Can You Fly Your Drone From Your Garden? UK Drone Rules - Geeksvana

Hey everyone! Welcome to Geeksvana! In today’s video Sean looks at a question raised by many viewers. Can you fly your drone from your back garden under the new UK drone rules? We look beyond a simple yes and no to provide some key advice on regulation as well as sharing Sean’s personal experience of flying from gardens in 2021. Please keep in mind that as mentioned in the video, this focuses on flying drones which are sub 250g as it will be quite a while until we get the new CE class drones to play with! Let us know in the comments if you have already flown from your garden or if you intend to, we really enjoy hearing your experiences!
Useful links:
CAA Skywise: skywise.caa.co.uk/
Drone Assist App: dronesafe.uk/safety-apps/
Swindon Advertiser Article: www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/n...
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#UKDroneRules #FlyGarden #Geeksvana

[@airsoftcamman]

The reason I’ve purchased the Mini 2 is to take off from my garden. Worried my Mavic 2 Pro will be redundant now, as love the mini so much.

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Airsoft CamMan! Thanks for taking the time to comment and share your experience with garden launching, I really appreciate it! I can understand the concern on the M2P, it is a great drone. Have you considered the A2 CofC to unlock built up area flights?

[@gamefly00730]

@@Geeksvana So if I get A2 Cof cert, could I fly the DJI FPV from my back yard? It's ok to fly the DJI mini2.

[@battyjoe]

My understanding is only if you have a legacy drone of less than >=250

[@Geeksvana]

Hey everyone! Sorry I didn't see this comment until battyjoe kindly answered it. 50m from uninvolved people is correct, although when someone is inside a house you are allowed to disregard if they are deemed protected by the structure. So a Mini 2 would be safe but something larger might not be. Other issue to consider with the DJI FPV Drone is safety and your responsibility under Article 241 of air navigation order. This will be more of a factor soon in UK skies!

[@eddiejaoude]

Thanks for this video. I fly my Mini 2 from my small garden with no problems. But I was not 100% sure if it was ok. I initially did high flights, but now practicing super low within my garden to practice the controls

[@kalhilton9703]

I intend to use mine to check on my chimney and roof on the house, I’m sick of people knocking on my door to try and con me out of money because they say work needs doing, it will be great to be able to say ,’not when I checked it didn’t’.

[@dronevids1611]

I did a roof check after strong wind blows the entire day. Our drones saved us in doing high risk jobs.

[@Tahsin_Hussain]

My Mavic mini helped me checking the Roof Gutter & found its packed with debris, needs cleaning

[@DroneFixes]

Similarly looking to use a drone to survey my solar panels, guttering, flat roofs, chimneys, ridge tiles etc, inspection is something that needs to be done regularly.

[@mickdonnelly2038]

I hope viewers do post comments on positive reactions. We need more positivity in the hobby.

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Mick Donnelly! Agreed! My own experience has been nothing but positive and I am enjoying the new rules! Thank you for taking the time to comment and share your thoughts! I really appreciate it!

[@andyforbes4193]

ive now flown from my garden on numerous occasions i live right at a golf course and often go over there always keeping vlos ive had some amazing pictures and just recently took off in garden at night and the pictures i got were incredible love my mini

[@stephencassidy4895]

Yes I fly my mini 2 in and from my small garden. When I take off I go straight up to a minimum of 125 feet where the drone is relatively silent. I then can fly over quite a large area while maintaining line of sight which allows both photography and video if I wish. When returning I fly directly overhead and land. So far after 6 flights no problems.

[@stephenmason5682]

I think you're in breach of the CAA regs? Built up areas?

[@starofdavid9919]

@@stephenmason5682 Only apply over 249g

[@stephenmason5682]

@@starofdavid9919 I thought it included any drone with a camera.

[@starofdavid9919]

@@stephenmason5682 Yes it does but only if its over 250g, thats why the mini,s are so popular, but hey you me know that wont last long.

[@obnoxiouspedant]

@@starofdavid9919 I feel like as a responsible drone user who has only just got into the hobby, I must have missed out on a better less regulated era haha. It is for the best in a lot of ways though

[@jonathanandrews6077]

First of all happy new year. Really interesting to learn the new freedom owning a Mini gives. Was not aware of this to be perfectly hones - must have had my head in the sand!

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Jonathan Andrews! Thanks for taking the time to comment, I really appreciate it! Yes the Mini has a lot to offer the hobby! Happy New Year!!

[@Welshrobb]

Best youtube channel for UK drone laws :). Well done again Sean

[@Geeksvana]

Cheers Rob! Appreciate your support!

[@IaninLondon]

Hey Sean; yes, vertical take off up to 50 m is the best advice for people flying out of their back gardens. And great idea of talking to the neighbours and offering to email a picture of their hosue if they ask you to take one. Anything that improves general perception.... Cheers, ian

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Ian! Thank you! Appreciate you taking the time to comment and share your input. LOVED your video guide on the new rules.

[@IaninLondon]

@@Geeksvana That was hard work......🤣. Cheers and speak soon 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@starstreamphotographyandfilm]

Great channel Shaun, now subscribed, for me, a new flyer there is everything I need to know and love the sharing of info to the members, thank you, keep it going :-)

[@Georgewrigley]

Great informative video Sean. Best wishes for 2021, and yes I got a Mini 2 also for my birthday! YWAH!!!

[@Geeksvana]

That's great George! Happy flying with the Mini 2 and have a great 2021!!

[@33rudedude]

its fairly clear on the CAA website but to actually hear it from someone makes it crystal clear thanks.

[@Chrischucas]

Brand new follower here. Great content, clear and concise, brilliant.

[@Geeksvana]

Thank you Chris! I really appreciate your kind feedback!

[@DJIDroneTravel]

Such amazing video this is a great news finally we can fly our drone from our garden 😄

[@Geeksvana]

Hey DJI Drone Travel! It is great news for those sub 250g drones for sure! Thanks for taking the time to comment, I really appreciate it!

[@zpinkLondonBelow]

Cheers for a good summary of the new brilliant rules! I can't say that I miss the 'always having to keep an eye on dog walkers etc., when out with the Spark'. In the end I gave up on it since it killed all the joy of flying. The Mini 2 and new rules made it worth picking it up again! :-) You got a new sub, Sir!

[@sjdyt]

I took my maiden mini 2 flight in the garden. I’m lucky to have a decent size garden and was able to fly around it at low altitude to get used to the controls. I popped up to about 6m within the confines of the garden. I have my operators and flyers licence so knew I was doing no wrong. I have since flown again from the garden to photograph a nice sunset and literally climbed straight up to the maximum 120m and maintained position above the garden. So far nobody has commented but I get on with my neighbours and will offer aerial shots of their property if I get any challenges. It’s a great view from up there! This is why I did my homework first and bought the mini 2.

[@Geeksvana]

Excellent Steve D! Thanks for taking the time to share your experience on this subject, it will help others have more confidence.

[@DaveGardner64]

Great Video. Got A Mavic 2 Pro, 2 years ago, which even with the A2 C&C is restricted, so got a DJI Mini 2 so that I can take off from my Garden. Simply fly straight up 30m before moving lateral.

[@brettnbeckvalleyvan]

Thank you very much 🙏🏻 great video really useful, just subbed up. Had a DJI mini for Christmas I've flown it from the garden twice (live in a small rural village) not had any problems 🤞 thanks again 💙✌️

[@Geeksvana]

Hey brettnbeck_valleyvan! Thanks for taking the time to comment, I really appreciate it! Great to hear you are enjoying your new drone, the Mini is awesome!

[@renewableenergydoctor9607]

Thank you for this very informative and precise information having just got flying again with M3 pro these things are important to know as I D registered with the CAA when I sold my original Mavic pro. Thank you very much

[@WarwickshireArtsTV]

Hi Sean, I just wanted to say thanks for your advise tonight on flying drones from a back garden and your very nice comments on the edit. Finding your channel has been a saviour! The video is officially live again... Much love my friend and a new sub from here :-) I must say flying drones is new to me and so far has somehow caused more stress than good LOL

[@Geeksvana]

No problem! Drones, especially sub 250g are so versatile and your video is a great use of them.

[@dronevids1611]

Sometime that stress when you overcome it becomes Adrenalin rush. Which could be exciting.

[@Coqui-Media]

Thank you thank you thank you!!!!!!!!! I feel like even my own wife has been gaslighting me where i was beginning to doubt what i knew all along!!! Poor thing - she has been almost impossible to console and is convinced that something horrible is going to happen!!! I am flying the dji mini2 responsibly, respectfully and mindfully and ALWAYS assessing risks every few seconds. Non-flyers have got an extremely warped skewed impression of these little miracles of modern high tech ... so much so that I have already started pages and groups aimed at the non-flyer and flyer alike with a view to educating and more importantly - dispelling many if not all of the myths and misconceptions associated with this form of activity. Happy new year all and stay safe ;-)

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Joe Ortiz! Thanks for taking the time to comment, I really appreciate it! Really pleased the video helped!

[@Supercarlsunday]

Fantastic well explained video. Excellent. Many thanks for the info..🤙👍

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Supercarlsunday! Thank you! I really appreciate your kind words.

[@trev4]

Hi Sean thanks for the video, yes I fly my mini 2 out of my garden during lockdown and over a field behind me. But I’ve found I always put the transmission into 5.8Ghz rather than dual as the 2.4Ghz gets clogged up by the nearby houses. And alright occulancy 2.0 does a great job of changing channels for me. 5.8Ghz overall keeps it very solid in urban areas I’ve found.

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Trev! Excellent point on transmission, thank you! Interference is an important consideration! Thanks for taking the time to comment, I really appreciate it!

[@dronevids1611]

I never used 2.4Ghz ever.

[@jackshepherd6276]

Yes, I have done a couple of times. This was back in 2018, when I got my Mavic Pro, so not sub 250g. I just went straight up to where I could capture some photos of the surrounding area, didn't fly any distance laterally, then came straight back down to within a metre of my take off point, which impressed me. I now have a Mini 3 Pro, but don't have any plans to launch it from the garden, not that my neighbours would likely complain, but it does freak out the cats...!

[@londonukguy2006]

Thanks for this useful video, Sean. Appreciated. My Mini 2 Fly More Combo arrived yesterday. Shame I can’t fly it outside at the moment but I did a very cautious test in my living room this afternoon lol Gonna have fun with this bad boy! (my first ever drone too)

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Alan Phillips! Thanks for your kind feedback and for taking the time to comment. Always great to hear people joining the hobby and the Mini 2 is an awesome first drone to do it with!

[@londonukguy2006]

@@Geeksvana You’re welcome! Yes, I feel I’ve made a great choice after many hours of research. Stay safe.

[@DarrellW_UK]

I’ve had a Mavic mini for Christmas and used it already to survey my guttering on the roof; I’m only flying sub 250gm models now as the regulations give me more options as regards where I can legally fly. I am insured via BMFA and used their CAA registration assistance to get registered, it made it much easier for me. I am qualified to fly fixed wing also so have started to design my own sub 250gm models. It’s great fun! Subscribed, your info is very useful!

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Darrell W! Thank you for taking the time to comment and share your thoughts and experience! Sub 250g fixed wing would be pretty cool!

[@DarrellW_UK]

@@Geeksvana my first project is a Fun fly using depron with carbon fibre with a tiny drone motor, I might have to design my own prop or modify one due to the kV of the motor, so far if the materials stand up to it I can easily get below 250gm with a 24-30” wingspan, I design on 3D CAD so that I can make parts accurately and know that they will fit together and get an idea where the COG is going to be. At the moment I’m debating with myself whether or not to make it a pusher configuration to sort the COG out if I put the battery in the nose rather than in the middle; that’s the fun part of designing your own models!

[@garethmiller9872]

Dear Sean, All the vids I have seen and the sheer level of your attention to detail is extremely helpful and impressive. As a result I’m getting kids trained up with their caa Qualifications and building a serious stock of drones for them to learn train and be creative with. Keep going and thankyou Gareth The renegades youth club

[@fergusandgibbs]

Good video, cheers!

[@Geeksvana]

Thanks!

[@jamcljamcl]

Great video Sean, and exactly what I was looking to understand, so thanks. Just invested in a Mini2, so checking out what I can and can't do. I guess things are pretty flexible for a drone that size, but important to use good judgement and try not to antagonise others unnecessarily.

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Jamie! Thank you for taking the time to comment and for your kind words. Thay sounds like the perfect attitude towards it and the Mini 2 is an amazing drone!

[@hiddenguy67]

@@Geeksvana so I need to pay for the operator id and then stick it on the drone

[@TYTHEOWL]

Flew my Mini 2 from my garden in the sun the other day, let my next door neighbours who were on the garden with their kids know my plan and they approved, others I didn't bother as all were inside but this video's sort of just made me want to get in contact with the neighbours on my road (only like 8 houses), and let them know I have a drone and ask if they object to my flying around the road here and there, think that's tomorrow's plan now. Great video!

[@barriewilliams4526]

I often fly my mini 2 from my garden, although I do have fields on 2 sides. Also, great for checking if your gutters need cleaning out 😃

[@paulh2107]

That's the first thing i did...... checked my gutters.

[@Geeksvana]

I think the percentage is probably very high for this. I checked mine, my sister's and my in-law's gutters too 😂

[@robmiles3493]

Very useful info, thank you

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Rob Miles! Thank you! Appreciate the feedback.

[@marcelfive1]

I did my first flight over my house today, one person questioned if I knew the updated drone regs when I posted it on facebook, so I politely replied to them. I don't record anything until I'm in position at height, as it saves the battery! I live on top of a valley in front of the house so I regularly fly over it as it's just grassland. My neighbours love my images and have one on their local FB group page.

[@Geeksvana]

Hey marcelfive1! Thank you for your comment! It is great to hear such positive feedback of your experience and to see how successful it can be sharing information with the neighbours! Keep up the good image of the hobby! Nice work!

[@92ravetec]

Best youtube channel for UK drone laws

[@Geeksvana]

Thank you Bob Henrys! I really appreciate your kind words.

[@1200rexer]

I am a first time drone owner and disabled so cant get out of my garden much thats why i watched your video on the law and rules thanks for sharing

[@renewableenergydoctor9607]

This is one of the very few videos that I’ve watched more than once because of the specific information

[@MikeOxlong948]

I regularly fly my Potensic D58 from my garden on a new estate, I take it vertically up to 100 meters and have a good look around at my local town before coming straight back down, because it’s a built up area I don’t want to fly to far horizontally from my house even if it is in view just in case I get a fly away situation.

[@Geeksvana]

Hey James! Thank you for taking the time to comment and share your experience of garden flight. It helps build a picture for others looking to try it.

[@micksparrow8214]

Only had my mini 3 pro drone a few days and I’ve got a fairly large garden surrounded by neighbours but I live very close to 3 separate motorways can be noisy at times. No issues so far but like others have said I go straight up above 50m then start to fly. I do record the footage just for my own personal use and won’t be sharing. I’ve now set the distance limit to 500m which seems to be a long way to me. Great video useful information.

[@ryanhogg6556]

Great stuff mate

[@Geeksvana]

Thanks Ryan, appreciate all you support!

[@temaskell08]

Yes, flown the Mavic mini already in the garden post 1st Jan. Our gutter was leaking and I wanted to see what the damage looked like up close and took some photos for quotes.

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Thomas! Thanks for taking the time to comment and share your experience! I really appreciate it! That's an awesome use for the drone!!

[@HaRDCOREdjTERRORiST]

I have a bit of spare ground near my house and i take my daughter out with me and JST wanted to add to this is all I ever get is people watching and admiring it as it is a strange thing to see flying if u haven't seen one before, most ppl come I've and ask you about it genuine intrest.. never had a negative experience out with my drone 👌🏼

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Gaz Cee! Thank you so much for taking the time to comment and share your positive experience! I am sure a reason you get a good response is your attitude towards droning as well. Thanks for being an ambassador for the hobby!

[@HaRDCOREdjTERRORiST]

@@Geeksvana thank you very much sir used in the right way the fun is endless 👍 cheers my friend

[@johnbanks9392]

I've been flying drones since 2013 and was a commercial operator for 6 years. I gave up flying commercially and sold all of my kit (Inspire 2/ X5 & P4P+). I just bought a Mini 2 as I will finally have the freedom to get impromptu shots of pretty much anything I like wherever I might be. The image quality of the Mini 2 might not be Inspire 2 or P4P level but it's amazing for the size of the thing and totally useable for social media platforms. The fact that I can now get shots that would have taken a lot of planning and effort to in the past makes the Mini 2 worth its weight in gold IMO. I love it.

[@stephenturner1776]

I’m fortunate that my house backs on to fields and I informed my neighbours 2 up the street and two down with no problems at all, I’m flying an original mini.👍🏻

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Stephen Turner! That is awesome! Thanks for taking the time to comment and share your experience, seems you have it down perfectly!

[@harrisonandrew]

I have tested my DJI Mini 2 in my garden as a way to get used to flying and using the controls. I only did it for a short time - maybe 15 mins. I had no adverse reaction from neighbours. I didn’t go above fence height and I don’t think there could be any complaint about noise - as the DJI Mini 2 is much quieter than say a lawn mower. I have to say that I wasn’t sure it was allowed due to proximity to buildings, but I did it anyway.

[@stuarteldergill]

I have had the DJI mini/ Mini 2 since last December 2019. 90% of my flights are from my garden. Getting a little bored with the scenery. I am fortunate to have a large garden with fields at the end. However on one side my neighbour is the west coast mainline railway so I have to be careful. It has given me the chance to practice flying in different weather conditions. Also as a keen and professional gardener I have some great video and photos from more unusual angles of my planting schemes.

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Stuart! That's fantastic! I can see the unique views it would give a gardener! Thanks for taking the time to comment and share your experience, I really appreciate it!

[@CanadianDroneHub]

Great info my friend

[@Geeksvana]

Thanks Roger! Appreciate all your support!

[@ScottRobertsPhotography]

Great Video!

[@deans2147]

Great video.. I do Fly y from my garden sometimes, always keep to the drone rules, always check notams, always keep in line of sight. Im lucky as the closest nfz is about a mile away so I fly in the other direction.. I always stay over 50m high too.. Mini 2...

[@samsouthan4555]

Really useful video. Well lit and nice graphics plus presenter has a nice voice and speaks clearly and in plain English. A bit more B Roll would be wicked !

[@shaunthedrone]

Interesting debate about flying from garden - I've flown mine above my garden but not over other property and not I would like to do - many thanks for sharing the debate :)

[@Geeksvana]

Cheers Shaun! Hope you are well sir!

[@shaunthedrone]

@@Geeksvana trying to register here at the moment - keeps kicking me out. Just have to keep trying!!!!

[@richardstafford4170]

I have bought the mini 2 3 weeks ago but have been unwell for most of the time since so haven’t been out with it much , I have flown it from my back garden about 4 or 5 times with no issues.

[@cyberherbalist]

About two years ago, before the drone rules became laws, I flew my Hubsan 501 from my back garden, straight up and then let the wind (it was strong at the time) carry it for awhile. I think it got to about 150 ft high. And then I had to fight the wind all the way back to our house. I was worrying about it losing power over someone else's back garden! It landed on our grass with the battery nearly exhausted. Wouldn't do that now, as the Hubsan is definitely over 249g. So I plan to get a DJI Mini in a month or two. I've tested my drones in the back garden though. Just hovering steadily about 3-7 ft off the ground, seeing how long the battery lasts. Nobody's objected so far, but our neighbors are pretty chill.

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Mike Clark! Thanks for taking the time to comment and share your thoughts, I really appreciate it! I would sincerely hope the powers would not try to enforce the rules for garden hover. Otherwise they would have a lot of hobby heli flyers to round up, testing their latest builds 😂

[@geoffcampbell7846]

This has got a lot to do with the local situation. I can fly straight from the bottom of my garden at low level out over fields and away from any risk of conflict with full vlos, but I could not do the same from my brothers house on a housing estate with at least 7 other houses to clear before climbing over to woods with vlos range being gained by altitude alone, so by my general risk assessment, considering all aspects, is its a no-go. And this is the point, its not anyone's right to ignore common fairness, even if the regs do allow a particular manoeuvre, if that manoeuvre is going to infringe on another households feeling of security in their own home. I wouldn't want to feel my neighbours were treating me with discard, so I wouldn't want to do the same to them. Its about respect and reasonable consideration. 🤔

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Geoff Campbell. Perfect! Thank you for your common sense comment. I agree. Local situation is key.

[@dronevids1611]

Well said.

[@julesvis]

One positive. My son owns a mini drone and takes wonderful footage of historically interesting sites. He has flown over forts and mounds showing a unique birds eye view. Negative. In the garden today whilst weeding I thought I had disturbed a waspnest as a horrible buzzing sound alarmed me. I looked up to see a drone hovering directly above my garden. I stared up at it and signalled my discontent lol. Just as well I wasn't nude sunbathing. Anyway it did buzz off but I feel violated.

[@davidfairclough8598]

Currently own a Mavic air. With ALL neighbour's permissions i have flown down the road during VE day celebrations 2020 and also clap for NHS 2020 and posted footage on local Facebook group. No issues whatsoever.

[@Geeksvana]

Hey David! Thanks for taking the time to comment and share your experience! Really appreciate it!

[@mansellmovies]

Another great video Shaun. As always very informative and helpful. I'm still flying my old trusty Legend The Mavic Pro, although I am keen to get my hands on the new Mavic mini 3. For obvious reasons. Problem we have now is that not many people want to invest their hard earned cash on old drones. Making them difficult to sell. Would be a shame to have loads of legend drones gathering dust on home shelves but that will likely be the case. A recycling drone centre would be a benefit 🤔 or does such a place exist already 🤔 Thanks for all your input on the subject. 👍

[@ChicoDrone]

I've bought my Mini 2 a month ago and since I've flown it twice from a local park. I do have a small garden as I live in the ground floor of a flat building - to be fair I wasn't sure I could fly it or not from my garden so just though it would be safer to go to a public place. Even though it's legal, I would have to take off and fly real close to my neighbours windows when going up, so I think it's probably good judgment not to do it. Thank you for the video. It's really informative :)

[@reggieperrin8415]

I fly from my garden, and have had no issues. At 50 metres up, there is no obvious noise, and I don't think anyone really notices when it reaches this height. We have neighbours on all sides, and I'm sure they have seen it go up, again, no complaints so far.

[@maxv77]

Must admit I've been flying from my back garden for years. I take photos of my neighbours houses and gave them a nice blow up print of it. All happy and never any complaints. I've now sold my air 2 and getting the mini on Saturday as I'm not keen on taking the A2. And to be honest doing the A2 is a lot of grif and cost to gain 100mtrs and still have to keep away from everything and anyone. I really don't see why anyone would bother to take it. I will ad that I always fly straight up and away. I also don't fly over gardens in the summer when others might be enjoying their own garden. Much better early morning, late evening or during the winter months

[@Geeksvana]

Hey RMTV77! Thank you, many people will have been doing the same but would not admit it! Great to hear you are opting for the freedom of the Mini. I have it and an Air 2 and will admit is the Mini which gets flown more at the moment just because of the separations.

[@maxv77]

@@silverismoney I'm. A member of that. Il look. Into it

[@Geeksvana]

That must have been a different test, perhaps related to the Article 16 Authorisation? FPVUK are not a recognised course provider so wouldn't be running an A2 CofC course.

[@silverismoney]

OOf you're right. I think it probably assumed I'd already got it .. and that the certificate is the basic drone competency one perhaps (the one I already had lol) but it did ask Article 16 questions. Best remove that comment in case someone pays for FPV.

[@thismonolife]

I've been flying mine from my garden and luckily have a large field behind my house. Can't get out to the Lake District like I usually do so it's nice just being able to use the mini 2 from my property.

[@Geeksvana]

Hey ThisMonoLife! Thanks for taking the time to comment and share your experience, I really appreciate it!

[@UKBUBBLERS]

I fly from my garden all the time not had a complaint yet but I literally take of go quite high and move quickly but I'm sure if I was hoovering low there would be complaints so I would suggest going high and fly away as quick as you can otherwise the more complaints the caa receive the they will soon Change the law and spoil it for everyone so be sure to use your common sense 😉 love the videos good knowledge and tips keep up the good work 😊

[@Geeksvana]

Hey UKBUBBLERS! Thank you for taking the time to comment and share your positive experience of garden take-offs! I really appreciate it! Your plan sounds perfect and you make a good point about protecting the new rights! Thank you as well for your kind feedback!

[@ViewsofCornwall]

Another great clip with really useful info. Regarding the drone flight during lockdown, my issue is how far is "local" for exercise? I fly (at the moment) a MA2 with houses all around me so can't fly, even tho I've passed A2CofC. The locality rule seems to be open to interpretation as I can't find a definitive answer. My argument is you can walk or run anywhere, so I can't justify driving anywhere else to exercise & fly at the same time. So Mini 2 on the way!! Keep up the great work

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Views of Cornwall! It is a minefield isn't it. Especially as non drone flyers think it is not exercise etc. We are speaking to a couple of police forces at the moment and hope to gain some clarity. Thank you formyour kind words, I really appreciate it!

[@markwhite837]

I’ve been taking advantage of the new laws with my Mini 2. I’ve flown from my garden several times, and the experience has been a positive one. I live in a terrace house.One of my neighbours was quite interested. I take off and get it up as high as I can straight away, and don’t fly low over people’s gardens. At 380ft nobody can really hear it, and it’s quite difficult for them to see. I’m sure UFO sightings will go up now 100%! I just wish it was better in low light. I would really like the Air 2s with that 1’ sensor, but.... 1.No C1 classification stamp 2.Having to keep 50m away from people and buildings. 3.Can’t fly from my back garden 4.More than twice the price 5.18 months use before becoming a Legacy drone, then it goes from 50m to 150m distance. 6. Can’t easily charge the batteries on the go. 7. Bigger and heavier. For me it’s a hard sell. I think I’ll wait for a mini 3, hopefully with subject tracking

[@beakybuzzard]

hey Sean, as a complete novice I got the DJi Air fly more combo last January from a friend who didn't use it, two of the batteries were stuck in hibernation/deep standby mode through lack of use/poor battery management so that left me with one good battery, having obtained both the required flyer & operator ID's it was time to go fly however with the restrictions on the drones weight I have only been able to fly it after a 25min drive to moorland with about 17 minutes flight time before needing to return home to recharge, I have only flown the drone 3 times so it hasn't been a great experience so far, this hasn't put me off though as I have just managed to bag myself a Mini 2 fly more combo & hope to get some decent practice in over the coming months.

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Beaky Buzzard! It is great that you stuck with it! The Mini 2 should give you a lot more options to fly. Good luck with it.

[@ericwatt1447]

Hi hope you had a merry xmas and a happy new year yes its great to take off from your garden but for this i would never do apart from doing updates and checks few feet of the ground i have a lovely bunch police reporters both sides of me .Good news for you i have my A2cofc test on the 09-01-2021 at high noon take care blue skys

[@El_Smeghead]

Good luck on the A2CofC Eric

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Eric! Happy New Year to you sir! Good luck on the 9th, let us know how you do.

[@andrewhillphotosvideos2909]

Hope you pass

[@ericwatt1447]

@@Geeksvana Hi how what's this fancy word again

[@majormaccas]

Only 1 flight so far from my garden with my mini 2 - no SD card in so no footage being recorded. Rose to 200ft (60m) flew around a little but didn't really leave the vertical confines of my garden. I was mainly conscious of the noise resembling an angry swarm of bees more than the volume of it, but haven't had any reactions. Will be flying more this weekend so we'll see. Roll on a C1 marked Mavic 3!

[@ziggywillis1]

i sold my spark due to new reg and being in lockdown i brought a mavic mini to be able to lift and fly out of here great video

[@stevenjackson9344]

I fly from my garden, luckily the back fence joins a cowfield and lots of open space. I just wanted to pass some info . I crashed my mini in to a pond, totally submerged for a few seconds, pulled it out, walked home 40 mins , used hair dryer then sat on top of rice for 3 days, the thing still works, it's almost idiot proof lol

[@matthewwalters1175]

I haven’t but I’ve flown a lot in residential and enjoyed it.

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Matthew Walters! I have flown a decent amount in residential and congested areas since the new rules came in, I still look over my shoulder though as not used to the freedom yet! Thanks for taking the time to comment, I really appreciate it!

[@Maximus_Decimus-Meridius]

As with many others I practiced with my Min 4 Pro within the confines of my garden ( below 6ft ) with no issues . I will fly vertically to 120m when the sky is right for a nice sunrise shot but it will probably be well before my neighbors are awake so I don't anticipate any issues .

[@thekiteflyer1]

Where I live it isn't practical due to to many trees in a right space, however I do intend on doing a launch from my mum's back garden when the weather improves to get an aerial photo for her

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Martin Reading! I think taking pictures of friends and family in their gardens and of their property is going to be a very popular thing with the new regulations! (and fun of course!) Thank you for taking the time to comment.

[@chrishines6148]

Ive been dying to take some photos of my house and estate from high and so I flew my Mavic Mini from my garden since new regs, went straight up to 80meters so as not to annoy any neighbours, I took some great footage of my house and the estate so no need to take more at present and don’t plan on doing this too often either. (No complaints made but did have transmission issues now and then)

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Chris Hines! Thank you for taking the time to share your experience, sounds like a successful fight!

[@shippingtons]

Hi Sean I have only flown my drone in my garden twice once when I first got my drone initial calibration followed by test flight 3m high then 3m across garden. Used another time when a dodgy guy told my elderly neighbour her gutters & soffits needed replacing. Put drone up filmed ‘the damaged’ gutter. Phoned him up and told him not to come back, reported him to Trading Standards.

[@El_Smeghead]

I’m seeing a few garden takeoffs being posted online and the drones are being flown far out of VLOS. Keep it in sight or lose the privilege guys!!

[@stevepearson3446]

This is very good point and should of been clear in the video

[@El_Smeghead]

@@stevepearson3446 ALL flights need to be flown in VLOS. It should be “a given” I think anyone that doesn’t care about the rules, isn’t going to watch this video anyway.

[@Geeksvana]

Yes exactly. I also did not point out the rest of the drone code and Air Navigation Order. Sadly if I do not keep on point people will not watch longer waffling videos. That's why we have broken the larger subject into shorter videos to get these important messages out. Thanks for the comment though Steve, it is always a tough decision when deciding what to include.

[@DanHamilton89]

You can fly in you garden if you live in a FRZ - provided that you have the relevant clearances from ATC. Though YMMV depending where you live in the FRZ. It is a bit annoying having to call however so I usually only do it if I’m testing stuff.

[@altoscene]

Hey Sean! Thanks for your content it's coming in very handy! I feel like I've lucked in with purchasing my first drone, the dji mini 2, the question I have for you is, what is the best insurance policy I can take out to cover the mini? I think the dji care package is fairly expensive for what you get and wondered if there's better options out there? I've heard home and contents insurance may be a good solution? Thanks in advance!

[@leoyde]

I had the DJI care package for year 1 then as I wasn't flying much let it lapse. Going on holiday I wanted to renew it 2 years later and long story short that want me to spend a driv drone with about 2hrs flight time in total back to them to check it over to see if I can insure it with them under the care pack. What a joke.

[@robrow]

I’ve done it myself pre EASA but would not repeat, even with a sub 250g quad. I was only too aware of the potential of something going wrong and it doesn’t matter what height you are at, the more altitude the more potential energy involved. I don’t would not like to think of the physical damage that could be sustained by a 249g drone reaching terminal velocity from 400ft 😱

[@justynfoster9220]

Hello mate. Finding the videos really helpful. I own the mini 2 and the mini 3 . I live next to the beach all my neighbours have given me permission to fly from my garden they only ask that I take off with the drone facing away and must go vertical to 50mts than fly out to the beach. Ps I don't fly both drones at the Same time. Thanks for your videos.

[@HillsDronephotography]

Great video keep up the good work, how long you been flying ?

[@waynemahoney8131]

HI, My neighbor and myself flew our drones from our driveways last summer, only a 5 minute flight going straight up high immediately and used the 4k camera to get a few shots and then landed again. later in the week our local facebook group had a neighbor in the road below saying that there was a drone in her garden spying on her. crazy old woman lying through her teeth with an obvious dislike of drones. Sometimes you do the righ thing and still get problems :-(

[@ourfrugallife]

I had exactly the same. One neighbour posted on fb that a pervert with a drone was looking through her windows and another called the police. It was my first and last flight, I was over my garden and my immediate neighbours which is in excess of 5 acres. Flight was literally 5 mins.

[@TechTeen0]

I am loving flying from my garden so far, I fly straight up to 50m and then start flying.

[@Geeksvana]

Hey TechTeen! Thank you for taking the time to comment and share your thoughts! I really appreciate it! It is great to hear positive feedback1 Love your channel trailer too, very short and to the point!!

[@TechTeen0]

@@Geeksvana Thanks geeksvana been watching you for a while now, your DJI mini 2 rules stream was really well done and straight to the point. What do you fly ?

[@Geeksvana]

I have a few 😂. Currently main drones are the Mini, Mavic Air 2 but also fly Anafi, Bebop2 amongst others. Thanks for your kind feedback!

[@TechTeen0]

@@Geeksvana very nice 👍

[@frasersteen]

I often hover test with an unreasonably big battery to stress test the system and reduce the power to weight in case of an issue. I don't have any plans to get anything over 250g but I can see my hover tests exceeding it. Might just have to be a bit naughty about it and push the limit with the occasional 2 second hover test.

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Fraser! Many were already doing the same. I would hope that RC hobby tests would be seen as a low priority in terms of enforcement! Otherwise they will have a lot of 3D heli and scale flyers to round up 😂

[@Growlerinthebush]

I have just bought a sub 250 g Potensic Atom and at the moment am just getting to grips with the manual. So far I have just taken off from my garden and just gone straight up to 40-50 metres, more to get used to the controls more that anything. It's not my intension to fly over houses but to just fly over countryside and our club lakes carp spotting. I think because of the height nobody was really taking any notice, the noise from the drone just mixes in whatever other noises are going on around the estate and it was when most people are at work so I'm not bothering anyone. Weekends maybe a different matter, even though I'm hovering so high neighbours may moan about it being a nuisance, I'm retired so just flying week days is fine.

[@pipsqueak2009]

Since the start of the year I have flown my new DJI mini 2 in my back garden a couple of times (in English suburbia). I was very mindful that if seen by my neighbours (who I get on fine with) that they probably wouldn't be thrilled to see a drone over or near their property. So I made sure I got some decent height rapidly, and also and the end I landed swiftly so as to minimise the time at lower altitudes. Would I do it again? - yes but cautiously and not often - For example, I wouldn't do it when my neighbours were enjoying their gardens as I don't want to cause them a nuisance. I will keep a decent height (but still keep VLOS) so as to avoid too much audible noise. I really only want to fly in my back garden occasionally for two reasons. 1) To do very quick test flights (e.g. to check a new firmware out) or 2) to take photos / make inspections of my own house and garden. For example a DJI mini 2 is very handy to find out where gutters are blocked! I've noticed that due to Covid lockdown - our local parks, and places where people can go for walks (public footpaths etc) are far busier. With the sub-250 drone and the new rules, it can be legal to fly in such places (unless there are crowds), but I've also been careful here too. Some people just don't like drones - whether flown sensibly or not, legally or not. I've had experiences where I have been flying safely, considerately, legally and people have deliberately come quite a long way over to me to moan about what I'm doing. Most members of the public have no clue about the regulations either - why would they. Conversely, Some people (especially with kids) are very interested and want to have a chat to find out more. I think it's shame that the hobby is becoming less accessible for younger people. Finally - even so far this year - I've seen a minority of drone flyers (nearly always with DJI drones it seems!) flying locally in a very inconsiderate & non-compliant way. These are the people who bring our hobby into disrepute - and these are the people who will never bother to do the online registration & learning either anyway. Enforcement action against bad + unregistered flyers is almost non-existent in my area. KZbin has many examples of videos posted people doing stupid and / or illegal things with their drones -so it's not an isolated phenomenon. I do feel that it is the careful, considerate, safe, compliant flyers who really get a bad deal because of the actions of a very few bad apples, and that the regulators seem to care more about 'being seen to be doing something' rather than actually tackling the small number of numpties who give the rest of us drone / RC model flyers a bad reputation.

[@Geeksvana]

Hey pipsqueak2009! Thanks for taking the time to comment, I really appreciate it! You present a very well balanced view of things and would agree with what you say, always important to respect neighbours privacy.

[@El_Smeghead]

Well said pipsqueak2009. There will always, unfortunately, be a minority of idiots that tarnish the reputation of the hobby and spoil it for everyone else though. They're the ones that give people like Ian M here in the comment section, the idea that all drone operators are "creeps". So glad I'm not a miserable old sheep who believes everything they read in the gutter press and believe on Facebook 😁

[@Murvalous]

I don't think it's legal to fly in parks in lockdown as lockdown is exercise only, not recreation

[@pipsqueak2009]

@@Murvalous I think you're probably right... If going for a walk is exercise (and it is deemed to be), and you have your drone in the air while you walk (which is doable as long as you're on reasonably easy ground), then I think you can argue that exercise and drone flying are not mutually exclusive activities. When I'm out in open spaces flying my mini 2 I am rarely standing still! Obviously you need to do it safely... Otherwise the interpretation is that you can go for a walk (exercise), but not listen to music at the same time (recreation).. And that makes no sense at all!

[@johnnymac26]

i fly my mini 1 from my back garden my neighbours are a good bunch thankfully my tip would be get it up high straight away don't annoy anyone. Have had a few people walk by and look i make a point of showing them the screen and explain how it all works and so far have never met any hostility only pleasant curiosity.

[@Geeksvana]

Hey johnny mac26! Thanks for taking the time to comment and share your experience of flying from your garden. Seems to me you have the perfect approach!

[@simonblackburn6748]

Ooerr! Ian in London better watch out 😂

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Simon!! I think Ian is safe 😂

[@stevensmith3069]

Hi yes I do occasionally fly my magic fly 2 from my garden neighbours don’t have a problem it is where planes go past but if you stay within warnings I think it is fine providing as you say don’t infringe people’s privacy

[@TradeTheTechnicals]

Thanks for the informative video. I read that the DJI mini does not class as being covered by the sub 250g Weight regulations as it does not have the c0 stamp on it. While the drone weight falls under 250g,it was saying that it's actual flight weight including any accessories (I'm guessing the battery) put it above the 250g Weight. Wondering your thoughts on this? Thanks

[@skylarkphotography5516]

I sometimes fly from my garden: I take off and climb quickly to 2 to 300 feet then go off on my flight. Coming back I do the reverse descending quickly and landing so as not to cause a nuisance. My next door neighbour has a phobia of drones so I make sure she is out when I fly.

[@chrisb3976]

Why dont you discuss with her about drones and how she shouldnt be scared of them. Even go as far as letting her fly around with your drone. She might find them fun and be ok with them.

[@-locdog.]

Wtf man 🤣🤣🤣 phobia of drones 😭😭😭

[@TonysRcTechboom]

Absolutely Fantastic information, am lucky to have nice neighbours 😀 I do tell them I do not record until am at a good hight and I always go straight up ⬆️ my neighbours probably wouldn't be bothered anyway, I always look around to see if there are going to be any issues as I don't like Confrontation especially if it could lead to my drone or myself getting hurt and most of all committing a Crime. Anyway MASSIVE THUMBS UP 👍👍👍👍 and a Sub for you my friend 👍

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Tony! Thank you for your comments. I read every single one and the interactions help me build the channel in the right direction, so I appreciate it!

[@mintyprice3187]

iv flown my garden too I try to go straight up to around 200 feet before filming I also try not to zoom in on my mavic 2 that way people can't be identified another great tip is keep the drone moving try not to hover especially if it over a garden if you have a field near by its not such a problem, try to put yourself in ya neighbours shoe's if you think they may not like drones flying over then Don't.

[@TheSEADEVIL69]

Yes, I fly from the garden. Based in a small Welsh village I know everybody being a photographer and Facebook page creator for the community. I spoke first to all the community on s live forum, used a poll also. Some people wanted patios, guttering, hedges. And allotments looked at also, so everyone happy. Even built a rapport with the local Police fully explaining, showing them my CAA op licence, and PLI. It's keeps everyone happy, even being linked to Police drone operators if I got an issue, or need a question answered. I got a police officer neighbour also, so get up in S mode ASAP, then my ariel pics of the community filmed and shot in C mode. Guess I'm lucky compared to some of your subscribers.

[@GordonBurnsVideo]

I fly my Mini 3 Pro from my garden to photograph sunsets. I fly straight up to 200+ feet and rarely fly beyond the perimeter of the garden.

[@mikeplow1961]

I haven't yet but will do so at some point. I think I would do my neighbours the courtesy of a note through the door, assuring them it would only be very occasionally, say to catch a spectacular sunset etc and that the camera would not be recording while taking off with an explanation that the noise of the drone is significantly less than our lawn mowers and leaf blowers etc and that if anyone has an objection to let me know. I think most would be okay. If only my wife hadn't had a row with the miserable sod behind our next door neighbour over the overhanging branches of his bloody tree. :-) Good job I'm only 20 yards from a huge public field.

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Mike Plowman! Great to see you! That sounds like a good plan! Although as you say, the complexities of neighbourly relationships do impact things!

[@eduardocalatayud2899]

Very informative video. Learnt so much. I am new to drone flying and would like to use it to survey my roof and I will inform my neighbour whom I hget on very well. However, I've had other neighbours flying drones over my garden and I am sure they were using their camera because more than once i've looked up and tried to film it with my mobile and they went away. So i presume they were prying eyes which made me uncomfortable. Now I know I can report it to the police.

[@joemckay6391]

I have flown my DJI mini 2 from my garden many times but never left the boundary of the garden and most times kept it under 3m of over 70m I have had no problems from the neighbours I am in Northern Ireland

[@Geeksvana]

Thank you for taking the time to comment, I really appreciate hearing everyone's opinion on this one.

[@nihatnl747]

I often take off from my backyard!

[@jamesnelson7096]

Thanks for the video. I’ve had a mini 4 for about a month now (UK) and have not yet flown it in my garden. The 50m away from people / property rule has always put me off. My take off zone would be within 50m of other properties in all directions.

[@Geeksvana]

Hey James! With the Mini 4 being under 250g, you are able to fly with zero separation of people and buildings. You can even fly over people but not those crowded together. The privacy part is always one to watch as neighbours worry seeing a drone. So I tend to get up a decent height before moving too far.

[@jamesnelson7096]

@@Geeksvana thanks for the reply. Yeah that’s true. I think unless you’ve been asked, you’ve no business / reason flying close to other properties anyway, so gaining initial height is sensible. I’ll give a garden flight soon. Perhaps not this weekend with the geomagnetic storm happening :D

[@darkshaman7087]

Myself got an allotment on the mountain but I will sent the drone up from my garden to take a peek on up there at times especially if my guard dog starts barking but the drone is always in line of sight

[@narecardoso2]

I do fly from my garden. I have a restricted area at west from me, around 200/300m, so I fly east. I start recording only when it's up in the air, away from any privacy issues and never go far, being always within VLOS. I have just bought some lights to help to see my drone and it is still well under the 250g. These rules are finally a good thing! I was waiting for this for a long time. The only thing I'm not sure is if we can fly at night? I am thinking of flying after sunset but I'm not sure it's legal...?