CAA Clarify Council Drone Policy - CAP722 C - UK Drone Rules Series - Geeksvana

[@mrmessy7334]

Interesting stuff. As someone who lives in an area where the council has stipulated no taking of from any of their land, I'm definitely looking forward to a video about where I can actually legally fly from. I don't want to end up with an expensive paperweight.

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Mr Messy! Thank you for taking the time to comment, I really appreciate it! Excellent! That video is coming very soon!!

[@mtheadspace5704]

Great for clarity. I live in the Lakes & by far the hardest part can be finding out who owns the land you want to TOaL from. What dreads me is if greed local borough/city or even worse a county council apply a blanket no takeoff/land approach unless paid for by license etc as the expected increase in drone delivery starts to build 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@Geeksvana]

Hey MT head SPACE! Thanks for taking the time to comment and for sharing your thoughts! I appreciate it. Yes, it is always a fear how local authorities will deal with drones as they tend to act on fear and not facts. There is work ongoing to develop a standardised approach to drones which would open up more flying possibilities. Hopefully this will come together soon!

[@DQ940]

I would have thought councils would need a bye-law to prevent TOAL, that is the usual method of prohibiting (or requiring) particular behaviours on public land, and one that can be properly scrutinised in the Court if need be. I think some councils may be overstating their powers somewhat in making blanket “policy” decisions about what people can and cannot do with drones. Great video.

[@mrnumbskull2048]

@@DQ940 this is how I understand it. A council may 'ban' TOAL but unless there is a byelaw in place, it is completely unenforceable.

[@WilderhopeAdventures]

This was very helpful. I live in an area where the local district council has bylaws about flying and their policy is very unclear...basically no drone flying in the council area. Upon emailing them they state the bylaws limit taking off, landing and flying over council land. This video makes it clear that they do not have the ability to restrict the airspace and I will be contacting them, with the relevant CAA regulations to inform them of this. This was a well-timed video as I've been trying to find this information out ever since I got my drone and was told about the bylaws. Many thanks

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Wilderhope Adventures! Thank you for letting us know your situation and I am glad this video will help. We have noticed that a few councils, especially the larger authorities, have changed their wording online to reflect the new clarification.

[@stewartmcgrath1831]

Finally, some good easy to understand CLEAR policy. It can only be good news. Thanks 👍

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Stewart! Thank you for taking the time to comment and for your kind words, means a lot!

[@mikeplow1961]

Great news. Had to laugh when someone in our drone group on FB commented, 'Stonehenge is going to look like The Battle Of Britain on New Years Day.' :-)

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Mike! Thanks for the comment! That paints such a vivid image in my mind!! haha! 😂

[@davidevans3359]

Imbibed a bottle of wine whilst watching this, and still managed to make sense of it! Thanks Gents for cutting to the chase on this confusing area of Drone flying :)

[@Geeksvana]

Thank you David! It is good to know it stood up to imbibed scrutiny! Appreciate your kind feedback!

[@ericwatt1447]

Thank you guys now i know where i stand with the Council there pure pain in the neck in Scotland i would never fly when there some kind of show taking place without asking in the first place or take off from there land .

[@Geeksvana]

Thank you Eric! Really appreciate your kind words and for joining the conversation. Hope you are well.

[@ericwatt1447]

@@Geeksvana Fine been busy keeping up with my wood turning orders .

[@nickf6587]

Love watching yourself with Ken Heron , but this is great as it explains what governs us in the UK. Keep up the good work.

[@davidhbedenham4951]

Great videos guys! Very informative, and it shows that a lot of work is being done to improve policy regarding drones. Cheers

[@Geeksvana]

Hey David! Thank yo for taking the time to comment and for the kind words! Very pleased you found it useful!

[@ben11930]

Thanks for the video, really helpful. If the local council restrict take off/landing on council owned property what rules dictate take off/landing from bridleways/public footpaths and public rights of way? And woukd council restrictions still apply if I hand launch?

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Ben Thatcher! Thanks for taking the time to comment, really appreciate it. Hand take off and taking off from footpaths is a hotly debated issue. I am working on a video for this, which should be ready in January... Just waiting for a but more legal info!

[@DanGString]

@@Geeksvana thanks again for all the clarity you are being to these rules! Has that video been released yet?

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Dan! Thanks for your kind feedback! It is in the edit at the moment. Should be published next week.

[@glennsimpson6749]

Thanks for a very informative video. Everyday it’s seems I learn more and more. A lot is from your channel 👍

[@Tommy-go1ch]

Nice, clear and concise explanation! Great video guys 👍 Exciting times!

[@Geeksvana]

Hey tommyTheGunn88! Thank you! Really appreciate the feedback!

[@TheBILLANDERSON]

Well presented kind Sirs , very informative with the talk through gives more understanding ,, well done Gents ,, stay safe

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Bill Anderson! Thank you for taking the time to comment and for your kind words, I really appreciate it!

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Great video and information Sean from you and Andrew well done 👍

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Rodpiker Drones UK! Great to see you! Thanks for the kind words. Have a great holiday period if I do not 'see' you before then.

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

@@Geeksvana cheers Sean hope 2021 is good to us all

[@davidharle952]

Thanks for the video, I've got a feeling that my local council here in Cumbria will start charging for someone to fly a drone. Once they realise that there is money to be made they will surely do it.

[@Geeksvana]

Hey David Harle! Thanks for the comment! Hopefully this clear policy will prevent them charging! Thanks for the comment!

[@MikeMillerDrones]

Good point and idea to print these out and put them in your drone bag.

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Mike Miller! Great to see you! Thanks for all your support in 2020 and for being a channel member! Means so much to me! Something about a physical piece of paper which seems to alleviate fears of onlookers!

[@Nkkdxn45j]

Very interesting, but cannot help feeling the significance may be a bit overstated? Or at least, is only of real relevance to camera drone users and the like? I am not a camera drone person, I fly FPV for the enjoyment of flying, and I fly within a short distance, typically 100 yards or so and often a lot less, of where I take off and land, so if the council (or anyone else) controls where that is, they effectively control where I fly. Even a camera drone user intent on getting scenic pictures has to keep within visual line of sight? Which presumably means not only does it have to be in line of sight, but not so small you cannot see it? Ie, not that far. So is this really a game changer?

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Nick W! Not a game changer but a good clarification. The issue in the background was local authorities closing access to airspace through refusal to take off but then providing access for a fee. The concern was this would be copied by other landowners and the hobby would become pay to fly. We expect more news soon on attempts to bring council policy to a more reasonable position.

[@johnhilliard4498]

HI Sean. This is the first time I have looked in to flying a drone and so far, everting I have heard is putting me off a little. Do you have a starter video for some who has never even held one? Let alone flown one. I am an experienced in photography and videography and would like to learn drone flying as the next step in my film making.

[@Geeksvana]

Hey John Hillard! Thank you for taking the time to comment! In actual fact, once the new rules are in and settled, I think the hobby will be a lot more simple! We do have a beginner series coming in early January, everything from registering to flight checks etc.

[@riversrock]

Great video Guys I have a DJI Phantom 4 Pro Plus v 2.0 and I am fully registered but mainly due to COVID I have only been out once this year. How expensive is it to do the A2 CofC exam and what will I actually gain as a hobbyist who likes filming Railway Viaducts and Castles from afar ? Thanks in advance for your advice. Regards Mark

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Mark Powell! Thanks for taking the time to comment! The A2 CofC is available most places for between £99 - £150. The main benefits surround being able to fly in congested areas for the first time, although it also provides benefits for the more remote flyer, especially when the new range of CE class drones are available. However, if you are already getting the type of footage you want within the current rules, nothing will change to stop that in 2021. Hope this helps.

[@Welshrobb]

Thanks for the video Sean. Great as always. I`d imagine i wont have much trouble where i am.

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Rob! I certainly hope not!! That would be the day we all hang up our drones!

[@shaunthedrone]

Thumbs up ere' Sean, another great news report. Many thanks for sharing the info :)

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Shaun! Thank you sir! Appreciate all your support!

[@El_Smeghead]

There's been a lot of "good" changes recently. Let's hope it stays that way.

[@Geeksvana]

Hey El Smeghead! Absolutely! Bring on the positive changes!!

[@gwal93]

Great informative video... thanks ... I will read every word of CAP722. Can a council impose a blanket ban on taking off and landing on public pathways or public land using byelaws so as to effectively prevent drones from flying anywhere in a county unless you take off from private land with permission of the landowner but assuming that you have to also conform to the general ANO and VLOS ?

[@Geeksvana]

Hey G Wal! Excellent point to raise. This has been asked in a few different ways in the comments. No, they would not be able to do that as the different areas are not under their direct ownership or in a lot of cases control. This policy will mainly impact those flying from parks and open spaces owned and controlled by the local authority.

[@gwal93]

@@Geeksvana Blanket ban here from flying in any parks (I spoke with council and the rangers - they did say it was possible if I applied and had credentials like Pfco, posted notices at entrances with my name, address and telephone number, had spotters, crowd control, safety marshals and first aiders like red cross or st johns ambulance in attendance and insurance but when I did a FOI request on how many times permission had been granted they said that it hadn't ever been granted. Local Crown Estate forests also ban drones entirely so I am looking for public pathways that are more than 150 metres from any buildings or structures and not in any NFZ like airports, heliports, prisons and schools etc... I might be able to find a spot about an hour from me using google maps. Crossing fingers.

[@lindsayheyes925]

@@gwal93 Try digging into DEFRA's "Magic Map", it often indicates usable possibilities.

[@gwal93]

@@lindsayheyes925 Many thanks for that Lindsay .. I had no idea this existed but it is a bit confusing looking at it... What does it all mean ! 😕

[@Geeksvana]

It is a good idea for general guidance. Shame it isn't used as a definitive guide though...

[@Ivorengland]

Okay, I’m confused. So far I get that airspace is not owned by councils. However they can ask for a temporary ban. Do these bans appear on Drone Assist, or do you have to search for a NOTAM and if so, where do you search for this before flying? Also, can there be permanent airspace bans e.g. over national parks? (the New Forest bans drones). If so, where do you get that information from? Should that appear on Drone Assist? Finally, what’s to stop councils, national parks etc. From introducing blanket bans on take off and landing from any part of their land. That would effectively stop all drone flights as you need to take off and land from somewhere. Can you please explain this.

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Ivor! Thanks for taking the time to comment and raise your questions. I will try to answer them here... 1. Yes, UAS Geogrphical Zones show up on Drone Assist. Although they are usually blue rather than red so it is worth checking all marked areas. 2. These can only be temporary although can be renewed. There must be a significant reason and the CAA will not grant them unless there is a concert, or sensitive activity etc happening. They cannot apply for blanket bans based on council policies. 3. Many local councils have issued bans on take off and landing from their land. However, it is worth remembering this is a property issue not an airspace one. If you are flying from land and the owner wishes you to not take off/land then they can ask you not to and leave. However, it is only a civil issue unless you refuse. We have a video coming soon clarifying this particular issue after some deep research. Hope this answers your questions but do let me know if I miss anything.

[@Ivorengland]

@@Geeksvana Really helpful. Thank you. Will wait for your next video hoping your research will clarify further, Thanks again.

[@fluxtubes]

How does this fly with National Parks? As far as I can tell most forbid drone use (unless you pay for a filming permit), but a foia request with some of the councils seems to indicate that they have no specific byelaws against drone use. I can see wildlife and safety (LiPo battery fires) issues that are relevant, but do they have the authority to restrict overflight?

[@tecky2528]

Does this clarify the National Trusts position with their airspace also? Personally I’d love to be able to fly over Dartmoor as well for photographic purposes.

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Tecky252! Thanks for taking the time to comment, I really appreciate it! Yes, it works with every landowner including National Trust. The issue is take off and landing which they can block. Potentially, you could launch from non nation trust land on the outskirts? But not sure if that will give you the desired footage. I do have a couple of drone flying friends who have gained farmer and landowner permissions from within areas like Dartmoor...

[@gmivisualsjason3729]

Just watching this now... and quick question. So if we can fly over "land" (council or privately owned) without permission then it seems then that we can only fly and land from the roadside. Surely this in itself poses challenges of safely taking off from and landing in such spaces. If only we were legally permitted to take off/land on public footpaths that may "technically belong to someone" but be a much safer option for us.

[@Geeksvana]

Hey FPV wannabee! Thanks for taking the time to comment and for making a great point. Yes, I agree it should really be focused on safety and I hope more councils review their policy to realise drones are not the big scary monster! It seems some have started to revise their policy. The Drone Code from the CAA talks about looking at the location for guidance rather than having to deep dive for byelaws etc. Although ignorance is no defence in law, often if no sign is posted it would be argued you carried out due diligence etc.

[@derrickknight4985]

I have a dji mini 2 coming this Christmas. I think I’m going to have it returned. To many rules to be able to enjoy this as a hobby.

[@davidea12]

All you need to do is register it (it has a camera so no choice if you want to be legal), a mini 2 is flown as a C0 drone in A1 of the open catorgory, it sounds a lot more complicated than it is, just a lot to take in, watch some more vids, it's a great hobby (I fly fpv, it's a lot more complicated for me).

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Derrick Knight! We have a video coming very soon explaining everyrhing you can do with a Mini. It will change your mind and show you how awesome the Mini is for UK hobby flyers. As davidea12 kindly states, once you are registered it is a lot more simple than it seems.

[@derrickknight4985]

@@davidea12 I have a Flyer ID and Operator ID. Could do the A2 CofC Course online which wouldn’t be bad as I’m in lockdown.

[@davidea12]

@@derrickknight4985 I'm doing my A2 CofC at the moment, it's been very informative and I would recommend it (got it on the black friday sale at UAVhub and would recommend them, the way it works is great and fits nicely around work and 2 small chaotic kids). I'm thinking about gettin a mini 2 next year mainly because its so much easier with the regulations, even with the A2 CofC.

[@derrickknight4985]

@@davidea12 Thanks for the reply. Don’t want to give up before I’ve really got started. Quite a nice community within drone flyers. Grateful for the help. 👍🏼

[@SamNesbittdoesstuff]

Fantastic video! I’m currently awaiting delivery of a Mini 3 Pro and your videos have been invaluable! Question: Does this now override a PSPO my local authority have in place?

[@yanntessier7150]

Thanks for an interesting video. Does the same apply to the Thames River Authority, which charges huge amounts for overflight? There are clearly a whole bunch of airspace restrictions that operate along the river. But are they allowed to charge for overflight of the river? The document would seem to indicate not.

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Yann! I do not have direct experience of PLA but I will look into it as it interests me as well. I will report back.

[@iainmccallum5535]

Nice explanation on what looks to be a good policy change (but no doubt hated by 'certain' councils!).

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Iain McCallum! Thanks for taking the time to comment! I really appreciate it! Yes, there will be a few council plans changed with this!

[@lindsayheyes925]

This is a well drafted document. Hats off to the CAA Drone Unit, they've done a great job, and given us flyers the tool we needed. Today, there was a debate in the House of Commons about overreach by the National Trust. Parliament is onto it, but I didn't hear any mention of drones and had to switch it off, so I don't know the outcome - but it looked like some MPs want an Ombudsman. I will be following proceedings. Is anyone here on the case?

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Lindsay! Great to see you! We have been following it along for a while now. There is finally the appetite to at least review what the NT are doing. Hopefully, that will lead to action. Before 2020 and the pandemic, the NT were holding meeting in which they discussed finding ways to allow safe hobby drone flight at their sites, especially with A2 certificates etc coming. This was being taken seriously but 2020 seems to have removed it from the agenda...

[@pgVeritas]

Hi Sean, your guest mentioned he knew of 12 councils who were implementing restrictions. Please would you let us know which these councils are? Thanks.

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Alberto! I will get a list, no problem. Although off the top of my head, I am aware of a few Scottish local authorities and one from the Midlands who had started charging already! Hope you are well, thanks for the comment!

[@pandasadventures5]

Leicester is one ...

[@akosichiro_dronaut]

Very informative thank you so much for this episode 👍

[@Geeksvana]

Hey R&C Aerial! Thanks for taking the time to comment! I really appreciate your kind feedback.

[@phantomvideo1279]

Hi Mate. Wonder if you could have a look into this please. A CAA update from 15th Dec 2020 says: "From 1 January 2024 onwards, all remote pilots must be in possession of a GVC." Thanks

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Phantom Video! Great to see you! That particular release from the CAA was intended for PfCO holders to ensure they switch over by then. It was not particularly well worded! Hope this helps, thanks for the comment.

[@DonHenshall]

My council policy restricts drone use over their property, parks etc. they ask you to apply for permission and pay a fee for the privilege should permission be granted. I have written to them politely pointing out that they need to revisit their policy in light of recent developments. I total understand they do have a right to refuse permission re take off and landing on their property. I wait their response. Great video as always, thank you.

[@woodydroneson]

Great Video :) So basically a work around is to take off just outside a park and then fly into the park fly around a bit and then fly back out and land back outside the park and it is legal? It is a crazy world even for someone like me who has a supposedly relatively safe NON aircraft damaging Mavic Mini 1 at under 250g when I brought it middle of 2020! I apreciate that there should be some controls, better explanation of the drone code etc would have been nice, but making people with what are almost toy drones at that weight take exams and tests seems a little over the top in 2021. I think that more emphasis should be put into ensuring that drones over a certain size must have anti crash detection, be able to work out if any Manned or Unmanned aircraft are entering its air space and make adjustments to give way to avoid any impact and more. The technology must develop fast and cheaply to be available in all but the smallest drones. Humans are not good at not making mistakes afterall. :)

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Woody Drones On! Thanks for taking the time to comment and share your thoughts, I appreciate it. I would agree that future drones will take away some of the direct safety function from the operator, although with that comes loss of overall control and I hope we do not end up with drones which effectively fly themselves.

[@MJMedias]

I saw recently that it was agreed, a drone being flown in the A2 category can reduce the separation from people if there is a physical barrier between the drone and the person up to the height of that barrier, a line of tall trees for example. But a person inside a building is classed as being close to a person and the 50m distance needs to be observed. I wonder how a line of trees can be enough to allow the sorption distance to be reduced, but a solid structure isn't.

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Matthew! We another video explaining this in the playlist. Essentially you are talking about the same thing with any barrier and it depends which drone you are flying as well. I fly over buildings with my A2 CofC and use barriers in public to help reduce distance. This has always been the way with the A2 but people are only now getting used to it and confident.

[@MJMedias]

@@Geeksvana Thanks for clearing this up Sean. Maybe it was your video I saw 👀. When looking up info regarding this, there always seems to be some contradiction which makes it confusing. Looking forward to more of your videos 👍

[@Geeksvana]

Thanks Matthew! I think it might be worth a short video to clarify... Appreciate you raising the point.

[@1971382]

Just found you and will now subscribe. Great content. Can I ask them. If we fly over land in a safe manner I.e national trust etc. Is that permissible as they don’t like you to fly drones over their land?

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Skyfilmer! As long as you take off from a legal position and not on their land, then flight over sticking to the drone rules is allowed! Thanks for the kind comment, thanks for your support!

[@1971382]

@@Geeksvana thanks you so much. I watched another of your video and as such I’ve just paid to take the A2CofC course. Thanks for the info. Looking forward to more of your videos 👍🏼

[@Geeksvana]

Fantastic! Glad it is helping.

[@andrewmounsey5030]

I contacted my Local Council to seek clarification on their takeoff/landing policy on their land; the only method of contact was on line. I'm still waiting for a response over a month later. There's nothing on their website and I've never seen any notices in any of the public spaces. I suspect they don't know how to answer my question, which was very simple and explained that I am an insured and certified remote pilot and the ability to use Council land (when suitable) would assist both myself and my potential clients wanting my aerial survey services. Does anyone else have experiences with Local Councils? Are they all this unresponsive? Generally my TOLP is within the clients land but there are times when it would be useful to be able to utilise adjacent public land.

[@nicetom33tyou]

Thanks for this, really really appreciate it! One thing I can't find an answer on it this - councils that don't actually have drones written into their byelaws but say on their website that you cannot fly from their land without their permission (of which they stipulate very narrow commercial circumstances that will only be consdered) - is this legit? I understand that it is, as they are communicating the lack of permission. But it's confusing when it's not written into a byelaw!

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Jonathan! Thanks for taking the time to comment and for raising an important question. The council can deny permission to take off without a byelaw although enforcing it would simply mean being asked to leave rather than a fine or issue with police etc. In terms of flight over, so taking off from land not owned within the park etc, you are within your rights to still fly over the council land within the drone code. Hope this helps.

[@nicetom33tyou]

@@Geeksvana That's really helpful, thanks so much!!!

[@neilhenderson1766]

does this apply to national trust like dartmor? so if i took off from private land but went over dartmoor it would be ok assuming i adhere to all standard regulations

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Neil Henderson! Put simply, yes! Just ensure you fly at a decent height so it cannot be argued you are interfering with enjoyment of the land etc... Good luck! Thanks for the comment!

[@andirutherford2615]

I live in the Lake District and the National Trust own most of the land, they have a blanket ban on drone flying. Now I reckon the public highways and laybys belong to Cumbria County Council, who maintain and look after the roads, in fact the roads are in fact public land. Can I fly from the roads/verges

[@johnford3825]

You need to check County or Council Bylaws.

[@garylawsonmedia305]

Thanks guys Top chat so clear

[@Geeksvana]

Thank you Gary! Appreciate your feedback!

[@jasonhead9123]

What if you stand on land, but release your sub 250g drone from your hand, and land back on said hand?

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Jason! It you as operator who is flying the drone. Where the drone physically takes off from in terms of hand or off a car etc does not matter.

[@jasonhead9123]

@@Geeksvana if I put a lume cube on my dji mini 2, can I fly at night? UK based

[@gamefly00730]

Did I hear that right, Class D rural is going to be the best place to fly?

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Squishy! Thanks for taking the time to comment! Yes, my guest Andrew felt that if you wanted to fly unhindered of regulation, the more remote the better. Perhaps a better thought towards FPV flight where what you are capturing isn't as important. Us camera flyers need a bit more of an interesting canvas though!

[@gamefly00730]

@@Geeksvana Thanks for reply,. Hopefully I'll get to do a bit of both when the new DJI 'FPV' drone and digital goggles are available.

[@stevio7777]

As usual clear as mud gobbledygook Regarding the dji mini 2 I can fly over my town council land which I take it is all the town and surrounding area but in reality I won’t be able to fly over the land because I don’t have permission to take off or land. Work that one out 😂

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Splukni! Thanks for taking the time to comment, I really appreciate it! Yes, trying to find a way through regulations can be as clear as mud! Although I think this document in particular does help us. When councils talk about permission to take off etc, it is only within the green spaces policy and does not cover all land within a town centre, much of which is not usually owned by the local authority, only serviced by them. That does leave us Mini flyers a lot of places to fly from next year, we will be making a much shorter video on how to find spots very soon.

[@stevio7777]

Thanks when are you doing that vid on the new CAA rules and the mini 2 👌

[@Geeksvana]

Hoping to have it live before Christmas but if not then certainly first week of Jan.

[@johnboyle1047]

Very informative as always. I live in Ireland - can anyone tell me if the A2CofC is relevant or necessary here or not? EASA rules apply here as far as I can make out. Thanks in advance.

[@Geeksvana]

Hey John! Thanks for taking the time to comment! Yes the A2 CofC (EU version) can be taken in Ireland. The advantage you get is the certificate is valid throughout the EU EASA members states, although not the UK currently. Hope this helps.

[@grimlightwildoutdoors]

What do you think of the new CAA rules, can’t fly over any building of and kind or over people of any kind if your drone is 250 grams or more amongst other rules the way it’s going you will only be able to fly in a field. What’s your thoughts on this ? You can fly over buildings, people or any vehicles, roads and the like. When it comes to flying over land this lies with CAA not the councils, councils don’t control air space.

[@Geeksvana]

We have a video coming out in the next two weeks to discuss the clause you are raising. It is an interesting one and could spell significant issues! Thanks for the comment!

[@grimlightwildoutdoors]

@@Geeksvana they are not thinking things through for the majority they just want to make money they are not interested in what’s best for you the pilots. Councils don’t and can’t control air space it’s that simple.

[@Geeksvana]

100% correct. It would not have stopped at councils. If they were allowed to get away with charging, it would have changed the sub 400ft airspace forever.

[@Browza22]

The drone assist app has all of the main parks around me highlighted in yellow as raising security, privacy concerns etc. Does this mean I can’t fly my dji mini 2 there? Or is it just the red zones that are restricted? The local council here has been very strict on drone flying lol

[@Geeksvana]

Hey lolnfy! Thanks for taking the time to comment. The Drone Assist app will not provide information on take off locations, it will only let you know about airspace. Your council website should have details about whether there are actual byelaws in place to prevent take off. Hope. This helps.

[@Browza22]

@@Geeksvana Hey thanks for the reply! So just to clarify, I can fly over the yellow zones as long as I take off elsewhere in a safe location? Thankfully I probably won’t need to but it’s good to know just incase lol

[@Geeksvana]

Depending on what the yellow zone is... Sometimes it is just letting you know there is a park there or something to be cautious of and sometimes it could be a UAS Geographical Zone which requires permission to fly within. If you tap the screen on the yellow area, a message will pop up and tell you what it is and what action is required.

[@Browza22]

@@Geeksvana Cheers! I appreciate the help! I’m new to the hobby, trying to learn as much as I can before I start flying. Perfect time aswell while the weather is crap lol

[@stonie-oh5vn]

Been flying (filming) around Scotland for 4 years now. I’ve ran into 1 other drone user and seen 2 drones at a firework display in the distance. You even begin to wonder if the Gatwick fiasco a couple of years back was just a ploy to get us paying every year. Nearly all my films have a positive impact on drawing interest to the areas I film. If the councils charge for this I’m out 😔

[@Geeksvana]

Hey stonie01333! Thank you for taking the time to join the conversation and share your thoughts. I think a lot of drone flyers feel the same way. Hopefully, once the new rules are in place and settled down we will actually have great access to the airspace!

[@stonie-oh5vn]

@@Geeksvana No worrys.. Thanks for keeping us all informed 👍

[@dads-army]

So I have a DJI mini and near me there is a country park so can I take off from there or not

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Keith Lock! This depends on the airspace restrictions and the policy of the country park.

[@shawnh3608]

Hi how do sight of flight rules apply when using goggle/headsets please?

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Shawn! Thanks for taking the time to comment and for your question. In the UK, if you are flying a drone via FPV goggles then you are required to have a spotter with you. They are required to be standing next to you and to have visual line of sight of the drone at all times. You can have one spotter for many drone flyers but that is in a sterile club/race environment. Hope this helps, let me know if you have any other questions.

[@shawnh3608]

@@Geeksvana OK thanks for the speedy reply and information. I'm considering buying my son a starter drone for his birthday/college media studies with a 4k camera and 3 axis gimble and easy to fly but after watching your videos it seems to be a minefield of rules and regs and that's before trying to decide which one of the many many sub £200 drones to choose from. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Regards Shawn

[@Geeksvana]

Tough one to be honest. As a lot of the cheaper camera drones don't offer the quality etc. My personal recommendation would be something like the first DJI Mavic Mini, which you can get second hand at a good price or sub £350ish new. That way as it is a sub 250g drone a lot of the issues in terms of rules are a lot more simple. Hope this helps.

[@Olleetheowl]

One assumes that this also applies to The National Trust. 😊

[@Geeksvana]

Hey The Owl! Thanks for taking the time to comment! Yes, it would apply to landowners/agents like The National Trust.

[@alanrobson705]

As a Mavic Air 1 owner, I getting more and more confused in what I will need to do. I've been away from the country since the registration came in and not flown in the UK for a long time. I see new rules about congested areas, and now this and can't wrap my small brain around it. I was excited by the Air 2 or the new mini but getting to the point I think I'm going to sell up and walk away from the hobby.

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Alan Robson! Thank you for taking the time to comment! I hope you get flying again soon. The congested area rules have been in place for many years in terms of what a hobbyist can do, (i.e. stay 150m away from built up areas). The new rules actually allow more flight in congested areas for the first time if you have a sub 250g or hold an A2 CofC certificate. Once the new rules are in place, it will actually be a lot more simple.

[@alanrobson705]

@@Geeksvana I hope so. My Mavic Air is over 250g though. Could you maybe do a complete idiots guide at some point for both over and under the 250g please. Im sure I cant be the only one getting confused at what we have to do and what certificates we need to get. Hmm, bellow 250g. I might go just get that Microdrone 5.0 after all.........

[@Geeksvana]

We have a video explaining drone classes and what you can do coming soon. There is always the MD5 😂

[@alanrobson705]

@@Geeksvana great news. As for the MD5. We'll have to see what happens in the rules for 2035 when that will be delivered.

[@ajalvarez1387]

Wow my friend this is getting ridiculous of the Drone laws!! Camera consumer drone have not killed anyone yet!! And I don’t know why Authority it’s all concern.. is sickening it’s all about the money!! Maybe someone just need to put a gun on the drone than!🤪

[@ajalvarez1387]

Because all this craziness going on specially drone authorities and lows I feel like I don’t wanna Fly Drone anymore!! But I’m gonna keep on flying catch me if they can!🤪👍

[@Geeksvana]

Hey AJ! Great to see you! Thanks for the comment. Many people feel the same way!!

[@gtm8mahoney]

Anyone have any news of when we are likely to get C marked drones in the uk market. Ill flip my current legacy Mavic air 2 on eBay for a c marked version if retrospective c marking isn’t allowed.

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Let's Fly! I have previously been hopeful on this one. However, unless something changes very soon the latest information I have is that retroactive labels will be blocked in the UK. This isn't an issue with the existing drones, the Air 2 is perfect for labels but further regulation updates coming like Remote ID in the UK. Hope this helps and I will update the channel when we have confirmed news.

[@gtm8mahoney]

@@Geeksvana Thanks for the info! I won't be holding out much hope, but keeping fingers crossed.

[@pandasadventures5]

But the council own the land around parks so can’t take off anywhere?

[@Geeksvana]

Hey PandA’s Adventures! That is an issue. Although often you will find spots to fly from near the land. It does write off a good amount of parks etc though. Thanks for the comment!

[@robertkirby3158]

I am amazed at what you think is precise language. It is policy language and policy would be regulation or law if it was precise enough to plan a specific flight. You have described how the CAA have put their cards on the table in a territory/ airspace fight with local government bodies trying to muscle in on their easy money grab. The CAA was never intended to govern shoebox size craft that can successfully fly from a domestic backgarden hence their meaningless participation in disputes that rank among no football or no cricket on the park grass. Why have flying models not attracted this attention in the last 60 years. There were less of them, they had less precise control but were of similar weight and performance. The truth is that the modeller did need permission to fly from other peoples property but the notion that this activity needed or indeed could be incorporated into CAA regulation was absurd. A person daft enough to feel free to fly from Westmister Bridge, or even an airfield perimeter, is a matter for police and urban control; not CAA regulation. A 100 page airline operations manual has to be precise because the first 5 laydown the easy do little life of the crew while the rest provides the excuses to work a 24 hour day. That is the kind of work the CAA has been built on; not the problem of being unable to preciisely split drones from toys.

[@andrewmaudsley7692]

Not a chance FPV people will install remote ID

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Andrew! It will be a challenge for sure. The FPV hobby already feel dragged into DMARES and feel marginalise. The thought of this community then building in a system to their quads to be watched seems a remote possibility...

[@keithwilson7358]

It’s a real shame that we have come to this for something that was once a pleasure (for me Ariel photography) I am sadly not flying any more as I fear I’ll get caught out and fall foul of the law/rules/regulations to which I fully comply Things seem to be changing so often I cannot keep up so there will be that one time when I miss a change and somebody steps out of the shadows and hand me a fine lol Great channel thanks

[@notsoandy]

Would you be from Sheffield ?

[@pandasadventures5]

Leicester council is one of them £50 admin fee per flight and 21 day approval time

[@ben11930]

That's generous compared to my local council, mine want stupid money with next to no chance of being approved. The policy says " An admin fee of £100 is required to make an application to use town council land for drone usage however permission will not generally be granted in relation to any public parks or open spaces in Council ownership, unless the intended purpose is for education, promotion of the place (eg tourism) or there is a compelling commercial reason"

[@pandasadventures5]

@@ben11930 it’s getting to the point where I think I need a new hobby

[@ben11930]

@@pandasadventures5 I only started the hobby a month ago 😂 It seems a shame that with capp722x and easa regulations that the rules I have to go by with a mini 2 are actually being eased but councils just blanket ban through nothing but ignorance about the subject.

[@pandasadventures5]

@@ben11930 tell me about it lol started this year flown a handful of times due to lockdowns and well now just another blocker !😳

[@pandasadventures5]

@@ben11930 I’ve just took the A2CofC course with Uavhub - it’s great but now I’m thinking 🤔 did I waste my £ .. I’d like to see the council representatives take this course !

[@Neil-W-k2p]

How can the councils say that we need permission for takeoff on their land we pay for that land, public walkways and highways through our council tax

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Welshlad52! Great to see you and thanks for joining the conversation! Yes, there is a distinction where most council policy in drones covers their open spaces such as parks etc. The land outside of these is often not owned by the council and therefore they do not control it in terms of take off etc. There is a follow up to this video coming soon to help flyers find take off points in their local areas.

[@gwal93]

We also pay their salaries ... I always remind them that when I have occasion to contact them ... "You work for me, I don't work for you" pisses them off no end.

[@Neil-W-k2p]

Simple solution hand launch from council land and hand landing when finished, they cant touch you for that.

[@Geeksvana]

Ah yes, the hand launch. An often confusing and debated subject of its own 😂😎

[@cryptosteve5377]

I take off from my hand not off anyone's land unless they own my hand I believe this is ok

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Steve! Thanks for taking the time to comment. This is a popular held view. However on investigation Geeksvana discovered that the takeoff from hand is still counted as being from the land as you still operating from the landowners property. It would be an interesting one to see tested but makes sense when you consider taking off from a car roof or similar also does not cover you.

[@outdoorsinspiration9284]

Thank you, subbed. This video came up at just the right time - `I've just emailed a local authority to question their byelaws - happy to discuss / share further if you have a contact messenger etc?

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Outdoors Inspiration! Thanks for taking the time to comment and for your support! Feel free to fire an email to me: [e-mail]

[@outdoorsinspiration9284]

@@Geeksvana - will do 👍

[@outdoorsinspiration9284]

I have just sent you an email 👍

[@jillyanddavedave280]

You don't need to pay anybody to fly a light aircraft over land,so it is crazy to think somebody wants to charge to fly a drone.

[@grimlightwildoutdoors]

The lines are being blurred not made more clear, authorities will blur the lines and become a nightmare for all. They will now ignore flight software with regards to were you can fly on this software this is quickly going to become a nightmare in the U.K. and will ruin drone flying here in the U.K. and will all be about making money. Also any flight restrictions with councils should be shown on flight software if not then they can’t enforce no fly zones. This is going to become a shit storm pretty quick and won’t be a hobby any more for all.

[@Geeksvana]

Hey grimlightimages! Thanks for taking the time to comment! I really appreciate it! It is difficult and many would agree with you. I have hopes that the hobby can still be enjoyable for the foreseeable future but there are concerning changes on the horizon!

[@jollyjimbo1104]

It's funny. There are all these rules and regs for safety etc. Yet come Xmas time there will be loads of the things buzzing about with folks not giving a damn which will then cause more problems for the hobbyist.

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Jim Mitchell! Great to see you and thanks for being a channel member!! Yes, the rise of the Mini is going to cause a few issues for the hobby. Hopefully some of them will watch a few videos first! Hope you are well!

[@DonHenshall]

My council policy restricts drone use over their property, parks etc. they ask you to apply for permission and pay a fee for the privilege should permission be granted. I have written to them politely pointing out that they need to revisit their policy in light of recent developments. I total understand they do have a right to refuse permission re §take off and landing on their property. I wait their response. Great video as always, thank you.