Watch this BEFORE you fly your SUB 250G drone in the UK - 2024 UPDATE!

Hey everyone! The new year brings an updated version of our sub 250g UK drone rules video. Thanks to the hundreds of thousands of viewers who have enjoyed our drone rules series, your support is much appreciated! Join Sean for this essential update video to guide you through everything you need to know to legally fly your sub 250g camera drone in the UK. Including the introduction of our new traffic light system for VLOS (visual line of sight), this video provides essential advice and guidance to help you enjoy flying your drone with confidence…
Links:
UK drone rules series playlist:
• UK Drone Rules Series
VLOS advice video:
• Fly BEYOND CAA Limits ...
Drone Assist walkthrough:
• NEW Drone Assist App I...
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Chapters
00:00 - 00:47 Sub 250g UK popularity
00:48 - 01:32 Drone Rules Series explained
01:33 - 02:02 Sub 250g Drone Rules Introductions
02:03 - 03:13 Drone Registration Explained
03:14 - 03:43 Operator ID
03:44 - 04:40 Flyer ID
04:41 - 05:10 Read the manual
05:11 - 05:36 Drone airspace explained
05:37 - 06:22 Open Category and subcategories
06:23 - 07:50 A1 airspace subcategory
07:51 - 09:07 Drone airspace restrictions
09:08 - 13:40 Visual Line of Sight (VLOS)
13:41 - 14:52 How high can you fly your drone?
14:53 - 15:22 Article 241 explained
15:23 - 18:14 Bonus tips and points
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📄 ABOUT GEEKSVANA:
Geeksvana is a KZbin channel focused on drones, or as you might call them UAS, (Uncrewed Aerial Systems). We cover all types of drones from hobbyist to commercial, with a focus on drone rules and future flight. Primarily a news channel looking to bring our audience the latest news, leaks and information on the drone world - we also provide how to guides and reviews on products. Geeksvana is an independent source of news and guidance.
Sean Hickey, founder of Geeksvana and main channel presenter is a UK registered journalist who seeks to provide accurate information on what is an often misquoted and misrepresented industry and hobby. Sean currently holds certificates from the UK Civil Aviation Authority, including both the A2 Certificate of Competency (A2 CofC) and the General Visual Line of Sight Certificate (GVC). Flying all sizes of multirotor aircraft from the small DJI Mini 2 to larger aircraft including the DJI Inspire series for both hobby flights and commercial work.
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#UKDroneRules #DroneLaws #Geeksvana

[@paulgrep3193]

Excellent summary of the current situation! Now if only this was required viewing for police officers, security guards and karens I could concentrate on my flights.....

[@Geeksvana]

Thanks Paul! Appreciate the kind feedback.

[@RichDoes..]

I try not to be a dick when flying my mini 2 ... I just want to capture beautiful photo's and video.

[@wilko4085]

If you mention security guards then you are flying where you ethically shouldn’t be. Dont be a dick.

[@thedelaminator]

Why "karens"?

[@pooooornopigeon]

@@thedelaminator Because we ran out of Keiths.

[@MarctheMagicman68]

Brilliant video and just what I’ve been searching for. Got my Mini 4 Pro yesterday and I’ve not even taken it out of the Amazon box let alone anything else. Wanted to watch a video like this first to know the rules and lo and behold, there it is. 😀. Many thanks.

[@valcook7447]

Just about to buy my first drone and found this video gave tons of clear advice on the rules. Thank you

[@MP_2000]

Amazing, Sean - well done and thank you. Really like the VLOS traffic lights explanation - might steal that when I'm explaining it to people 😂

[@johnmontague4245]

Good overview of the rules & guidelines for the

[@Geeksvana]

Thank you John! Really appreciate you taking the time to give the kind feedback. It would be great if RID went that way. At the moment I am not convinced authorities even know what they want it achieve...

[@comedyhunter]

Excellent clear and simple advice, just what we need

[@Chilternflyer]

Brilliant and very concise video. This should be used by the CAA. (It makes a lot more sense than anything they've ever published).

[@classicraceruk1337]

I have been a PPL for nearly 55 years. Everything the CAA publishes is a pain in the butt. Trying to keep current can be a nightmare.

[@amoktimeflies]

Brilliant summary Sean, - puts similar vids out there to shame! 😉Looking forward to more instructional stuff in the future! 👍 I realise that this vid is UK Centric although a lot of the guidelines are similar in other territories too, but I guess the one bit that did click with me is that as of Jan 1st max altitude in Europe is no longer based on AGL, but the altitude from take off point (a bit of a PITA if flying in an especially mountainous or hilly area!) Keep ‘em coming, Boss!

[@nicolacox270]

Thanks for the information you put my mind at rest.now I'm sure how to fly safe.

[@lindsayheyes925]

That was refreshing! Thanks Sean 🙂

[@Geeksvana]

Thanks, Lindsay! Hope you are well.

[@rupertphmode1753]

Great summary as always Sean, thank you! Although the CAA have acknowledged that 'follow me' mode is an acceptable exception to the VLS rule, they have overlooked a couple of other important flight modes. I nearly always fly my Mini 2 in Home Lock mode using the Maven app. This mimics the old Naza M Home Lock mode I always used on my Phantom 2 Vision +. In Home Lock mode I do NOT need to know which way my drone is oriented. If I wish to move the drone to avoid an obstacle, it is the simple task of moving the pitch and yaw stick in the direction I want the drone to move, away from me moves it directly away from me, left moves it left etc. Simples! In Home Lock (or Course Lock to a slightly lesser degree) even at the limits of visibility I can move the drone in the direction I wish even with my eyes closed, not that I would... Keep up the great work, Brian

[@Safestill]

Awesome info - thanks man

[@andypc14]

Nice video - solid information, thank you

[@henrytaaffe7058]

awsome Sean. great info i just fly drones as a hobby.

[@thebandthatisDAVE]

Thank you! Very informative!

[@mariemccann5895]

Very informative and useful, thanks.

[@aagdigitalmedia2723]

Awesome content, subscribed

[@ucheucheuche]

15:42 'it's the weight of your drone at takeoff that counts' Imagine a defence lawyer for a drone pilot saying 'Your honor, the drone weight was under 250g at takeoff. My client added the payload via magnet attachment mid-air. Therefore complying with the guidelines.' 🎉😂 🙈

[@undercoverDrone69]

Very informative, great for new users who are unsure 👍

[@RichDoes..]

the first time I flew my drone, a rescue helicopter came into view... I hit the rtb button only to be shocked as my drone rose higher... luckily my experienced pal took my controller and dropped it .... knowledge and experience is key!

[@SpeccyMan]

You are required to be in control of your drone. Trusting the RTB system is never a good idea.

[@ianclark3780]

Hence the reading of the manual bit is important as mentioned in the video 😉 Thankfully no mishaps and a valuable lesson learned 👍

[@RichDoes..]

@@SpeccyMan It WAS my first flight, figured I'd be safe in my pals 2 acre back garden!

[@kevindarkstar]

So I'm guessing you didn't check the rth height settings on the drone before you took off, might be worth checking it for area of operation

[@RichDoes..]

wrong.. I did that, but didn't expect a rescue helicopter, there are electricity pylons nearby@@kevindarkstar

[@daz51173]

Fantastic video and to the point

[@thomascourtney8756]

Hi Sean. Learned a lot from watching you video's .. This is my second year since I bought my DJI Mini2. Brilliant tuition on the rules keeps me up to date of anything new .. Your knowledge on drone is the top's . Cheers Sean 😊😊👍👍🚁🛩

[@We_The_Lost]

Amazing video ! Would love to see the under 250g commercial side aswell as a video 👀 Great work !

[@andyehughes2493]

Very helpful information. I live in North Wales ,it’s smothered in SSSI spots. Have you done any vids on this subject for sub 250 drones

[@ReelFilm2016]

Nice video. Really concise and to the point. Keep it up. You have a new sub.

[@Geeksvana]

Thank you. Please do not watch my older rambling videos where I do not get to the point 😂. Appreciate your kind feedback.

[@ReelFilm2016]

@@Geeksvana I also appreciate rambling as a sometimes rambler myself. 😀

[@spyke7uk]

Thanks, I might have to consider the A2 CofC, since I might be added some additional kit to my Mini 3

[@homer1033]

Hi Sean Brilliant summary for all new & old drone flyers, Pity a few You tubers don't take VLOS seriously enough as i've seen a few videos and they are definitely not within VLOS,

[@user-fx8nl1pu8t]

I am a private pilot, we are required to complete a pre-flight check. I would suggest this should be done with drones also.

[@greenogre22]

i fly the mini 4 pro (sub 250 g) for work. i‘m a landscape ecologist who evaluates landscape elements and settlements to get overviews and need a good small one to not attract landowners too much. hence in my job it‘s vital to have no elephant in the sky that doesn‘t allow me to fly over people.

[@WhiteDieselShed]

Great video many thanks. Just catching little titbits of info from various sources I wrongly assumed the LOS required you to know the exact orientation of the drone. I did wonder how good your eyesight needed to be to see which way it was facing without telemetry. Grey drone in the usually grey UK sky. Thanks.

[@jezzter4293]

Thanks for this, very informative. Back in the day I flew Align Trex 450's then a 550. Loved them .... then I got a dog! No more head chopping heli's. Went for a smaller toy, but my Dalmatian caught & ate my indoor Blade 2! Now I have a 200gm little drone, and yes my new Dalmatian puppy wants to eat it! Think I'll move to rc boats LOL

[@inkyspider1]

Hi buddy, just sub'd as i always look out for your videos and this will now make life easier. Always find videos useful, informative, and at times very funny. Keep up the great work. Quick question, as i fly most of the time with my mavic 3 pro, is it worth renewing my c2 licence as i herd rumours it wont be worth the money soon after certain changes take place??

[@Geeksvana]

Thanks so much for the kind words! Means a lot. The A2 CofC is really useful for sub 500g flying in the A1 category. Sadly, as C2 drones are not recognised in the UK it does limit the full benefit. If you can make the flights with 50m separation, it still has value. This will hopefully change after 2026 but it is a while to wait!

[@countleppe5774]

I Am Looking Forward With Interest The New Updated Drone Rules From CAA Coming Out Soon In 2024 In The UK. Still Glad I Flew My Drone Back Pre January 2021 Before Things Started Getting Complicated. Still Can Fly My Drone At Night In UK. In The Netherlands NO After January 2024. Enjoying Legacy Drone Flying Until January 2026 With A2Cofc And May Be Beyond. Still Got Sparky.

[@clairecoles7680]

Thank you very helpful! I actually bought a drone end of last year not yet flown it. At the time I contacted the CAA as I was confused about what I should do. Drone was sub 250g with camera, but as I was using it for fun, recreational use and no other purpose the CAA said I wouldn’t need either ID as I classed it as a toy. Who knows 🤦🏽‍♀️🤷‍♀️ but I’ll be registering now anyhow just to be sure 👍

[@nigelbradley613]

Great video Sean. When you spoke about height restriction being at 120m wherever the drone is at that point, but the controller shows height compared to to point. So if the land is undulating how do you assess (accurately) if your drone has tipped over the 120m over one of dips? Unless you do some really detailed pre planning. Thanks

[@cuddlybear_uk]

Great info for someone completely new to the hobby, just bought a cheap 100g drone to get used to the controls before spending a larger wedge on something like a DJI one. Any advice before my first flight other than familiarising myself with the drones controls and thoroughly reading the instruction manual that came with it?

[@the_bloke_that_cuts_the_grass]

Could do with this video when you apply for an operator ID. Personally I find videos much easier to digest and understand compared to written text which I can feel myself skipping over trying to get to the salient point.

[@captainawesome8632]

Just got a drone and therefore only just found your channel. Great content!! I have a question, what’s your thoughts on KZbin auditors with drones, e.g. DJ audits? Originally I thought it was good to stand up for what you can legally do but now I’m thinking that, although legal, deliberately pissing people off will negatively affect how drones are viewed eventually leading to, of helping towards, their ban.

[@davidsneyd6844]

Some very good info in this vid, thanks. I have landing gear and strobes which to take it over the 250 limit, but only use the drones away from public spaces. I did pick up, or rather they picked me up, a military helicopter flight while out and about, the controller went mad ! and told me about the flight which was at least a mile away, but I flew back and lowered the drone, but was still followed home by the helicopter and made a point of telling me, they had picked me up to. It was a safe flight area too, always worth checking too to see if it is safe to fly in the first place. Any other stuff in the sky that might be a problem to them, fly home and land.

[@andrew_kowalski]

amazing video really helped me please can you make a video about how to travel with a 249g drone

[@ScamsandShams]

great video Geeksvana.. i both the mini 2 and recently the classic 3mavic and based in the uk..my question is..which of your video relate to that please and where can you fly it..i mainly just fly up and down for photography thankyou

[@raykeogh1972]

Thank you that was great especially as I only watched a video of a KZbinR getting pulled by the police and threatening to take his drone off him because he did not know the angle the drone was facing. The thing with this is some people stress when being pulled by the police and questioned , Police are trained for quick fire questioning so your trying to concentrate one why they pulled you because a lot of police officers don't know the law of drones and still question you. This is ok but I have been out with flyer and although they don't normally stutter they find themselves doing so. I only fly my four pro and what you covered is great but I will still read the new laws instead of quoting you in court lol. Thanks for sharing always watching Ray K UK YNWA.

[@Geeksvana]

Thanks Ray! Yes, any interaction with police when flying a drone is stressful. Especially as the assumption is usually that you are doing something wrong with your drone. Hopefully this will change over time.

[@magickrk]

Found using my garmin watch (fenix 7s) usefull to say how high i'm of the ground level so can quickly calculate

[@juliusdavies2005]

One of the biggest issues I face is local byelaws. Literally all green areas, parks, commons, recreation grounds under control of the local council are subject to a byelaw that prevents take off, landing and flight control of a "model aircraft". Ironically, I'd like access to one of the above areas so as to practice my flying skills, but it actually looks easier to fly my drone in the centre of my town which probably isn't the best place to practice your skills.

[@johncarold]

Hi Sean, No Camera drones, I love flying FPV quads. Most of them are under the 250gm weight regulation. Thanks for the video and information about the UK Done laws .

[@Geeksvana]

Thank you sir! Your support means a lot.

[@johnburns5783]

Hmm fpv drones surely have a camera on them 😉😉😉( how else do you know where the drone is going ?)

[@mesjakeon6013]

So you fly camer drones then.

[@jacekkaczmarczyk_drones]

Great content as usual. Very useful ❤

[@weevilinabox]

If like to fly my FPV quad, but I'd feel bad about asking someone to just stand in field and watch it while I have fun.

[@teessidedroneservices]

Great content...for a beginner, title was a little misleading though, I thought there had been another rule change. Great watch for all those that go out and buy the latest gadgets because they are the in thing (and they can afford it) or you are a van lifer ha ha... keep up the good work..Mark

[@northernaudits]

Ahhh Sean you missed the opportunity to tell them about the brand new (yesterday) rule about flying within 400 meters of a prison. That could get people into a lot of trouble. Great channel though. I watch and like every video.

[@Geeksvana]

Thanks! Appreciate your support. The prisons are just another flight restriction zone now and if people follow the advice and use Drone Assist etc, they will see the restrictions.

[@alankenney]

Thank you for such an excellent, detailed explanation of the regulations. Why isn't this video put in the regs. for obligatory viewing? I have just taken delivery of a DJI mini 3 and am still to power it up and update etc. I have watched many 'must do', 'must watch' videos trying to glean information. None of the others come close to your informative video. I have downloaded it for future reference and also 'subbed' you.

[@srjwari]

Great video sean! Its just a shame most people , corporations and authorities have the impression they comtrol everything above them and see drones as invasive.

[@JPHphotographyandVideo]

As a newbie to drones what drone would you recommend as a starter drone to learn with before buying a more expensive one? Eventually, I want to use it in my wedding business.

[@user-ho7mt6fr1v]

good advise

[@GamerMatt91]

Regarding VLOS, how can dji release a drone which can carry packages over a great distance? I understand there will be flight paths set etc but whats the difference in 'ai' flights and human aided flights?

[@colinrixon9343]

I've just bought a drone and it's good to know the rules I've started using a drone simulator as I would like to get a feel before risking my drone I'm really looking forward to flying thank you (I'm a newbie and have a light weight drone)

[@adamfoley9591]

Another great vid Sean.. One point id like to get some clarification on.. regarding the max height of 120m.. you mentioned in the video about potentially flying off a cliff could instantly equal an illegal drone flight.. i have always been of the understanding that if you were to take off the top of a cliff ie 200m in vertical height but you flew out vertically say 110 meter this flight would still be legal as although your vertical height could be 200m you would still be within 120m to nearest point to the earth..? Thanks Adam.

[@WhiteDieselShed]

I like close to an airport just inside the rectangular section on the mapping apps. If the red zone was just the circle I would be just outside but the extension puts me inside. Would a DJI refuse to take off in my own back garden? Thanks.

[@sj-id6pm]

On the UAV app, the map is covered in 'small airports'. I know many of these are very quiet and often just grass strips with very few aircraft movements. What are the drone rules (sub250)? Apologies if this has already been covered.

[@Garry-oi7cg]

All good info Sean . Find it hard to believe VLOS at 120 m altitude with a mini 250 drone is achievable. However really like your channel

[@johnmelling9950]

Its surprising, i too thought that same before i got my mini 4 pro but you can easily see a sub 250 drone at 120m height no problem as long as you keep it nearby.

[@SamuelSotiega]

What is your take on the relatively new selfie drone HoverAirX1? Not in the same league as the dji drones, but becoming very popular with a lot of content creators because it is a "selfie drone" that tracks you at a max of 15m hight, but most likely used at max 5m high and at a very short distance from the subject...

[@TheMoffBoy]

Thinking about getting back into drones. I had a phantom 2 years ago and was looking at perhaps a mavic 2 pro. Is it likely we will need to hsve undertaken the GVC test in order to fly this in 2026.

[@barrieshepherd7694]

The "know, without looking at the screen, the ground conditions" concerns me - even if I have full view of a drone 60 meters away I may not have any direct view of the ground conditions as a hedge or wall may be obstructing ground vision. Have I misunderstood the interpretation?

[@TravellingTorunn]

What about the small "selfie"-drones HoverAir X1? They weigh 125 g and are not able to fly many metres from you, as they are built to be following you. Do all these rules apply to those as well?

[@campervansam-UK]

Would I then need to register myself as a drone operator if I bought a "HOVER AIR X1" to shoot the odd "follow me" sequence while out trail running?

[@daverickards7647]

Question !!!!! Ifly my dgi for weddings special occasions . I have not got a licence and I don't need one . I don't fly by prisons or airports .

[@josephbobowicz458]

Luv your channel excellent content and well produced videos! You obviously know what you are talking about and I have a question. I live in the UK have an Operator and Flyer ID and own several DJI drones including a couple of Mini's. When it comes to the Mini Series can you please tell me what credentials I need to obtain to charge for work performed with a sub 250g drone. Obviously commercial insurance is required and I could use a source for that as well. I have been told I need to stop doing homework when it comes to the Mini Series. Providing you have insurance you do not need anything other than an Operator ID? Is it really that simple? A bit of direction to be in compliance to charge for work would be greatly appreciated. I look forward to informing two people that they are wrong potentially in spreading misinformation. And yes I clicked on the like button as well as the bell. Keep up the great work!! 👍

[@Geeksvana]

Thank you so much for the kind words! If you are flying in the Open Category with a sub 250g drone, it does not matter why you are flying. The rules were changed to be risk based. So, if the flight is legal, it does not matter if you are flying for fun or commercially anymore. As you correctly state, the only requirement for commercial flight is to ensure you hold EC 785/2004 compliant insurance, (pretty much all commercial insurance is). My personal recommendation would be CoverDrone. I have used them for many years and they have always been faultless. We are mot sponsored by them and have no affiliation. Hope this helps but do drop me an email if you have any other questions. ([e-mail]).

[@Taffwildmanofthewoods]

Some clear advice on offer 👍 It's annoying, frustrating and disappointing the authorities don't take the same hard approach to E Scooters as they do with drones. Clearly some drone pilots have misused their drones causing the legislation to be introduced but the same can be said about E Scooters. Rant over atb Taff 🤠👊

[@andrewrogers1097]

Hi, I have a question, I have just acquired a used DJI Mavic Mini, I'm in the UK but I've seen something suggesting the signal range is attenuated for the British market and recommended height is something like 30 metres and shorter horizontal range too, compared with US settings. Is this true?

[@thejacksons3019]

Great video, very informative and a good reference to come back to. Just bought a Mini 4 Pro this week and haven’t flown it yet. Lots of nice countryside around me, but is it legal to take-off from official signed public footpaths across fields? I’m assuming that the landowners own the footpath piece of land, but as they’re ’public footpaths’ can I take off from them? I guess if all else fails I can take off from an adjacent public road. Any advice appreciated. Thanks.

[@thedoctorwho73]

You are allowed to :)

[@tonyrobinson362]

Go for it no problem just look out for people on takeoff and landing..

[@user-mx8vx9iu5v]

Great explanation of the rules. Well done! I am coming to the UK in September. Are there any other things I need to know to fly my drone in the UK in 2024 in terms of regulations ? I brought my parrot and got some great shots when I came in 2019. This time, I will be bringing DJI mini, and I have it registered, and I have current accreditation with CASA the Australian equivalent to your CAA.

[@theoztreecrasher2647]

You'd have to check with the British CAA, but I'd surmise that it would be highly unlikely that (unlike your Australian Driving Licence) your Australian Drone Registration will be sufficient for flights in the UK. The Poms will no doubt want their pound of flesh also.

[@kpeecee]

Can you point me to the main site for flying in Norway sub 250, thanks

[@candles3333]

Would military jets pop up on the screen? I live in rural Highlands and I am surrounded by loch and mountains, on a fairly regular basis we will get a couple of jets come screaming through, now if I'm uphill and flying at 400 feet am i going to be putting them in danger?

[@podman63]

Hi on checking drone assist the open field behind my house appears to be a yellow zone will my mini 3 flight be allowed? Thanks

[@lambo_drives]

all drones should require tethers and memory foam bumpers. hi-vis vests for pilot while donning a flag mast with w minimum height above pilot head of 2 meters featuring a 5km illumination beacon upon its tip. no less than THREE visual observation towers constructed at a minimum height of 4 meters manned by min of 3 observers positioned in an equal lateral dynamic triangle position.

[@EnchantedLifePath]

Where's the fun in that?

[@Geeksvana]

What about a fourth visual observer to watch the other VOs? Safety first...

[@EnchantedLifePath]

And one of them post Heathrow airport dome systems activated just incase we need to take our drones out if we blink our eyes for a second

[@Geeksvana]

@EnchantedLifePath you could attach the dome to the car roof...

[@Geeksvana]

@EnchantedLifePath Do you mean surveys etc with a thermal? You can fly most missions within VLOS fairly easily with a little planning. When mapping for instance, I tend to use larger aircraft for VLOS reasons.

[@madmax025]

Hi all, looking for advice, not flown in a few years and trying to catch up with all the changes to rules in UK. I have got my mavic 2 zoom back out the loft and want to see where it stands now, last i heard it was a legacy drone now, can i even take off these days, I know i need an operator and flyer id, is there anything else i need to get my mavic 2 zoom back in the air legally? thanks in advance

[@jameshunter2993]

Sean what are the rules regarding overflying schools, police stations etc

[@Stefan_Boerjesson]

EU member, not UK, but much is the same. Time 14:25. In reality, how wide must the lower land/water need to be to demand for descending down in it? Wider then the drone dimensions of course.... A stream, a river, a lake width...? For private pilots I think the minimum horisontal distance to f ex tele masts was 500-600 meters. Distance to mountains.... I don't remember it was mentioned.

[@Drone626]

What is the video call for heavier drones? I can't see it in your videos

[@Prinxfpv]

I am not very familiar with English but at the end is that possible with 259g drones ? In UK ? Thank you

[@mrmessy7334]

I'm a bit late to the party but great video, I knew all of this already but no harm in a recap to keep it stuck in my brain! I would also add a couple of other points. Flying in poor weather isn't just about causing damage to your equipment. I would assume that flying outside of recommended conditions for your drone is likely to violate Article 241 immeditately making that flight illegal. An important topic not covered is privacy. The CAA states that drone photography and video recording may be covered by the GDPR, and whilst exactly what that means in practice is anybody's guess, privacy is absolutely something that should be considered when flying.

[@memezilla4370]

GDPR only applies to a company or corporation and not an individual.

[@Prashenze]

Can I fly from the city centre? It's fairly busy, but people are walking around so assuming they are able to move away from danger easily

[@DenBlackburn]

I went to the troulble of buying waterproof pemenant pen as not to add too much weight, because with a sticker with my number on, i was still within the weight, but if i then added a filter, it went over 250g, so using the pen I can now keep it under 250g even with the filters on, I have a pack of 8 filters and checked every one as there were very slight differences in weight, but luckly none send the drone over weight now I use the pen, and it wipes off with rubbing alcohol, but for 3 renewals of my operators ID they have given me the same number. I put a mini strobe light on the back, I always know it orientation at a glance and it stands out so clear, not just for me but my friends to, when we fly together, and a filter if i need one. The company of the stobe say you can put 2 on a mini or mini 2 but I use filters, so to stay well within the weight, I just have one on the back, and as it uses its own power, its very handy if for some reason you do catch a small branch of battery trouble and the drone drops, the strobe stands out fantastic, im pushing my luck here by saying ive not had a drop but I have had winds build up and had to land 130 meters away approx, but never had troulble finding the drone even in long grass with the strobe. and with a filter plus strobe, the weight is 247g, with a little more work I could get it down a bit more without risking the integrity of the body, I did sand a little plastic off the legs and a few other thick areas of plastic, but I do NOT advise anyone doing that unless you are confident, im old now and ive been building and flying RC planes, heicopters, and most RC you can think of since the early 80s, so I know what im doing. Think before you fly and lets try not to break the law, as all that does is put a total ban on drones if we pee off the CAA with too many police complaints, we want the CAA on our side as I think they have been quite fare so far, im not looking at the new laws they may bring in until they are ready to do so. Happy and safe flying everyone.

[@colinfursman]

I have a question Is it correct that if you are flying taking pictures you need to be flying using the screen when photographing do I need to have a spotter so that the drone is always in line of flight of someone as you and I know it is not possible for one person to do both

[@rogerbrown7659]

Does this apply for Drone pilots visiting from the United States?

[@UK-Blue]

So I bought a mini 2 se so I can fly 2 miles or so up a valley and what have you.... Obviously I will lose sight of it within a few seconds... So is that illegal?

[@kawesipastorholland]

Was really looking forward to getting a The AVATA 2 BUT DOES IT REALLY WORTH IT WILL ALL THE RESTRICTIONS. ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU LIVE CLOSE TO AN ARMY BASE PLUS A FEW SMALL AIRPORT NOT TOO FAR AWAY

[@Geeksvana]

If you gain an A2 CofC, you can fly the Avata 2 with all the benefits of a sub 250g, just no intentional flights over people. It gives a lot of benefits.

[@roymills2564]

i had an interesting one on a beach not going to say where. anyway the beach warden came along and said i cant fly my drone here,(there was no flight restrictions on the drone assist app or any signs on the beach) he gave me a bit of paper with a website on it saying i should look on that for access as it was from the council, so i did with them infront of me, bring up the beach there was nothing to say i couldnt fly there, so i showed the warden, he still said i cant fly there. i did put my drone away tho. what i would like to know is how do i stand ???

[@adrianappleyard4005]

Not sure if your Amber traffic light guidance is helpful and may create more confusion. Why change the Red (wrong) and Green (right) methods.

[@MJF510]

What are the rules on equipment testing (new props etc) in your back garden? No camera multicopters/toys?

[@Geeksvana]

The moment you take off with a drone, all the same rules apply. It doesn't matter in airspace terms where you are flying from beyond the restrictions.

[@obadamustafa1619]

One thing that I am not sure about is the drone registration. If I don't register it, would I get in trouble?

[@philbradley4253]

i take it that using the goggles 2 you have to have a spotter with you ??

[@mickzeus6770]

Hi most informative and basically as most of us are aware, common sense is paramount. One area that you didn't cover is flying at night in the sub 250g category. Is it allowed? Cheers

[@Geeksvana]

Hi Mick! The rules for night flight are the same across the open category, here is a recent video on the topic: (it does mention a few sub 250g points) kzbin.info/www/bejne/fnrUm3uCmLKsprc

[@richardsaunders5547]

So could I fly over a mini festival to film it with a 249 gram drone? If drone assist didn’t show any warnings.

[@tonailhull4459]

I need to find solar panels that need cleaning,can I fly above house to see

[@ldesilva100]

Hi which site you can get the exam and what’s the cost of it please

[@cputty9835]

jesus i think ill give up before i start so many rules no wonder you never see any one fly drones :(

[@mariemccann5895]

lol so true, but probably what they want.

[@laimonasrake8367]

Just ignore the tyrants. Rules are for the sheep.

[@Burtonupontrentrailwaystoday]

If i buy a hover air 1 selfie drone what do i need to do is it just flyer id

[@meddylad]

Great video..... just a quick question though....... is using a pair of binoculars acceptable to maintain VLOS?

[@Geeksvana]

Hi! No. You can only use your eyes. No tech at all. Eyeglasses are permitted though.

[@tonyrobinson362]

If you fly more than a couple of hundred mtrs your in the red zone.

[@Chris22967]

I think personally, the line of sight should be scrapped if its clear and open space, as not everyone has A1 eyesight even with glasses. They are so small i can hear mine but sometimes just can't spot it.

[@Steve_882]

I would realy like to know the rules where i can take off from.. Public footpaths? roads? etc

[@lmaoroflcopter]

Ooh that A2cofc exclusion for 500g without intentional overflight is that new?? Did my a2cofc last year and had no idea that was in play!

[@Geeksvana]

It is very handy! DJI Avata fits within it perfectly!

[@davebooth9871]

Whilst I always try to fly as far away as I can from any FRZ indicated in Drone Assist like airports etc, is there a recommended distance away from such zones that we should contact the appropriate authority to let them know we are near their zone/area?

[@247SH]

There’s a load of new yellow restriction zones - recreational areas, cemeteries, SSSIs, schools (wouldn’t fly over them anyhow for obvious reasons), fire stations, and many miles of beach and North Sea, etc. I was thinking to ask the same question on what distance from them is required.