cover almost all consumer drones bought today. It is wrong to combine these and capture much heavier, riskier models. Just re-implement the EASA based C0 - C4 classes as these are understood and clear, and specifically focus on C0 and C1 as these make up most models. Q12 Should CAA implement a product labelling scheme (Opportunity 9) and why? Yes, to an extent Based on existing EASA based numeric C0-C4 labels. Q13 Should CAA simplify exclusions from product requirements (Opportunity 10) and why? Definitely no The current exemptions for flying C0 models are fine; the only additional requirement should be the imposition of geo-awareness. The CAA’s role is to ensure safety in the skies, not enforce what information is captured; that’s for other agencies like the police to enforce. If police stations are considered sensitive, then these should be geo-protected like prisons. The safety risks posed by sub 250 grams drones are negligible, based on the total lack of incidents caused by them. The popularity of these small models should not be impacted by the actions of a tiny minority of users. Q14 Should CAA implement Remote ID (Opportunity 11) and why? Definitely no Remote ID does not assist with flight safety in any way and is, in the CAA’s own words, simply a tool for re-education, fines or conviction. Enforced geo-fencing is less intrusive to assist compliance with avoiding sensitive areas. Such data capturing of all car movements and driving would not be permitted. There would be universal outrage if this was to be implemented for cars. The CAA must stick to flight safety, not persecution and data harvesting. Q 15 Should CAA to implement geo-awareness (Opportunity 12) and why? Definitely yes This is the key to preventing unauthorised flights by unsuspecting users. In my opinion all models, including sub-250 gram models with cameras, should have geo-awareness required. But at the same time, the geo-restricted areas programmed in need to better aligned with the actual areas restricted. Height-based geo-restrictions are also under-used but could help massively. A drone flown under 30 metres high is no threat to any other aircraft, so height restrictions should be more widely used to allow more flow-level flying in more areas. Q 16 Should CAA introduce requirements for manufacturers to provide user guidance during product set-up or pre-flight, via the controller or other interface (Opportunity 13) and why? Definitely yes You don’t drive a car without learning; basic user guidance makes perfect sense and is already present on all new DJI drones as part of the set up process. Q17 Should CAA introduce user validation requirements on manufacturers (Opportunity 14) and why? No, to an extent You are mixing technologies and data from different bodies. You have to be able to register more than one drone against the same ID, so you will end up with generic IDs posted online and the verification will be meaningless. Q18 Should CAA simplify policy and guidance document structure (Opportunity 15) and why? Definitely yes Yes I would be very happy to see anything that simplifies and clarifies the rules for flying drones. I look at the rules for paragliding (they have none of the regulations that drones have) and I genuinely wonder why, given the near total lack of any real incident involving a drone, why does the CAA keep running around tying itself in knots about the threats of drones that simply hasn’t materialised. Q 19 What other opportunities to improve UAS regulation, beyond those described in this Call for Input, would you like to see progressed? What other opportunities to improve UAS regulation, beyond those described in this Call for Input, would you like to see progressed?: - Make the rules for smaller drones under 1 Kg simpler. - Clarify VLOS and make it more relevant, based on seeing the area you’re flying in, not being able to see which way the drone is pointing. If there is any danger from an approaching aircraft, DOWN is the only way you need to fly, so the current VLOS requirements are useless and risk being ignored by the masses. - Bring in lower height restrictions to let smaller drones fly in more places. - Use geo-restrictions to stop them flying near sensitive areas. And above all, make policy based on evidence, not paranoia.

[@UKDroneClub]

Another very informative video, thanks Ian 👍🏻

[@JRLNeal]

Huge thank you for doing this Ian it's such an important issue and we need to respond to this CAA document. You have certainly broken the back of all this complex information and made it far easier to respond.

[@iandrones]

Full agreed 👍 you should have 1 million likes just on this comment for the commitment of typing it out 💪

[@sean19]

Thanks Ian. The brains (or lack of)who wrote this truly are f**ktards . Ridiculous. Thanks for taken the time to film this very informative video.

[@crypto1701]

Trust a Yank under the FAA RID thumb.. FIGHT THIS!

[@ScowlerJase]

What worries me even more is that they obviously do not want any of us to answer these questions - else they would have simply sent the questionaire to every single registered drone operator in the UK. They have not. They publish this without telling anyone and set a short deadline. Its scandalous.

[@JasonSturgess]

I didnt know about it myself until coming here, glad I seen it Thanks to Ian and got to put my response in.

[@aytw661]

I shared this to 1 drone forum but I think we need everyone to get into this

[@AdamBuckley1964]

Same, I'm PfCO and CoA2 and not a single email. I think that speaks volumes about their intent!

[@nonsequitor]

We're the home of posting notices on the wall of the planning department. It's literally how hitchhikers guide starts

[@rc-fannl7364]

They don't want input but just want to make it appear rc pilots got their say.

[@nobby-green]

There's only one place for that document and its in the Bin. Biggest load of nonsense isnt it. Well said Ian

[@akosichiro_dronaut]

Love that Ian "make policy based on evidence,not paranoia" 👍👍👍👍

[@labtec1958]

I’m sorry Ian but this is the last straw Any bloody hobby a law abiding citizen in this country has is tide up in so much law and cost. Wild camping ,photography ,fishing. Or flying a drone. So the CAA can go to hell. I will always be safe and I don’t need some stuffed shirt to take money off me or try and tell me what or how to spend my spare time. Sorry mucker but enough is enough You have done nothing but try and help. And I thank you very much for your time and effort

[@djidan1466]

This is the thing, people will just say FK it catch me if you can, the rules will become more draconian and more unenforceable.

[@SW-yz4fv]

The rules need to be there to stop cowboys from flying drones irresponsibly. As a GA pilot, I'm all for them. I'm sure there are responsible people using drones but have also had some near misses. Bring on the draconian laws if it means it stops the idiots our there. Fear mongering, you say? It only takes one incident to turn this on its head.

[@kensummers7757]

@@SW-yz4fvAs a 2000 hour GA pilot I have never found the CAA to be other than self serving. You should understand the objective, to reduce ALL GA flying, manned and unmanned to a minimum to allow fuller free movement of fee paying commercial operations. Look at a map of airspace today compared with twenty years ago, yet there is much LESS flying than there was then.

[@MistralisArracant]

​Where can we see your reports on the said near misses. Just askin'

[@scrapveiw]

@@MistralisArracant ,kinda hard to identify a drone when you are flying at 500 mph at high altitude, you could visually inspect it for a millisecond or two.................propaganda

[@djidroneadventures4059]

Ian I wish you were in charge of these committee's You would clear up 90 % of the confusion just using common sense and a clear head.

[@kernowradio]

Straight to the point with a passion!! No click bait and no self importance. The most straightforward video on this subject and I Thank You for that. I would only add that going direct to the CAA website rather than several people linking from KZbin. Thank You Ian 🙂👍

[@FlybyGuys]

I salute you, Ian. You fly these drones, you’re passionate and you are responsible. You’re rant is appreciated and I support you✌🏻

[@IaninLondon]

Thank you squire! I should have been wearing your cap you gave me :)

[@lamarw7757]

*your. I wonder why so many people mix up the words "your, and you're"?

[@Old-Sole]

I’m selling up, caa are going to make it so difficult or impossible to fly. Another hobby destroyed.

[@kevinwinspear1280]

Yes, I've only had my DJI Mini Pro for few months & just got DJI Air 3 and a few flights with both, now thinking will have to sell both.

[@PN-80]

I sold up all my gear a few weeks back. I can see this heading in a bad direction so thought I would sell up while it had some value in it

[@danteinchaosforever]

I see no issue with your rant, it offers effective documented proof in what type of ineptitude we're having to work through with this CAA document. I think for the most everyone understands your points and appreciates your explanation. Unlike the CAA who as a body in charge has gone out of its way to demonstrate it doesn't understand what its talking about...unless there's an agenda, now there's a worry!?

[@deeza72]

The CAA need to watch this video and adjust their piece of crap. I was totally shocked by the lack of any information provided by them. We love our little drones and do everything to make a safe fun flying video for our friends and family. I think every single reply and response you gave to the obscure questions is correct. Much love fella & thank you. 🙏🏼

[@MrMesospheric]

They are approaching a hobby with the same attitude that they approach 'proper' aviation (I'm a private and drone pilot). The CAA is not used to much other than telling aviators what to do. It overregulates everything, including general light aviation. It is not the first time that the CAA has been accused of wanting to destroy anything other than commercial aviation through regulation and costs.

[@tazzy3469]

I was happy to be part of this.... until I started reading and answering the questions... I just became very angry for about 2 hours! I would have said an over-zealous member of staff created this, but I believe they actually have a complete incompetent team 😥 the evidence is there for that!!!

[@Vfourmike]

Read my post in response. You’re 100% correct

[@Seafox0011]

Its those anonymous 'stakeholders' that need exposing. We can suspect the large commercial operators are wanting the skies clear for their exclusive use.

[@ElCharvo]

The future of policing -Drones on the beat,

[@cipri198zero]

If thats the case I won’t use my drone but I got something for their drones, which I will use every time I see one.

[@siras2]

Yup, the moment you see "Stakeholders" it tells you that the person writing the document knows all the buzzwords but little else.

[@ashleyhammond305]

Brilliant Ian lets hope they can see some sense in our collective responses and stop this paranoia, which is just killing off the industry and peoples freedom! Your help in understanding this farcical document is really appreciated, and I hope the outcome of all of this doesn’t mean having to sell my drones due to this endless red tape! 😢

[@LamboPhoto]

One of your best vids mate. Initially, I thought it was just me when I tried to complete this a couple of weeks back. It is a complete and utter clusterfuck of a document. And definitely the epitome of the challenges we face today with UAS rules and guidance here in the UK. After your comment on GADC, and with help from your vid, I have now completed the form and submitted it. I genuinely do not understand why the CAA are making things so overly complicated for the hobby ... it is nothing short of scaremongering. Cheers mate.

[@wgordonyoung]

Huge thanks Ian. Good coverage of the problem, of which I was unaware. The restricted time for formal response is appalling given the complexity and breadth of the subject. I’ll be getting on with replying tomorrow.

[@gwynnjones6900]

Thanks for taking the time to explain and wade through that weighty document. As you mentioned in your video any new rules will be ignored by the very people that continue to fly anywhere, anytime with total disregard to to whatever the CAA will publish. These few rogue fliers are destroying what was such an enjoyable experience.

[@ThePeteW]

Great video Ian. Totally agree with just about everything you say. I thing you missed a trick to make this more entertaining to the viewing audience. You should have had a blood pressure monitor on and a display a real time live chart of it as you went through the docs. 😉

[@SBvice]

They don’t want our input, they want to check a box saying that they asked for 😢

[@DroneUpp]

Amazing presentation and argument Ian! The CAA just like the FAA here in the US pretends to care about the hobby but you can tell that this is all about money to be exchanged in greedy hands. It is beyond what is reasonable for safety. So sad. Too bad what happens there will probably happen here and in reverse. This hobby will eventually be completely destroyed by the authorities! Then flying will become illegal.

[@Matanumi]

I will fly illegally before I ground myself fuck these law makers- I'm doing nothing wrong

[@michaelkosinski5671]

Hi Ian I'm in US but totally agree. They are trying to add different restrictions too. They even have a bill to downright ban DJI drones. We already have Remote ID. Big mess for us that mind our own business and follow the rules. Thank you Ian.

[@nxu5107]

Ian, I tried to do this and it’s worse than getting to grips withe Magna Carta or war and Peace. Yes. The reason why they made it difficult is to get less input. They have an agenda and that’s to see us (hobbyists) out of the skies. They are working for big operators who are into various drone related businesses. It’s disgusting how people who are paid with our tax money work against us.

[@michaelhayward6097]

Ian thank you for highlighting this - I see other content creators in the UK talking about this subject but positioning as we are victims and there is nothing we can do which thanks you we dom't have to victims but rather by getting involved and responding to the CAA we can help shape the future of Drone laws. Personally I share your link when I come across this topic on other channels in the hope that enough people get involved and respond to the CAA and help shape the future of the Drone laws in this country.

[@TheVitorgoncalves]

from a fellow drone pilot 100% agree...here in Portugal they are not so strict but I have heard that they intend to follow the USA FAA rules....good job....

[@SpaghettiFPV-tg3qh]

Does it not concern everybody that once it passes in one country.... it spreads... WORLDWIDE... That should make you're pants brown, coordinated WORLDWIDE

[@gordonmelrose9700]

Excellent video Ian and thankyou for the time taken to explain the questions etc. The document is typical of a government department who probably know little of the subject. I showed it to a friend who flies a microlight and he couldn’t believe the level of legislation drone fliers are faced with. Unbelievable!!!! Thanks again for all your videos

[@east.suffolkdronephotography]

Spot on, Ian! I’ll fill tomorrow, what a breath of fresh air you are! After having a look tonight , I just thought ‘what gibberish’ and set it aside to reconsider. I’ll go forth tomorrow and with your guidance, I’ll sling it back to them! Bless!

[@timoryan4441]

Really well said Ian. Thanks for articulating concerns/worries so clearly. Will be responding.

[@markwhite837]

Thanks for this video. I feel exactly the same way. I find the way this has document has been written very concerning. It has been written to confuse the average drone user with impossible questions that are not explained, that contradict later questions asked, to suite the CAA’s agenda which is to ban the use of consumer drones here in the UK which is fast becoming a police state.

[@itshowesy]

Thanks for putting this out Ian. This has really helped me. I was getting lost in the weeds of the CAA document. The CAA have lost an opportunity here. Could of put out something straightforward, but no again smoke and mirrors, over complex, vague and contradictory. Unfortunately i think the document continues to build on a poor CAA experience and reputation with the Drone flying community. An opportunity lost.

[@conradsmith2811]

CAA moving to kill off a hobby for thousands of small drone owners. Very sad.

[@geoffhirst5338]

Not convinced they want to kill it off. What they want is data, they (the government) make millions from it, look at the NHS and Palantir. Why kill off something that can be regulated and then monetized. These people are interest in two things, money and control over peoples lives. We need to remember that these people have arseholes too (in some cases are arseholes) and the same thing comes out of theirs too.

[@JasonSturgess]

I follow a lot of drone commercial forums and a lot of the guys want it to be harder for small drone flyers to fly no doubt about it, they are pushing for these rules to be made harder I believe.

[@Northern-drone]

@@JasonSturgesseven commercial flyers have to follow the same rules,they don’t get any diff rules than the rest of us

[@ShaunieDale]

⁠@@Northern-dronethey have the financial wherewithal to comply though. They know full well that the hobbyists will simply give up if enough hoops to jump through are placed in front of them. I think they want as many restrictions on private drones as possible for the simple reason of public order and controlling the narrative. Imagine a situation of a public protest, the news is broadcast that the protesters began to riot and it was necessary for the police to baton charge them. Then suddenly a video appears on KZbin in 4K, shot by a privately owned drone that shows the protesters were peacefully marching and the police attempted a kettling manoeuvre on them. The authorities want the only footage to be under their control and editing to show the official narrative. It’s happened before, just google the Orgreave riots.

[@kevindarkstar]

From what I've seen in new Zealand on xjet channel Bruce has been in hobby flying for 30-40 years and a very wide spread of aircraft, but his local council has made his life hell 😮

[@El_Smeghead]

What annoys me the most is that someone got paid a hell of a lot of money to sit in a room thinking up this shite! 😡

[@ianfromcorby]

Hi Ian, brilliant content, one thing I would like to add which I know from experience to simplify a survey very often only the top and bottom buttons in the survey are used, that means the middle buttons are ignored within the results. Sadly I can't prove this but I'm very suspicious of the way the whole survey is presented. What a mess. I totally agree more geofencing would be in order. All I can say is the survey was put together to confuse us all. Thank you for taking time to post this.

[@DonJoyce]

Well put...with passion! We're going through a similar rule review period in Canada, but thankfully the process and level of communication is much better. Simplification is certainly the key.

[@IaninLondon]

Cheers Don! Best of luck at your end!

[@pixusphotographic]

Hi Ian, Im 65yrs old and tried to fill in this form and my brain was totally fucked trying to understand their stupid questions. Yes we know we need to be safe and keep away from sensitive areas but looking at other countries and the rules they have to stick to, they are not making it fair for us in the UK, so can understand your frustration. It seems like CAA have now given us an email address to contact them directly and make our point. See how that goes. Im thinking I will have ceased flying by 2026 so fuck em. Good luck.

[@auldflyer]

I am 76 and my brain is completely addled having tried to get to grips with "the survey", what a farce...

[@MrMesospheric]

It's because the CAA are protecting commercial interests. They have killed general (light) aviation through overregulation and the consequent costs this means. Only the retired and very well off now fly; there are very few youngsters coming through. It has been long-said that the CAA is trying to get rid of as much non-commercial flying as they can. When you think that an F-15 can fly at low level through a mountain valley where there is no controlled airspace at all, often putting them in conflict with light aircraft just having a sightseeing tour, then you realise there is a very lopsided view of reality at the CAA. They are essentially panicking because of the growth in numbers, which is seen as an automatic threat, even though the vast majority wish to comply with reasonable rules, based on reasonable, evidenced concerns. Regulation is the CAAs answer not so much for safety of flight, but removal of types of flight that might impinge on commercial flight.

[@mr.e.audits]

Thank you for breaking this down, I have really struggled with this questionnaire. I watched geeksvana's discussion and found it very hard to follow. I simply wanted everything broken down so that I ( a layman) could understand. You've made it very simple to follow and explained how to answer correctly. Thank you.. a fantastic informational and instructive video.

[@J2onton]

Thanks for this video. The document you have shown us and the answer to the questions required by the CAA looks to be too confusing for me to complete.

[@RickLeslie]

My response, by email: I have read the Call for Input document but am unable to understand much of what is being proposed and, even worse, how many of the questions relate to this document. If the aim is to confuse then it is certainly successful. I feel that this Call for Input is badly thought out, deliberately confusing and seems to be implying that there are major safety issues with the use of small drones. I have not seen any evidence to support such a position from the CAA. How many people have been injured or killed by UAV's in the UK in the last year? It seems that the CAA is trying to find solutions to problems that don't exist and trying to bring about major hurdles to the use of drones by the public. I think the CAA should rethink this whole exercise and start again with detailed proposals, clear questions, clear definitions of terms and parties referred to in the document and state the objectives of the exercise. As this stands it is not fit for purpose. Regards...

[@IaninLondon]

Excellent Response!

[@stewartrowley1]

Thank you Ian for this very informative blog,I thought it was only me that was bursting blood vessels with this totally out of control Authority. They have the ability to put through good rules and understandable rules but seem to alway go in the opposite direction. I just hope they make the right decisions at the end of the day,but I am not too sure. I hope they see this blog and sit in a room to watch it and then action on it. Thanks again well done.

[@DavidNewmanDr]

One thing to include in comments about Remote ID is to point out how it is unjustifiable under the data protection principles of the data protection act. Every organisation, including the CAA, has to obey the data protection act.

[@IaninLondon]

Yes, I did wonder that....

[@ShaunieDale]

Until this government repeals it, that is.

[@MrMesospheric]

They can justify it fully under 'crime prevention and detection'. @@IaninLondon

[@TJ-wh3wo]

Thankyou for this open and honest response. I think this may really help a lot of people, including myself, to understand the farce that the CAA have released and to frame our own answers.

[@philcliff7346]

Thank you so much Ian for taking the time to make this very important video. I started this process last week but got lost in all the confusing crap. I have now completed it, thanks to your extremely valuable explanations and insight. It took me a couple of hours tho but well spent I think! Keep up the excellent work!👍👏👏

[@pwm165]

Excellent presentation and information here, as ever Ian! I have yet to buy my first drone, but felt compelled to complete the questionnaire, after watching your video and reading comments from others. I hope that we can all make a difference here in time, before the CAA are persuaded otherwise by "stakeholders" or government departments. Hoping to buy a mini 3 pro, so lets hope they dont spoil the rules before I get into the hobby. Keep up the great work!

[@glyndewis]

What a complete and utter mess! Worrying thing is that the people writing such a nonsensical document are the ones that make the rules. Fair play to you Ian for putting this out. Off to read and answer.

[@BarryPaffey]

Such a great video perfectly explained! As a forma aircraft engineer I really do sympathies with you. I sat here laughing at your rants because I know exactly what you mean by the CAA making a mockery of what should be, to any sane person, a simple exercise to gather relevant and meaningful information. I have no doubt they will simply ignore the answers to the questionnaire and do exactly what they want, or what some shinny arse twat of a politician tells them to do to raise money from fines.

[@MrMesospheric]

That is exactly what will happen.

[@ashpollen65]

Thanks Ian. I started to look at the proposals, however short noticed and obscured. Gave up after 5 minutes trying to work out who stakeholders are........... It didn't get any easier so instead they will be getting a Notice of Conditional Acceptance of any new 'contracts' and if they aren't in line with common sense, will be rebutted and rejected accordingly........

[@davidchamberlain1513]

Ian great video as usual, I’m afraid to say I’m one of those people that started to read the documents & questions and thought, this is way to complicated & I don’t have two or three hours to waste replying. Personally I think this was intentional by the CAA, my reasons for this are they have the email address of every registered flyer in the UK and they’ve contacted anyone to request they answer these questions. I think you’ve also missed one point in your assessment, they talk about “collecting private or sensitive data without consent” this is doesn’t fall within the remit of the CAA, this falls under the responsibility of the ICO in the UK. How is the CAA going to prevent anyone with a camera taking a picture from a plane of an airport or a prison or police station all of which a plane can fly over? They are totally over reaching their authorities photography in public is not a crime. But maybe in this new planned police state of monitored flights it might be come illegal.

[@MrMesospheric]

The trouble is that the CAA has started from a position of fascism: it doesn't bother to present the evidence of harm - it only asserts it. This is Johnsonian democracy - no democracy at all.

[@leejordan1992]

Thanks very much for that Ian very useful. The form was a bit confusing for sure not an easy one to answer. Another KZbin channel Geeksvanna has been in touch with his CAA contact and they have now provided an Email address for general comments to be sent in and considered for those who don’t have time to complete the form. You have made some great points on your reply though. The Mini, Air and Mavic are almost intrinsically safe unless flown completely irresponsibly. Personally I think the DMARES test should be improved and made compulsory and include some elements from the A2 CofC. I’m looking to introduce lightweight UAVs up to 1.5kg in to our business and am proposing that all our staff who use them get the A2 even for the sub 250g. I personally think the 25kg in A3 is too high which is why I’m proposing to limit to 1.5kg which covers some great devices up to the old Phantom 4 (1.4kg). I would also be wary about the so called ‘toy’ drones ie without proper stabilisation systems, which could easily hit buildings, cars and injure children or pets, maybe these should be limited to extent of garden or 50 m bubble.

[@grahamsx]

Thanks for the helpful video and sharing your responses. I've previously owned model aircraft and a racing drone, and whilst I don't own a 'camera drone' today it's something I want to do, so I have submitted a response.

[@palmservices]

Done it, took a few hours, but thanks for bringing this into light. The CAA should really, of emailed every registered user, to inform them. 👍

[@fredguernsey2732]

I’m pleased I live where I live with our Director of Civil Aviation approving flights on the knowledge of the RP and the risks. Example - me flying at a huge event recently at a safe reasonable distance. Taking my drone to the UK always makes me uneasy - so many restrictions, by laws etc. Thank you for the video - frustrating is an understatement

[@Ddraig62SPD]

Ian. Bravo, sir! I feel your pain, frustration and anger with the CAA. I have spent the last three days trying to make sense of this document and my conclusions pretty much mirror everything you discussed in your video. CAA paranoia, hidden agendas, lack of proportionality, lack of evidence, drone auditors, vague documentation and persecution of a small number of drone users versus a huge population of unregulated car drivers. I’ve literally been tearing my hair out whilst my wife keeps telling me to calm down in case my blood pressure hits the roof. My answers have turned into War & Peace so it was useful to see your succinct answers to many of those the ridiculous questions. Hope you grabbed a beer after completing the survey 👍 🍺 Thx again

[@steve61098]

Totally agree and share your frustration with the confusion and ineptitude of it all!….😡

[@geoffhirst5338]

Nice one Ian. Very useful to take your comments and craft my own, which is now complete. I hope they don't bugger this up for us. cheers fella, your work on this is appreciated.

[@ronskiuk]

Great video thanks for posting, submitted my responses, I had no idea flyer ID was going to be this Big Brother like. Really sketchy how the CAA have done this consultation.

[@1000000trs]

Ian, we need to lobby MP's. Other interest groups who have had their liberties threataned often publish a standard letter and a list of all the countries MPs and their email addresses so that subscribes can send the letter of concern to their MP in a couple of clicks. This has been done to huge beneficial effect. I recon you could do that and make it the subject and content of your next upload. Thatt would make a REAL difference.

[@JRLNeal]

One of my thoughts exactly, I managed to lobby your local MP. The majority of my drum work has benefited the local community with information about local issues, and so our MP should be very supportive of me being able to continue to do that.

[@seb-depp]

Thank you. I had already done the questionnaire and had a lot of trouble understanding it. Did it again... Though as an fpv flyer I don't want more GPS awareness.

[@pete.watsons]

Ian, never seen you so angry… but you are a absolutely right. You are always balanced on your channel. I have read this and again, you’re right, not clear. My view is either some people writing this, don’t truly understand OR they have done this to purposely confused the people that make the final decision. CAA DO need to share example why, what’s happened to allow us to make informed decisions on this survey. Geo fencing is the way, or consider ALL drone flyers to do a CofC just to support skill and understanding. Hope they sort this out. Ian, keep doing what your doing and thank you for your videos.

[@Mini3ProFootage]

Shocking document and an example of how not to have a public consultation. I won't be filling it in, but I will be writing to the CAA to complain, as well as to my local MP.

[@richardsimmons6470]

Think this is nearer the answer Stupid Questions Questions that cant be answered How can a 25kg Drone be even mentioned in the same survey as a 250 gsm One Its sheer stupidity and actually makes you wonder how the CAA can make sensible and safe easements of our aircraft I think we mneed tro raise this with parliament

[@front2427]

@@richardsimmons6470 are they trying to pave the way for the big massive dangerous almost military commercial drones by mixing the categories?I don't fancy one of them above my head.

Your comnments surely resonate with each and every one of us. Nice work Ian, many thanks.

[@theoutsider6191]

Sad, but as soon as a body that regulates things in the UK gets involved it seems to not go very well. Incoherent rambling requirements are a hallmark it seems. I drive HGVs and the rules for HGV drivers are similarly apparently written with the intention of getting to fine drivers for minor cock ups vs some stupidly disjointed and multifaceted rules that could easily be consolidated and simplified. But this is the way of Gov bodies it seems.

[@stephenhall1099]

Thank you for posting this, I can see your passion. I have made a response and have to say I may not have done if I had not seen your video. I know that regulation will only get tighter and If response to this 'CALL' is poor that will happen very quickly. It does seem that the objective is to destroy drone operation with remote id. It is a bit like gun law though, you can legislate all you like, the idiots will prevail and the harmless user will pay the price.

[@frankdecock2735]

Not living in the UK, but I enjoy you addressing this issue and I hear very sensible arguments... I'm curious where EASA is heading to in the EU. I'm flying the Mini 4 Pro, having registered as a drone operator, and I even plan to take the A1 exam just in case the drone exceeds the 249g "border", e.g. if you attach an anti-collision strobe. And yes, "VLOS" is very vague. Can anyone spot a mini drone flying against a backdrop of trees?? One thing I always do: activate screen recording every flight again... just to be able to interpret reactions of the drone after the flight :) Happy flying!

[@TJ-wh3wo]

Shared on at least 5 different fb groups. I hope people take the time to watch this and haven't already been put off by the original feedback questionnaire.

[@IaninLondon]

CHeers!

[@abovethebeneath]

Hi Ian. Im brand new to drone flying. I purchased the Dji MP3 4 weeks ago and was completely hooked. I finally found a hobby that made me feel happy. Got the flyer ID, operator ID and insurance, read all the do's and dont's and fly very early mornings or later evenings so I dont intrude on the public. But having watched your excellent video here, Im already beginning to question myself as a drone enthusiast. With the amount of red tape we may have to go through to get off the ground, will it be worthwhile? Retrospective fines?! Dear God, we'll be on par with South Korea in 10 years time. Thanks again for this and the many other wonderful videos you produce mate

[@clearairflying]

It's an absolute mess. A document produced using the most confusing CAA-ese, designed to enable pre-determined outcomes.

[@idrone2381]

Have played this multiple times, thanks Ian, spent a good while going through the CAA input and making my own comments (which although similar to yours but are different and my own thoughts), the document is not written well for feedback from hobbyists and would have taken even longer without your video to help talk through, have to agree with everything you've said... THANK YOU 👍

[@OneEyedDronie]

Evening Ian, I listened to some, but not all, of Sean's take on this and to be honest I got lost... yours I got. The fact that you have given us your answers to read through, and give us less intelligent people an idea what to say helps enormously. I have three days off work and I'm going to be working through the 19 questions - being a fairly new drone user no way do I want my investment sitting on the bookshelf gathering dust! Many thanks

[@IaninLondon]

I would actually dive into the questionnaire and skip document now... Much quicker...

[@davebell46]

Nailed it Ian, wish I had saw this video before I filled in the complex questions! You are 100% right, it’s down to the pilot to fly safe, mitigate any risks, some of the restrictions are ridiculous, I’ve started just flying with minimal risk to anyone uninvolved in the a2 category, simply because they seem to keep on moving the goal posts, but I always fly as safe as possible

[@suffolkairadventures]

Hi Ian. Excellent video and hopefully people will use it to help consider and frame their responses. I have read the guidance and questions a number of times and like you, got incredibly angry at how inept the survey is. Sean at Geeksvanna makes an excellent point that the CAA is bound by the regulators code to provide simple and straightforward ways to engage with those they regulate and hear their views. This is about as far away from this as possible! On a different note, the obvious overture to introducing Remote ID is ridiculous and won't help in any way. It beggars belief that the CAA are even looking to introduce it under the premise it will help improve air safety. It would fall foul of Article 8 ECHR (the right to respect for your family and private life, your home and your correspondence) on the basis that GDPR defines GPS data (as in mobile phones) as personal data. The exact definition is: personal data’ means any information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person (‘data subject’); an identifiable natural person is one who can be identified, directly or indirectly, in particular by reference to an identifier such as a name, an identification number, location data, an online identifier or to one or more factors specific to the physical, physiological, genetic, mental, economic, cultural or social identity of that natural person. Drone GPS data being gathered by the UK mobile phone network using Remote ID (the only way this could work) would meet this criteria perfectly. The restriction regarding gaining access to such data are understandably strict. If anyone (CAA/police) want to gain access to it there is a raft of investigatory legislation which sets certain conditions as to why access is required. It has to have some basis of reason (i.e. the suspicion an offence has occurred) be necessary and proportionate to the offence under investigation and not available via any other means. This is the same provisions that all GPS enabled mobile phones are given, rightly so as you mobile is always broadcasting your location for a government agency to collect should the criteria be met. So cart blanch access to the CAA for Remote ID data would never be granted unless similar conditions are met. I would expect if it is introduced some drone loving barrister to challenge it in court! Needless to say all of the above made it into my CAA response (it was a big RANT!🤣). Thanks again and keep up the good work. Cheers. SAA

[@PeteCattell]

That sir, is a staggeringly good video. You have neatly summarised the key points on this form, and have highlighted many of the hidden risks with ‘lumping things together. I have already submitted my response, but I will email some follow up comments (the CAA have now confirmed that you can just email and not answer in the format they provide). I do worry that they will ignore all the written comments and just count up the tick boxes (70% said yes or partially yes!!!!)

[@sauljames2221]

Regulation is the problem. On a hobby that has not caused 1 single fatality in the entire history of the hobby. Regulation will not stop bad players from behaving badly! This has nothing to do with safety! and everything to do with the needs of corporate players who want to use the airspace for commercial deliveries. Its all about making life difficult for as many people. Vilifying the hobby in the eyes of the general population and persuading as many people as possible to abandon the hobby.

[@xjet]

How can we take seriously, any group of bureaucrats and civil servants who believe that they can dictate to the rest of us, how best to do the things we've been doing for years? I would love to see the levels of experience and competence that those making these rules can provide in respect to the discplines they're regulating. Surely they must prove their qualifications to dictate to us how we fly before we can take those diktats serious. The more complex regulations become, the less likely they are to garner significant compliance. One must also wonder why, if the way forward appears to be multiple levels of certification for operators, the regulations are so prescriptive. Surely, if you've ascertained (by way of certification) that the operator has the knowledge, skills and necessary responsible attitude then they should only need "guidance" rather than hardcore regulation. The decisions that ensure safety are much better made by the operator with boots on the ground, on the day and who is fully aware of all the factors involved in those decisions. To allow a bureaucrat in a smart suit sitting behind a walnut desk in an ivory tower to make the decisions (by way of overly-prescriptive regulation) is lunacy. You can either have highly prescriptive regulation or you can have certification -- to have both is unacceptable and constitutes massive over-regulation.

[@thelning]

Great video as usual. First, many thanks for going trough everything so clearly, which seams like a great mess from CAA. No evidence and fact based information to go by. I listened to your video with great interest. After done that, I hade a whiskey to calm down. I hade the blood pressure machine next to me, but did not use it, in case it would blow up. Then after calming down, I listened to your video again. To me, this looks like someone does not know what they are doing and is trying to save their job position and work desk. 👍

[@br82filmphotogrpahy92]

Finally .... Thank you Ian. Those who are responsible for all thos rules and regulations are so delusional. I am flying professionally and had to go through loads of training and qualifications. Spend money and the can make it simple and straightforward rules.... you are absolutely right ✅️ Thank you to raise the voice for all of us.

[@johnwrayton]

Thank you Ian for all your hard work, it is very much appreciated, sadly I think the CAA would be very happy to ban all drone flying.

[@RickaB]

Thanks Ian, really appreciate your break down of all that utter devious crap from the CAA and what is a unanimous feeling of disbelief and anger/frustration. As the others, I've sent my response along with an e mail too. Thanks again, Rich.

[@vlt14]

Every member of the community should mobilise and pester their MP’s

[@stuartjones4175]

Ian your enthusiasm needs applauded for this video. But i think we're too far down the rabbit hole. They will do what they want .Will be a few drones getting sold or put on the shelf. Might have to look out my old kite.

[@Dreamkeeeper]

14 thousand views in 3 days … that’s a lot of appreciation Ian ..

[@peterprice8393]

Ian that should be a great help to any serious drone flyer to get their say on the input. You quite right with your thoughts and they are just looking at getting as small a response as possible with this document the gives most people Paralysis by analysis and make will make no response at all . We can only assume the other stake holders are those large company’s looking to use our allocated air space for drone delivery etc !! These stake holders should be named. Also how can people who deal with the safety of our aviation industry not distinguish between the risk of sub 1kilo drone and 25 kilo drone it’s not rocket science !!

[@richardcodling4512]

Unfortunately I am going off this hobby now, you can tell we are not wanted by officialdom.

[@richardbrown9344]

Dont be such a defeatist...who cares about ''officialdom'' really.

[@Jaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay]

I find it very hard to disagree with anything you said here ! All your points are very reasonable, and your anger and frustration towards CAA is fully justified IMO - I feel similarly myself. It certainly feels like these regulations are designed with the intention of increasingly and needlessly restricting the hobby until they have all but destroyed it.

[@stonepeggimages9229]

Ian loved your video, your enthusiasm and anguish is felt and understood, thanks for your input and it gave me a clear understanding of how to answer this shocking document. Jesus was it their idea to put people off from answering due to the format it took, was this read by anyone before it was official.... thanks again Ian. BTW if you're every in Scotland let me know, would love to meet and chat... happy safe flying.:)

[@nickturpin4288]

Thank you for trying to interpret this. I have written to the CAA to complain about this document. Could I suggest you write the questions simply for them.

[@ResonatorProductions]

Well done Ian in trying to explain what the CAA is proposing. It is confusing and alarming. I hope common sense will prevail in any changes that are made to the use of drones in the UK.

[@grahamniven]

The document and questions are impenetrable guff. I wasted a couple of hours trying to make sense of it, without success. I won't be responding because the questions are complete and utter bollocks.

[@KokowaSarunoKuniDesu]

Well you can see how Amazon's delivery drones flying BVLOS, carrying heavy loads over people's houses can create a serious safety risk. Any draconian exclusions against demonstrably low-risk sub 250g drones, would surely be even more problematic for these remote commercial operations. I'm wondering how they are going to square that circle. You can be sure the Delivery Lobby is banging persistently at the CAA. I'll give them my input.

[@TheSkilzman69]

Thanks Ian for all the time and effort you have put into this stay well /fly high and safe

[@rudie2902]

The current rules in the UK are 99.9 % identical to the EU-rules, so why not fully align (similar to what Norway and Iceland have done). I am a licensed Irish drone pilot (A1, A2, A3) and am licensed to fly anywhere in EU, Norway and Iceland, but not less than 2 hours drive away in Northern Ireland. Why does the UK always have to be different for the sake of being different and cannot agree to a pan-european approach eventhough the current rules are almost identical. UK demands EU visitors to apply for UK (operator and pilot) licences before they can legally fly. It is madness and similarly UK drone pilots will need EU licences if they want to fly there.

[@DimmyV]

Great video Ian, Canada is going through same bs of drone rules especially towards foreign pilots and insane fees. Looks like EU is the best place to fly a drone.

[@karlosmandos]

I"m from Australia but completely agree with you. They should put u on the committee. Government s around the world slowly stripping away people's rights

[@summa0humma]

well done Ian, very well presented and certainly all true. I filled the form in about 2 weeks back and wish that I had waited until after I had seen your video. Heaven help us all! I just wonder if CAA makes it so confusing as to bamboozle us all and then they will say that we are not sufficiently interested to respond

[@EQAVOX]

I don't feel they really care to be honest. It's just so they can tick a box and say they have gathered feedback ... they will do what they want irrespective of our feedback, thoughts or opinions. I'll still have my say & hopefully everybody else will too, but I think they have already made up their minds and this "opinion" gathering is merely for show.

[@andaroo79]

I’m not and never have been reckless with my flights. I’ve never lost sight of my drone. Remote ID if implemented will mean my drone never leaves the ground ever again.

[@MrMesospheric]

That, sadly, is what the CAA are aiming for.

[@darrennixon8729]

Thanks again Ian for making me aware of this, very much appreciate the time and effort you have put in to deciper their document and to put on video what they are propsing in plain english

[@GOFLYDRONESIanStewart]

Excellent and articulate video so many thanks …some how I feel this confusing document is just the CAA (UAS TEAM) just making changes for change sake to justify their jobs and sadly genuinely feel that no matter what outcome of the survey they will revert to type and make the changes they want

[@TheSadButMadLad]

The problem with remote ID is that it can be spoofed. The CAA thinks only drones will be able to generate the information. It's sw and tech, so it'll be easy for any competent person to create the same info from a laptop. If the CAA thinks they can use the real time data, then a nefarious person could generate drone flight information that gives the impression that a drone is flying at a sensitive site like an airport leading to a shutdown of the airport even though no drone is nearby.

[@MatrixFuse]

There's no point. They won't listen to us. They'll just do what they want. This feedback is just a notion they have to go through.

[@andyl2201]

I love my photography and my drone is my saviour because I am wheelchair bound I use my drone to take photos I would not normally be able to take. It seems NOW everywhere I go I can’t fly my drone. The New Forest where I live have outlawed drones the coast/cliffs and parks are all outlawed. The rules and regulations are getting so my life is depressing 😡

[@IaninLondon]

There are still good placed to fly.... :)

[@inkyspider1]

Well it’s certainly started a good few conversations that’s for sure. Having worked in government and still having friends there I can assume with a good degree of certainty that the rise of so called ‘audit’ videos and the pressures from companies who have been on the receiving end of these, on the government to do something has had a massive influence on these regulatory proposals