CAN YOU FLY YOUR DRONE IN LONDON? UK DRONE LAWS IN LONDON 2021

[@canderson1955]

Really helpful video. I have an A2 C of C and 4 times over the last few months as a hobbyist I have requested permission to fly within the FRZ at Newcastle Airport. My reason was to record my daughters house being built with some arial video and photos. Emailed ATC and they asked me to call on the day each time and each time permission was given. I was asked to call again when finished which of course I did. System worked fine for me.

[@paul-thys]

Nice one. That's a pretty cool reason to fly

[@Boringentertainment69]

Thankyou for clearing things up and especially the drone assist error

[@paul-thys]

Thanks man

[@daz1969]

With the A2CofC it’s not much different to the sub 250g so with the Mavic Air it’s still safe to fly in built up areas as you’re bound by the 50m horizontal separation distance. Best video so far on clearing up this confusion around London. I know where it’s legal for me to fly in London & have some great 360 panorama shots but I’ve never understood this big red area which I now know is R160 so thank you for this clarification. As stated it’s the takeoff and landing which is the most difficult because of council bylaws and privacy concerns. As for the Regents Park corner that’s not under the NFZ it’s best to avoid all Royal Parks because drones are banned from them. Even though my flights are legal I still feel guilty flying near London 🤷🏼‍♂️ Great video Paul👌🏻

[@paul-thys]

Thanks Gaz, some great points. I know what you mean with that guilty feeling. I would love to get my mavic air 2 up and although there may be spots where it is possible, I don't feel like I would enjoy the experience, so I am going to try with my Mini 2.

[@DanielleLi]

Wow! Thank you for clearing so much information up for me. I just want to practice using my small drone and I’m in London. I have so many parks around me, but all their websites say no droning 😂

[@paul-thys]

Thanks Danielle, glad you found it useful 🙂

[@Nellyontheland]

Rules are there for a reason. Flying just outside the 'zone' is perfectly ok. If we lose the ability to create an absolute no-go zone, and it just becomes a wishey washy mess then we will lose the ability to fly anywhere. Looking forward to a talk on why rules are there and what we can do to maintain them and not ourselves be encroached upon by authorities. Nice vid. I live and work in London. I want to keep it MY London and not some NIMBY's wet dream!

[@paul-thys]

Thanks Nelly, Absolutely. I have a video coming up about the law and views on if and when the rules will be enforced and why they are there. Completely agree. Fly safe and everyone can enjoy drones.

[@thegooserider7245]

What zone?

[@Nellyontheland]

@@thegooserider7245 Elaborate please. The answer is in the video! So I don't understand your question.

[@RelaxationWindows]

Currently we are going through the procedures of flying in London over Thames. Everything was all in place, CAA, Notam, police notified, but when we notified the PLA they said no. This I haven’t seen covered anywhere so far. They are concerned with height of flight over the river. We are now having a meeting with them to work it through.

[@paul-thys]

Are you flying commercially? I was unaware of this. I wonder how much authority they have in denying access to airspace? Having said that there is a 100ft overlay of where drones and helicopters overlap, so will be interesting to see how it turns out...

[@RelaxationWindows]

@@paul-thys They are very helpful actually. It comes to the interpretive part of the CAA regulations. If you fly over their jurisdiction and they feel it is too low, (ie endangering ship masts) then they are in their right to say it's unsafe flying and report it. So working with them and talking about the flight plan is worthwhile. Like any authority body, they get annoyed if you don't consider safety and they've had their fair share of amateur fliers thinking they can do whatever they want. I am flying commercially with them (when the weather clears), with the right approach they are very helpful.

[@paul-thys]

@@RelaxationWindows That's a really valid point and something to consider for future videos! Keep me updated and I will look into this more...

[@philldownes8685]

PLA have no authoruty at all over the airspace.. be like the caa telling you that you cannot row your boat in the clouds..

[@RelaxationWindows]

​@@philldownes8685 They have duty of care to water vessels and therefore have authority up to 30 metres from the surface of the water. This is exactly what the harbour master told me in person.

[@franduncandroneproductions]

Like 30 I bought the zoom 2 Paul due to been in the air and can't fly far the zoom does wonders for distance captures

[@paul-thys]

Thanks Fran, hope you are feeling well! I would love a zoom, but I am going to wait and see if one comes out with a C mark before buying. Looks like an awesome drone though!

[@thegooserider7245]

I fly a 25 mile stretch starting inside R157, through London Heathrow and out to past Maidstone. You can apply to fly in the restricted/specified areas by means of a NSF (non standard flight) on the NATS website. Flying in London is reletively easy so long as CAP722 is adhered to and you follow common sense methods, and always assess risks by taking them seriously. London CTR isnt much to worry about as its only in affect between 0-2500ft which doesn't involve drones as we can only fly to 400ft. Its only the big airports and specified areas you need to be really concerned about. People make a huge deal out of London but it really is easy. I am happy to advise if anyone has a question? I do this weekly

[@paul-thys]

Thanks man this is really great info! I recently flew in R157 with an NSF. I will look you up if anyone has any questions you may be able to answer!

[@thegooserider7245]

@@paul-thys anytime. I can't disclose much information on here, but always happy to help via teams etc 👍

[@hamadahmad4339]

@@thegooserider7245 Hi, im very very very new to drone flying and just ordered a DJI mini 2 (249g) to get started with. The laws between the restricted zones and sub 250g drones a re a little unclear. Do i need anything other than the operator id to fly my drone in R157?

[@paul-thys]

@@hamadahmad4339 Yes, you will need permission from the CAA. I have done a video on flying in that location myself kzbin.info/www/bejne/gKa2e4SQebedm6c

[@LISTEDGames]

I still don't understand, where's the VLOS?

[@Jaimesebe]

Nice video!!!Livin in London you wonder which areas to fly I used to fly my DJI Mini in my local park where is fine.However, there many people that fly their bigger drones in Central London and you wonder, how on earth they get away with that.

[@paul-thys]

Maybe they have there GVC or maybe they are being naughty...

[@thegooserider7245]

Challenge them. Or look for their flight notifications. They may even have a A2CofC? Or OA

[@UKBUBBLERS]

Great video my friend I live in London and I think the main thing is common sense and I got a little not a lot 😁👍🇬🇧

[@paul-thys]

👍😂😂

[@thatsbigdave]

Unless you want to fly commercial then the A2CofC in my opinion is pointless, if you join a flying club like FPVUK you can just fly under artical 16 authorisation and it gives you more benefits than doing the A2CofC course, only difference is you can not use it for commercial flying and automatic flying and it's cheaper

[@paul-thys]

Unfortunately this is a common misconception. The article 16 does not cover autonomous drones which basically means you can only use it with FPV drones. Also a point the clubs have got wrong is that the article 16 only applies when flying at a club sight, making it useless flying in a competitive style.

[@ste2956]

Mmmm, wrong, get ur A2

[@mrvolcada5355]

@ 19.20, have you ever tried to get the police to answer the phone - impossible

[@levelupfilming2791]

Wow....what a mess. Clear as mud right. I have a less then 250g drone (dji mini 2) and fly only for fun. Mostly in big open areas, but would love to get some shots in London, just for fun, but seems like a crazy big risk after watching your video. Even if I'm in the right and following the law, I could still get trouble. How are the drone laws helping recreational flyers? If a driver glances out the window to looks at Sheep are we saying the sheep are at fault if that driver gets in an accident.

[@paul-thys]

It’s a lot of rules for people with a general interest, which I would guess will apply to most hobbyists. It certainly takes the fun out of flying for me in areas like this. Having said that. Before the new laws it would have been ilegal to fly in this area altogether. So it does give more access to certain shots, but comes at the cost of extensive research. There is certainly a fear around drones, from terrorism to privacy, so the rules will be tighter and upheld more in populated areas. So the drone laws are helping recreational flyers giving the more access, but they are also making matters confusing which I would hope could be addressed in the future.

[@philldownes8685]

its looks 10 timesworse because these 2 twits are not sticking to where yo ucan and cant fly. they are making a complete tits up video.... if they stuck to law everything would be nice and clear cut...... thereactually is not many places you cant fly in londong.

[@corbinpyles]

I remember watching Joe Fazer flying a drone in London and the police came after him to warn him.

[@paul-thys]

Just watched that video. 😬 The City of London restriction wasn't on the DJI app at the time, but would have been on drone assist.

[@corbinpyles]

Yeah I didn't know that it's a law to fly drones in London one time back in 2021.

[@troypointerphotography]

I thought to my self should I or not comment on this video - So I decided i would Its a common fact that the Civil Aviation are a law unto them self Do you live in London near Heathrow or Gatwick or Live within the Flight Path of any of these places ? well if you do then its a fact that every 2o mins a flight takes off with ( Tones ) of Aviation fuel - hundreds of people - and Luggage - do the CAA fly outside a congested area take a risk assessment allow AIRCRAFT more than a certain weight ? and put risk to peoples life every day ? of course they do a Drone would not ever do so much damage as a commercial aircraft flying over London cheers everyone

[@paul-thys]

😂👌

[@ldn1929]

So how is anyone going to stop me if am flying DJI without all permits? Are we actually making this more complicated than it is. I don’t understand how can police chase after drones.

[@paul-thys]

They can locate the remote and there for the pilot. flying in a FRZ can have a hefty fine.

[@ldn1929]

@@paul-thys so how those people on you tube make videos flying at 4000 metres altitude. I don't think they all apply for permit. Is there a way to buy drone and not registering it?

[@superstardj66]

Any updates to laws about this theme about flying in London since this video please?

[@marklittledale8429]

Can you fly a sub 250g in egr160? Obviously not over Hyde park or the nfz around London heliport etc….

[@barneykennett9282]

Nice...👍.

[@paul-thys]

Thanks 😊

[@Droningonuk]

So what is the process to get permission to fly around canary wharf? I'm sure you said you can't fly there without permission implying you can get permission?

[@paul-thys]

Yes, you can apply here nsf.nats.aero/ You will need landowners permission too...

[@DimmyV]

With a mini 2 where can you take off from? Local parks? Just off the street? I’m looking to fly in London and I find it restrictive where to take off from. Suggestions welcome 👍🏼🙃

[@paul-thys]

Hey Dimmy. That is a tough one as it is how you interpret the law. The drone code says you need permission from the land owner, but this is not a CAA drone law it is advice taking trespass into account. Personally if I feel if people can walk their dogs there and play ball games without asking permission, who cares if I take off from there? I would look to see if there are any notices prohibiting drones though before starting... If you ever get told to move on. I would do so to be on the safe side.. This is just my opinion on the matter though and I am not a legal expert!

[@DimmyV]

@@paul-thys thanks for this. Normally I fly from parks here in Toronto. Just curious where best location to take off from for Tower Bridge. Waiting for my restricted zone applications to be approved.

[@paul-thys]

@@DimmyV Ow that's right on the edge of the zone. I would consider the wide river path if it is not busy? Let me know how the application goes!

[@DimmyV]

@@paul-thys approval gained, obviously i just call 60min prior and need to call River Thames for any flight above River. DO you know how strict they are with the operating area i have 152m like if i fly past slightly?

[@paul-thys]

Nice one @@DimmyV! I would recommend sticking to it. I personally ask for a little more than I need just in case... Out of interest is it for commercial or recreation purposes your flight?

[@shadowboxer4547]

Can you fly a sub 250g drone within the EGLL ( London Heathrow CTR) and the EGLC (London City CTR) as these both take up large chunks of London? Thanks

[@paul-thys]

Yes you can, just make sure you stay outside the NFZ inside the CTR. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gKiugJ2Jl6akfJY This may be useful

[@keiying419]

may I ask where is the specific area where the helicopter flies? as I don't want to fly there.

[@paul-thys]

You can check it on the drone assist app kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKDMm5V5rZmUrrc

[@keiying419]

does recommended zone means, they recommend you to not fly there?

[@jamskof]

hi im about to get a 249g dji pro 3. im from australia, heading to london in july.. im confused about rules. can i fly this drone up over covent garden and london bridge? or is that a no fly zone?

[@paul-thys]

They are restricted zones, so you would need to apply to fly there 28 days before you want to. You can do this on the NATS website and you need to fill in a NSF form which is a non standard flight form.

[@jamskof]

@@paul-thys thanks so much paul, much appreciated

[@andyd5321]

Iv just called my local police and they thought I was simple 😂 they confirmed with a college I don’t need to register with them at all 🤷‍♂️ just the CAA

[@keiying419]

is there an app where it will tell you you can't fly in that area?

[@paul-thys]

Yes, the nats drone assist app will tell you where everything is. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKDMm5V5rZmUrrc

[@keiying419]

where are the congested areas in London?

[@paul-thys]

It is a case of common sense. I ask myself 'Do I feel safe flying it there?' I would try to stick to parks and open space rather than near any roads and skyscrapers.

[@akosichiro_dronaut]

Hi Paul, have you tried flying in London and asking the council for permission for takeoff/land? Did they ask you for any requirements? I got plans getting back to the hobby next year and would like to promote my channel by promoting our borough...

[@paul-thys]

For recreation flying I personally do not ask council permission. The drone code states to ask land owners permission before flying. It is not a drone law, but a trespass law. I personally feel (this is not legal advise but my own opinion) if you can walk a dog there or play ball games without asking for permission I would fly my drone there, unless there is either a sign saying not to or someone has asked you to move on...

[@akosichiro_dronaut]

@@paul-thys makes sense, I believe London is a bit ok... I encountered one incident few months ago flying in a countryside. I was shouted at and responded in a polite manner. I landed my drone as per instruction and deleted the footage to satisfy the person...

[@paul-thys]

@@akosichiro_dronaut Ah man, I hate it when that happens. From my journalistic past, I tend to leave, but would very rarely delete any footage. It is illegal for anyone to make you.

[@DroneShowLive]

Do the helicopter 🚁 fly at night time ?

[@paul-thys]

I am not sure. 🤔 I know emergency and military one will, but I couldn't say if there would be many around.

[@davidwebb4904]

So anything that “could” be a distraction is now a criminal offence. Police state…..

[@paul-thys]

Yeah, not sure what would actually happen or how close you would have to be, but one would hope at 50 meters wouldn't be distracting...

[@dronezoneessex5551]

I am looking at flying in Greenwich park to get shots of river/cutty sark/observatory. Looking at everything I can find on bylaws for royal parks it looks OK but doesn't mention drones at all, only model aircraft. For those it says you must stop if an official tells you to but not very clear. Is a drone legally classified as a model aircraft ???

[@paul-thys]

I personally would go by the same rules as the aircraft. If it doesn't say you cannot use drones, using the model air craft rules is basically what I would do anyway. Fly unless someone tells you otherwise...

[@RelaxationWindows]

yes a drone is a model aircraft

[@shanechappell7510]

not to self just buy a 250gram thats it.

[@paul-thys]

Absolutely! Make so much sense.

[@keiying419]

so the highest we can fly is 400 feet?

[@paul-thys]

Yes that is the case across the whole of the UK

[@DronePilot01]

Article 16

[@paul-thys]

Thanks Paul. Fair point. We forgot to mention that the Article 16 will give recreation FPV fliers a few more freedoms. I was thinking more about videography drones in this video and the Article 16 does not apply to autonomous drones, so will not apply to pretty much and commercial drone on the market to date.

[@chunkstar121]

WELL WAS GONNA GET A DRONE BUT YEAH NOT WORTH IT BYE AND THANKS FOR THE INFO

[@paul-thys]

Shame to hear, but glad it helped you make a decision!

[@chunkstar121]

@@paul-thys don't I would have jumped on it but I live in the middle of london but we have loads of parks but... Yeah i will have police come on me instantly for flying a hobby around

[@paul-thys]

@@chunkstar121 It is certainly more stressful to fly in London

[@happylocksmith]

Yes I agree quite pathetic really by local councils and people who are afraid of privacy issues etc but when a police officer makes an arrest in public it doesn't take long for a crowd to appear and videoing it on their phones.

[@kamikazekaos]

Woman walking is a distraction 🤣🤣🤣

[@paul-thys]

😂