It’s crazy that when you start searching on Google if you are allowed to fly a drone, you get answers like “not allowed in national trust, not allowed in this area and that area etc, it literally destroys everything about having a drone.
Thank you for putting out these very informative videos, it's helped me negotiate the minefield that is hobby flying as a beginner, keep up the awesome work 👍
What’s surprising is the variance in information provided by drone training companies. I had one firm who advised a written exam was needed for sub 250g drones like the DJI Mini 4 pro! That turned out to be incorrect info. They also advise me that the 400 feet rule was relative to the location of the user but another business has said something totally different in that the 400 feet rule applies relative to the location of the ground to the drone at any point in time, so if you fly a mini drone along the gradient of a hill you could fly it higher than 400 feet relative to the horizontal location of the user at ground level? The 400 feet rule does appear to be interpreted completely differently by drone training companies!
Excellent and very informative video. Thank you so much for the correct information. But, at this stage, I will stick an action camera to my old fishing pole and mimic a drone video :'D
This is such a great video to get started. I bought 4 DJi Phantoms off eBay… I won’t even power them up until I have completed all,of the regs and training. I’m quite excited about it but want to make sure I’m compliant. Strangely now I am work8mg as a technical trainer for ATSEP personnel so funny how things come together.
Great channel! Information that cuts out all the good from the bad, and leaves you understanding whats going on completely! What with drone news being a hot topic of many lovers and those opposed to drone flying, this helps the real drone community, that just wish to use the fantastic technology for good safe work or hobby related time! Being a member of a recognized club/organisation myself, believe this is the best way to maintain some kind of acceptance with the drone use we love, and wish to be able to carry on using in the years to come! Again, like your content and approach to this RU-vid channel...
Hello the dron need to have 250g with out batteries or whith batteries instead of the drone ? Thenk you . I want to no if I need to register one of this drone lyzrc lsrc ls 38 or lyzrc l106 pro 3? Thenk you
I wish you would have done this vlogg in 15mins as you could have talked slower and some of us newbies could follow what you are saying the first time, 😁😁😁 thanks for the video info though much appreciated.
Another great video, Sean. So much info and no timewasting. Will you release revisions and/or updates as rules change? Do you know whether "planning to make money" includes uploading to, say, RU-vid? Does the answer depend upon whether one's channel is monetised?
Hey weevilinabox! Hope you are well! Thanks for the kind feedback. Yes, we will launch updates when things change. In the UK it does not matter why you are flying, so as long as you have appropriate insurance etc, you can use the footage for any purpose.
I just passed my theory test with 40/40. Some of the supplied answersweren't quite right. eg a safe height to fly over tings/ people. Quad copters have no glide angle as such, when the motors quit they drop like a brick. Model gliders and power planes dohave a glde angle. So the height above people orobjects should enble you to glide safley away if there are problems. So with a drone no height is safe. Your videos helpedme pass the test and just to thank you for your help.😀😀😀
I bought a mini 4pro drone came today 27.09.23 to use filming extra video for my lawn channel I take it ill need a license to do this I have a neighbor all round me
Great video as always. Question though. You mentioned that "when C class drones are released you can over fly people" but then went ahead and said with a sub 250g drone like the Mini 2 (which is a legacy drone) can overfly? But the previous point was that all legacy drones can't over fly?
Hey Martin! Yes, legacy drones cannot fly over people... That is the letter of the law from the CAA. However, they then make an exception for sub 250g legacy drones indefinitely. I decided to keep their wording to be on script but sometimes it doesn't help... Thanks for the kind feedback, I really appreciate it!
Had a few drones for a while since before they brought out the regulations but not flown since,last week I got my flyer and operator I.d sorted so I’m covered to fly now
Great Video, I'm new to drones, very new and I appreciate the rules are changing within a year or two but it's just so confusing I've just registered with the CAA and now have my Flyer ID and my operator ID no big deal I know, i was about to purchase a mini 2 but have thought about getting the Dji Ar2s what I'm asking is, can I fly it without anything else, qualifications/tests? as it's over 250g I appreciate the regs for keeping a distance and no fly zones but didn't want to buy it if i can't actually fly it.
Love it Sean and this is all fresh in my head as I passed the A2CofC drone course with UAV Hub a few days ago, only thing I'm concerned about is what happens with my qualification after 2022, is it null and void, i fly a Mavic Air 2 and DJI fpv, I look forward to your video regarding the A2CofC after 2022.
Hey REDKN1GHT 19! CONGRATS AND NICE WORK!!! That is awesome! No your A2 CofC is good for five years I believe (without looking it up) but the drones we have now will become legacy. Once the C label drones are out, which should be well before that date, us A2 holders will be able to get within 5m of uninvolved people! So apart from having to purchase a new drone, the benefits actually go up!
@@Geeksvana so my MA2 will go back to the older restrictions i.e 50m from uninvolved people and a new purchase, say the Mavic 3 pro, or whatever its named will have the benefits of the A2CofC and more?
Yes that is looking likely. There is talk of retroactive labels but I wonder if that would cost the consumer so much a new drone would be more efficient. Once the labels are out I would expect a special edition of the Air 2S with a few tweaks etc. Just guess work though at this stage.
@@Geeksvana cheers for the info Sean, I'm glad of people such as yourself that are at the apex of all these new rules and regulations and then pass that info, to the best of your knowledge, onto mere mortals such as myself, all I want to do is fly as safely and legally as possible so again thanks for the information.
The sub 250g category really does gives people freedom to fly safely pretty much anywhere, (except prisons & airports etc obviously). I think it's very important that a few fools not to abuse this, and spoil it for the majority, as the CAA could tighten up the rules and put restrictions in for this category.
I have a 520g fpv drone, I just want to fly in open space away from people and buildings etc, correct me if I’m wrong but it looks like it’ll be a class2 drone which will need me to get an a3 licence to do this legally aswel as op licence and insurance ofcourse.
What happens if I take off and fly with a clear space of 150m+ and someone approaches me while my drone is in flight. How do I land legally ? If I make them aware my drone is coming down to land, does that make them a person taking part in the flight or do they need to concent ?
hi matey, im bringing my dji mini 3 pro over to the uk from australia.. do you know if tourists need to register them in the country they are travelling to?
Thanks a lot for the info. For example, I have a DJI Mini 3 Pro, and want to fly over Bath, UK. The Dronesafetymap, only shows yellow zone over the area. Does that mean I should be eligible to fly the drone? I am a bit confused.
I have a question - I have a DJI Mini 3 Pro - Flyer ID and Operator ID and fully insured for using it commercially to inspect roofs of clients and provide videos for properties for sale in the UK I am a little lost - can I fly my drone over a building and close to a building to provide visual video and images of hard to reach areas for clients and for insurance companies to provide them of evidence of damage or good condition. Thanks In advance
@@Geeksvana Sean, am I the only one that is puzzled by the CAA methodology? For sub 250g with camera they requires an operator ID but not a Flyer ID; what's is their logic? Is it that having a camera promotes more use/adventure and therefore potential loss/crash landings thus a need for a physical ID? It is likely that most people will want a camera for hobby use, countryside, holidays. Why didn't the CAA take advantage of that to enforce a Flyer ID; that would encourage people to take the free on line training/test which is surely a good thing? Ironically the on line Flyer ID test could include questions regarding use of cameras. Seems odd that you could be answering questions about a camera/privacy (irrelevant to many fixed wing flyers), but sub 250g do not need to take the test.
@@gamerxyz3348 Don't be worried about taking the Flyer ID test; it's a good knowledge base. I did it yesterday, it's (currently) free and the Flyer ID lasts 5 years.
Hi, thank u for the video. I already subscribed to ur channel 😊. I habe a question. I have mini 3 pro dji. Will be heading to london soon. So as I watched from ur other videos I need to register it but dont have to do the online exam. But I will do it :-) second I have downloaded the app u recommended. Drone assist. There it shows in red most london area. High danger zone. So it means I cannot fly my drone? Thank u
Hi very good video. Looking for a bit of advice and think i have found the right person. I want to make walking videos, up to now i have done a couple but with a phone. What i would like to do is get a drone, the dji 4mini 4 pro seems a good all rounder as it has the all zone avoidance plus a bundle with more batteries etc. Would i have to get permission to do this, the drone would not be very high and mainly paths through the country side and across farmers fields ( paths across the farmers fields not straight across them) as i respect peoples things. Also would be on like Moore and dale land. Many thanks and hope you or someone can reply
Hey Ste! Send me an email sean@geeksvana.com and we can organise a quick chat. Easier than trying to reply here! What you want to achieve is fairly straightforward.
Great video even tho I'm in australia it's interesting to find out about regulations in other countries. However I do question the UKCAA classification system. Do you think that drone manufacturers will add these classifications for UK drones, since it would appear that these are UK specific and will add some increase in manufacturering costs.
Hey Can Fly WA! Thanks for taking the time to comment and share your thoughts! I really appreciate it! As it stands, and I hope it stays that way, the UK and EU C markings will be the similar, so essentially it will just be another logo to add once the drone complies with the EASA rules. DJI have so far stated they are ready but I share your fear in terms of smaller drone manufacturers, which means we could miss out on some fun drones in the future!
Thanj you for the information! It’s so much helpful😊 I will go to the UK this month as an exchange student and I am planning to use drone(DJI mavic mini2) for my vlog. And I think I would film the view of city. In this case, do I have to register something? I will wait for your response! Thank you so much😆
Hi can you help me please I’ve been asked by the organisers of a festival if I can film it?!? I’m using a sub 250 drone the Dji mini pro 3 I’m a allowed to film as I’ve got permission from the organisers?.
Hey, really useful video thank you! I'm a bit confused over something though, I own a DJI Spark (weighs more than 250g) and am wondering if I can fly over my house (I live in a village). And if I can, does this also apply if I have permission to fly over someone else's? I'm looking to find out if I could start an arial house photography weekend job. Cheers.
i was wondering if in the uk if you need an operator ID to fly indoors as on the caa website it states the rules don't apply if you are flying indoors i just wanted to check if it means ID aswell.
Hey Mr Observer! Nothing required at all for indoor recreational flight. The definition the CAA use for indoor means any space where the drone cannot escape from. So any door to outside closed etc.
Why are there so many different regulations/certifications. Its so confusing! I want to start a commercial drone business in the UK, doing roof surveys/business photography/videography, weddings etc. Does anyone know what I would need aside from Public Liability Insurance?
Hi Sean, great reference video. May i ask a question, If i have a flyer and operator ID but the operator is is for another drone which I still own and fly, do I need another Operator ID? Thanks, 👍
Let's say I want to fly a DJI Spark over my village. What do I need to do for that? The rules are pretty confusing as it's hardly a built up area. Can I fly over private property at a certain height?
Flying a drone appears to generate a load of hassle & confrontation. Is it worth it. Are they a fad that will go the same way as CB radio where many people ended up with expensive equipment just sitting in a draw.
Hi Sean, first of all thank you so much for putting all this effort and great content. I am new to this and I have a job opportunity where I require the drone photograph of a building in central London (Great Portland Street) showing the whole building and some immediate surroundings. I considering that this could be a good opportunity to buy the Mavic mini 3 and justify the cost. (I have asked for quotes and would cost the same done by other companies) however I am confused about how I should proceed. I am given access to the roof by the client so the ideal plan should be to fly the drone from there, go few meters up and move a bit to the side and get some shots. Would I need to get Westminster permission or NATS application for this. It seems to be on the border of R157 zone. Many thanks
So just to clarify, I can get a sub-250g drone and fly it within congested areas? I am looking to use a drone in specific situations to inspect buildings as part of my work. Currently I use a pole mounted camera, but this looks like a much better option for me. I should also look to get some training and also take out some insurance as well as I would be using the drone commercially. Many thanks
Hey! 251g is the magic number. So 250g would be fine for sub 250g rules. Also I have never heard of anyone being punished for a marginal difference. Hope this helps.
Hi, hoping you can help me! I’m looking at the DJI mini 2 to do estate agency overhead images. Will I need anything to this on a commercial level. It would be for my own agency not as separate business for other agencies?
I have a DJI mini 2 and visiting the UK in June. I’m coming from the US and want to bring the drone, but I want to follow the rules. Do I have to register this drone in the UK as a visitor form out of the country?
Hi Sean, I am new to droning. My wife got me a DJI Air 2S for christmas. Due to the bad weather I have not flown it yet. Is it a good idea for me to take a A2 COFC course.
I sold my Mavic mini and Mavic air 2. Until the C class drones are available i don't see me picking up another one. Any clue when we can get some C reg drones?
Hey Airscape! Thanks for taking the time to comment! Going by the information I get it would be a decent bet to expect the standards to be released fairly soon into the new year. Although how long manufacturers then take to get their models approved etc could mean we do not see C label drones in UK shops much before Christmas 2022!
You can but only with 50m separation of uninvolved people. You have to ignore the C1 label completely as it has no recognition in the UK since the DfT changes in December 2022.
No. You cannot use any of the benefits from any C rated drone in the UK. The labels mean nothing sadly. Also, it was the C2 labels intended to be 5m with slow mode. Overall any drone under 2kg can be flown in congested areas with a separation of 50m. No other benefits or C ratings count in UK.
Just wondering, would having the a2 cofc and a3 from the UK allow me to fly my gopro karma in Norway? Or do I have to retake tests/ sign for other things specifically for norway?
hi love your videos, quick question so I had a little trouble yesterday with my mini 2 checked drone assist and dji app no restrictions in the area where I wanted to fly which was a castle in South wales UK, a member of staff then come up to me and asked me to bring the drone down that I wasn't to fly here I took off and landed outside the property, no signs around no restrictions but on further checking says on their site you have to have permission to send a drone up and that basically they would charge you to do this, are my within my right to fly there? also the mini 2 didn't get close at all to the building, I have a flier I'd and a operator id.
Hi! It would be hard for me to comment on a specific flight as there are so many factors but unless the owners of the castle had a byelaw specifically stopping drone flight, which I doubt as they are very rare, then if you are taking off from outside their land and flying reasonably, you are allowed to do so. The other issue is then if you want a confrontation with the staff... Hope this helps.
@@Geeksvana thank you so much no I just want to be left alone seems to be happening a lot lately, I normally just bring it down and go, but it feels like I'm getting to stage where I can't use it anywhere because I'm getting hassle, and that's all I'm doing is filming the stunning places for my RU-vid channel. thank you
Hey! The information contained within this video is available via the official drone code and releases from the CAA. They use another service called Skywise to send out notifications as well. Sadly no direct comms go to the registration list.
Hello Dear, Nice Video. I have started my youtube channel few months back and just bought my mini 3 pro. I have few queries. Appreciate if you can answer and help me on those: 1. I have already got flyer id and operator id. Do i need any license or need to complete any additional course to fly? as i will be uploading the footage to my youtube channel and drone is under 250 gram. 2. Do i need any Drone insurance? 3. Can i fly/practice in my back garden or park in residential areas? 4. Can i fly in central London near tower bridge, London eye, Westminster and River thames etc?
Great vid, but on the subject of Airspace restrictions, can a sub 250g drone (mini 2) fly in Class D airspace within specified altitudes etc (if applicable)?
Hey DocCol! Class D or Controlled Traffic Regions are open the drone flight up to 20kg without further permission. These are zones intended for manned aviation to be under the control of the aerodrome ATC. Essentially keep an eye out but you are good to go whilst following the drone code. Hope this helps.
Good info Sean, I don't know if you have covered this but...here is my question... I am heading home as soon as they open up the UK and I want to bring my Mavic Pro 2 over for video and photographs. How or what do i need to do to be allowed to do this. Cheers!
Hey! Thanks for the kind feedback and for taking the time to comment. All you will need to do is register via the DMARES scheme for an Operator ID and Flyer ID. That will give you access to the A3 subcategory. You can get into congested area with your M2P by taking an A2 CofC which would let you get within 50m of people. Although only until the end of 2022, after when you will need a c rated drone for congested areas but you can still fly the M2P in the A3. Hope that helps, but of a rabbit hole 😂🐰.
@@Geeksvana Excellent. Thanks for the quick reply. Though it might be 2022 by the time we all can travel I appreciate the information. Ill start looking into the docs. Fly safe!
@@weevilinabox Oh yes. Already done. I have a rider on my insurance to cover the drone or any damage possibly caused by it. I saw in Sean's video where if you join the group you get coverage as part of the deal.
Hello :) I just started my own small business which offer property photos and videos for uk real estate market (properties for sale and for rent). I would like buy mini 3 pro but because that will be paid service (commercial) then my question is do I need any drone licenses (I have flyer and operator id). Thanks for advices :)
Great choice! The Mini 3 Pro gives you a lot of freedom. You do not need any specific license or permission for commercial work anymore. The only thing you need is to ensure you have commercial insurance which is EC compliant, (most of the commercial policies are). You can get the insurance monthly or even daily with some companies. Hope this helps and good luck!
@@Geeksvana thank you so much for your reply :) much appreciated. I current business insurance comes from Simply Business and I can see info on insurance certificate (exc underwater and aerial). What is that EC compliant?
It is a specific standard for commercial drone insurance. Full title is EC 785/2004. Rather than being covered under general business insurance it needs to be a commercial drone policy.
Hey pal, with the new Dji Avata do you need the A2 certificate to fly it in parks and towns/built up areas etc legally as it weighs 402g? Or can you fly it without in these areas, really not sure what it would offer me just owning the Avata and Mini 3 Pro? Thanks
Hey David! Just released a video explaining the rules specifically for the Avata. There are chapters to jump to the A2 CofC bit - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-fvVc5x7kpjU.html
Hi Sean. Quick question. I have a operator license and pilots license to fly my mavic air 2 in the UK. Do I need anything more to fly in Spain? Cheers colin
Hey Colin! Yes, you will need to repeat the process within the EU. Here is a short video to explain the process, hope it helps: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-UIyBTqrhi-U.html
Personally... My own opinion is, having spoken to a few people from differing sides in the UK/EU world is that you will have to purchase consumer drones again. I would expect a special edition with a couple more tweaks once the labels are out. It is possible to retroactive label but I think the per unit cost and paperwork will prevent it! Sadly.
@@Geeksvana it's a pity that "new drones" will be technically classified as "obsolete" when this system is introduced. IMO what the CAA should do is allow companies to submit a Class Licence eg DJI Mini Class fit the no restriction, DJI Air Class fit Class B etc etc. I know that if I lived in the UK/EU I it would mean the end of droning for me as I wouldn't be arable to replace them
Hey Can Fly WA! It is a real concern. Of the four consumer drones I own, only one would be usable in congested areas after the end of 2022. It is frustrating for people to invest in these units and not be able to use them in the longer term. I still use drones I purchased years ago! Fingers crossed this gets sorted but I fear the consumer level drones will miss out.
If you fly a domestic size drone in a legal park why should you need insurance (presumed third party like 400 feet is AGL or local QFE and not AMSL or QNH) just because you took a quid of someone for a photograph of them? Although I had insurance cover for mine, it was only in the last decade of the 20th century that third party insurance became compulsory for private aircraft with a UK Cof A unless you wanted to land at a government ran airfield. When it became compulsory the premiums increased. An airliner has a copy of it's insurance certificate on the flight deck. Around 2000AD the cover for a B767 was around 300 million $US. If a drone accident in the park (insurance will probably be invalidated if the accident happens in illegal airspace outside the park) costs more than the operator can afford it is probably a "Russian dashcam scam". Yes it pays to know what the law is, even when it is photocopied rubbish, but remember £9 from 40,000 people without doing anything is better than £1000 from 200 accompanied by prominent responsibility. Regulating is no longer a public service safety issue. It is now a business and insurance has always been gambling by the providers. Like RC models are largely a hobby so regulating them is a money making CAA hobby. Try asking them what category the airspace between my lawn and the highest tree in my garden is. It was irrelevant for manned flight but not any more.