UK - Air Law

Recording photographic or video footage from a Drone (UAS - unmanned aerial system) and where it is used for commercial purposes the UAS must be operated under permissions granted by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Commercial operators will only use qualified pilots who hold a UAS (CAA) license and commercial insurance. For example, a landowner who gives permission for a flight; which subsequently leads to third party damage of property or injury of persons can be sued. Another example, if aerial footage is used for a web site, it must meet the above conditions. Using qualified CAA approved pilots who carry insurance avoid these risks.

Camera facilities

These are known as SUSA (Small Unmanned Surveillance Aircraft). These systems are able to take rock steady footage with no-vibration or shake even in difficult conditions. We typically use cameras which deliver smooth ultra HD 4k resolutions. Allowing for postproduction means one could zoom in by a factor of 4 and still have brilliant HD quality footage. Using the latest in camera stabilisation technology means we can take up to 12 megapixel images for still photos. Aerial Drone Shots adheres to the Data Protection Act’s requirement for the security and privacy of the photographic data we capture.

Flight Parameters

Height / Distance / Rain / High Winds - Standard permissions using (VLOS) [Visual line of sight] require the SUA (Drone) to remain within sight of the pilot at all times. It can fly up to an altitude of 400ft and may fly up to 500m horizontally from the pilot in any direction. The SUA must remain 50m from buildings, structures and vehicles not under the pilot/crews control. This is reduced to 30m during take-off and landing. Weather in the UK is unpredictable, we do our best to meet pre-booked commitments whenever possible but occasionally we may have to reschedule due to adverse weather conditions. The aircraft is not waterproof so is unable to fly in very damp or wet conditions. For great results we suggest flying in wind under 15mph, however our UAS are capable of flying in wind speeds up to 22mph.

Flight Locations ?

We can fly at events where crowds are under 1000 people, although we need to stay at least 50m away and cannot fly over anyone not in our control. For crowds over 1,000 people this distance increases to 150m. We can fly anywhere in the UK provided we have landowner permission for take-off and landing sites. Our license permits us to operate UK wide.

Safety Matters

We will always elect to operate safely and will ensure flight operations are carried out to the required standard. During the pre-site survey we will identify the risks to objects and people. We will supply warning signs cones and tape to ensure flight areas are safe. This includes identifying emergency landing areas and ensuring that the client’s on-site liaison and stewards are available and briefed as required.

Weather Conditions

Being UK based it is sometimes hard to find an operational window with good weather. We book a day with a good weather window. Five days before the flight we will advise if a postponed flight looks likely and agree another date. If the weather window looks like it’s a 50-50 scenario, we will discuss with the client. If the client wants to take the risk of a no-go – yet wants us on site just in case things work out, we will charge up front before leaving base and a full charge will apply if the weather window prevents the flight operation taking place. We always aim to be reasonable, but if we attend a no-go then we will re-book the next date opportunity with a 25% discount of the original deal.

Pilot Questions Authority

Our pilots hold a Remote Pilots Qualification (RPQ-S) or equivalent and are insured for commercial UAS operations. The pilot is personally answerable to the Civil Aviation Authority so will always have the final say when a decision has to be made about proceeding with a flight. Weather conditions can be a real concern when tight deadlines come into play. Visibility, moisture content and wind velocity need to be within safe limits.

Steps Before a Flight

• Tasking Schedule - We take information for the job / location / task date / required outcome / check landowner permissions for take-off & landing / job deadline / site access.

• Pre-Flight Survey - We do a Pre-Flight Survey to determine if job is feasible / check predicted weather.

• Book event - Note weather could delay the event - if so we we will advise re-scheduling to an improved weather window. Remember The pilot decides if the flight will go ahead or not.