Byelaws Byelaws may restrict when and where you can fly from.
Look out for local signs for information and contact details where you can find out more. Byelaws are unlikely to be shown on apps or drone websites.
Tall structures Check for any tall structures, such as cranes, masts and wires.
Do not fly if there are structures in the area that will mean it’s not safe or legal.
Animals and wildlife Do not fly where you’ll disturb or endanger animals and wildlife.
Other aircraft Always be ready to respond in the safest way possible if other aircraft appear where you’re flying.
Look and listen out for unusual or specialist flying activities, such as air ambulances, police helicopters, light aircraft, military aircraft, crop spraying, and electricity pylon surveying.
Useful places to check for restrictions and hazards -Signs - Check for signs that say you cannot fly drones or model aircraft.
Some sites may have restrictions that are not listed in apps and other services.
NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen) NOTAMs are official notices that tell people about activities that may be a hazard to flying. For example, a balloon show.
Apps and other resources with details of restrictions (also go to resources page - see menu) Some flying restrictions are given in the following:
drone apps such as those listed on dronesafe.uk the NATS drone website (opens in new tab) (NATS is the air traffic control organisation) the Aeronautical Information Publication Make sure you understand exactly what information these resources will give you.
Get the right authorisation before flying outside this code This code covers flying in the Open A1 and A3 categories. If you want to fly outside the rules in this Code, you must first get the correct authorisation
For example, you’ll need authorisation from the Civil Aviation Authority if you want to fly:
- at different heights or distances to the ones in this Code - closer to a residential, recreational, commercial or industrial area - over crowds or groups of people
If you want to fly at or near an airport, you need permission from the airport.
