WARNING FLYING DRONES IN THE UK
Today I am going to tell you my story and you can judge if this is a case that you need to worry about or not. I am posting the post for warning flying drones in the UK is banned, because of what happened to me while flying a drone in a public park in Northwest London on Christmas Day.
It all started when my son wanted to try out my new Tech RC Mini Drone with Camera. This was my fantastic new drone which I bought to relax some times and fly around. The picture quality on the camera and connection with the phone Wifi signal was an amazing feature. I bought this drone during the holidays from Amazon in order to get my self a cool present to play with my kids with it. Little did I know that flying drones was banned in the UK.
I got stopped by a very nice policeman, who calmly asked me do I have a valid license to fly this very nice drone. Now this is was before I even lifted off the drone to fly it, so I did not fly it yet. The policeman was closeby and must have seen me take the drone to the park, so he started to walk toward me to tell me.
The conversation between police and me was like this
The Policeman
Do you have a license for this drone?
I replied.
No. Its a small Drone, Do I still need one.
The Policeman
Yes you do, If you fly that drone with out a license, I will be forced to take it from you.
At this point I started to smile, thinking this is a Christmas joke.
but as I saw the policeman face so serious, I was not smiling any more. This was REAL DAMN IT. The policeman is serious.
I can pack this up for sure, I am sorry, but I didnt know. ( I replied )
The Policeman
It's ok, It's a new Law just recent so not many know about it and that's why I came to you to tell you before we get calls and I have to take the Drone away from you. Especially I know this is a toy for the kids.
Is Flying Drones Banned in the UK?
Ok technically flying drones in the UK is not Banned but it is not allowed to fly one without a fully Drone Safe License and this includes all ages. Apparently as of 30th November 2019, Having a drone requires that you need a license.
Anyone flying a drone or unmanned aircraft (including model aircraft) weighing between 250g and 20kg will need to take and pass an online education package. This is free and renewable every three years. Both of these requirements become law on 30 November 2019.
According to the Civil Aviation Authority, You must have two registrations in place before you fly a drone or model aircraft that’s 250g to 20kg:
- anyone who will fly must pass a theory test to get a flyer ID
- the person that’s responsible for the drone or model aircraft must register to get an operator ID
Have loads of Drones what Shall I do?
Honestly, I have loads of drones in the house. The Tech RC Mini Drone is my new Drone which I purchased this year. If Anyone needs a license with this new law Then I NEED ONE URGENTLY.
You can see some of my drones, and I have a lot more of these. According to the latest news that there is still over 750 Thousand users in the UK still don't have drone license and might be ready to face the new reality that they will need to get a license from the Civil Aviation Authority
How Much Does a Drone License costs?
Shocked by the new Reality, I rushed home to get a license, after apparently the policeman was right but was nice about letting me keep my drone, it was also apparent that I have to also LABEL my DRONE before flying out ( WHO KNEW )
There are three type licenses, This include if you are passing by in the park and will fly someone else Drone for the fun of it. For the people who own or have responsibility for a drone, then there are costs, of course. But luckily it's all done online from this link register-drones.caa.co.uk/
Prices
| How you use drones or model aircraft | ID numbers needed | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| You both fly and are responsible for them | flyer ID and operator ID | £9 |
| You just fly other people's | flyer ID | £0 |
| You’re only responsible and do not fly | operator ID | £9 |
Do I need a license if only my Child will fly the Drone?
If you’re responsible for drones or model aircraft, but will not fly them you can register as an operator only. For example, if you’re responsible for your child’s drone. The operator is responsible for making sure that only people with a valid flyer ID use their drone or model aircraft.
They must label their drones and model aircraft with their operator ID. You must be 18 or over to register for an operator ID.
How long is the license valid for?
Based on the License which I obtained few hours ago and managed to get a good score in the exam.
How long will my Flyer ID last?
My Flyer ID is valid for 3 years.
How long will my Operator ID Last
My Operator License valid for 1 Year.
Flying the Drone for Commerical Reasons?
If you want to fly for commercial reasons, you must get permission from the CAA. This includes getting permission for commercial operations (PfCO). Find out how at www.caa.co.uk/drones.
How to Report Unregistered and Unsafe Drone?
By now you know how serious the situation is and you don't want to end in a situation whereby you get reported. A new reporting website has been established to report any violation for anyone flying without the proper license and mislabelling their drone or not just simply not following the rules which I stated in this page. Anyone can visit www.caa.co.uk/Consumers/Unmanned-aircraft/General-guidance/Reporting-misuse-of-a-unmanned-aircraft-and-drones/ and report your violation of using a drone.
Happening in the UK
This is now happening in the UK. if you the reader know any other country that Flying a drone is banned without a license, Please tell me in the comment below or leave a message in the forum to discuss this .. because I am not happy for paying £9 for just 1 year Operator License. Does this mean I have to pay every year to play with my DRONE!.