Away from controversial air-strikes in the Middle-East we are seeing Drones / Quadcopters / Unmanned Ariel Vehicles or Systems (UAV / UAS)… amongst other things, increasingly used commercially. Wedding photographers have been seen to use them, surveyors might use them to inspect a roof, estate agencies use them to photograph properties. In an ever more competitive world the opportunity to create more dynamic or enticing photographs of properties has caused an influx of these little machines into various industries.
Given that these things are available in toys r us (other toy shops are available) you might be forgiven for thinking there is no red tape involved however use your drone commercially and there are some significant consequences… you would do well to read on.
The Bottom Line
Aside from getting registered and qualified there are a number of perimeters which must be adhered to when using UAV’s the salient points as follows –
- UAV’s must be operated within normal lines of sight (generally a maximum distance of 500m and height of 120m)
- The visibility at time of flight must be a minimum of 5km (ruling out use in fog, mist, rain etc… even if you can still see the vehicle
- No night flying without special permission from the CAA
- A UAV must not be flown within 50m of structures, vehicles or people unless under the control of the pilot.
Clearly point 4 is open to some interpretation – i.e. that, if for example, it is a surveyor or an estate agent who is taking photos or video over a house then they may will have permission from the owner and will have evacuated the property or briefed those using it as to the purpose of the flight. They will however need to make sure they do this for anyone / thing within 50m which may include neighbours / the public. If flying over any public areas (roads, pavements, rights of way) then permission should be sought from the local authority.
Is there any legislation?
As an individual I can’t see that there is (although it’s worth doing your own research) however as soon as your UAV is used in a commercial context (for work) then you must be registered with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) as must your aircraft. The CAA defines ‘commercially’ as adding any valuable consideration i.e. taking photos for a report or sales pitch, website etcetera. The CAA will provide you with a ‘permissions document’ detailing what you can and can’t do with your aircraft. If as a consumer you are engaging someone to do a given task for you and for that they bring along a UAV then you should ask to see this document. If you don’t see it then the chances are that they are not insured to use it and they may not have the required experience.
It is required that new firms / individuals registering must seek an appropriate qualification which historically could be administered by model flying associations but now is generally provided by a number of specialist companies. Please seek advice from the CAA as to what qualification might be required and where you can obtain this.
What is the insurance implication?
Well unless you have already addressed this then the chances are Liability is excluded. Most liability wordings will carry an exclusion for the use of aircraft / propelled vehicles and so should you cause damage to third party property or injury to third party persons then you may well find yourself with a large bill and no protection in place. It is unlikely that any standard liability, office, shop policy will extend to cover you but there are specialist insurers out there. As an insurance broker it is our pleasure to seek out the cover you need.
So please feel free to give us a call and set us a challenge! 01753 882222
(The above information has come from a number of articles written by the CAA, the BBC various UAV industry websites such as the very informative www.Quadcopters.co.uk website. For full information your best port of call is the CAA).
Alistair