Keeping an eye on the drones – how we've monitored the technology
In October 2014 the NFU spent a day at the Commercial UAV Show in London, participating in roundtable discussions hosted by a successful UAV pilot.
In November 2014, we joined the Drones for Farming Conference hosted by the National Centre for Precision Farming and the Unmanned Aerial Systems Interest Group, in partnership with URSULA Agriculture. More than 100 precision farming practitioners met at Harper Adams University to hear about the latest developments and potential uses of drones in agriculture.
This increased interest has seen BASIS launch an accreditation for pilots of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) or drones.
Key points
- An unmanned aircraft must never be flown beyond the normal unaided "line of sight" of the person operating it - this is generally measured as 500m (1,640ft) horizontally or 400ft (122m) vertically. Operations beyond these distances must be approved by the CAA (the basic premise being for the operator to prove that he/she can do this safely).
- A drone fitted with a camera must not be flown:
- Over or within 150 metres of any congested area;
- Over or within 150 metres of an organised open-air assembly of more than 1,000 persons (e.g. sporting event or concert);
- Within 50 metres of any vessel, vehicle or structure which is not under the control of the person in charge of the aircraft; or
- Within 50 metres of any person except during take-off or landing, the aircraft must not be flown within 30 metres of any person except for the person in charge of the aircraft.
- The operation must not endanger anyone or anything.
- Small unmanned aircraft that are being used for surveillance purposes are subject to tighter restrictions with regard to the minimum distances that you can fly near people or properties that are not under your control. If you wish to fly within these minima, permission is required from the CAA before operations are commenced.
- CAA permission is also required for all flights that are being conducted for aerial work/commercial purposes (i.e. in very simple terms, if you are getting paid for doing it).
- The 'remote pilot' has the responsibility for satisfying him/herself that the flight can be conducted safely.
- Be aware of data protection laws and if taking photographs be careful not to publish any of people who might have a reasonable expectation of privacy. Further information about the Data Protection Act and the circumstances in which it applies can be obtained from the Information Commissioner’s Office and website.
Further information on unmanned aircraft, legislation and permissions required, can be viewed at the CAA website.