Safe Use of Drones
Drone Safety – It’s your responsibility.
Drone Safety – It’s your responsibility.
Flying drones has become a popular hobby, with these unmanned aircraft ranking as one of the UK’s top gifts. Drones are used for a variety of purposes, from recreational flying and aerial photography to commercial activities like surveying, mapping, and delivering goods. Whether used for fun or work, it’s crucial to understand the regulations surrounding their operation.
Do you have a drone or unmanned aircraft? It’s important to be aware of the UK laws governing their flight. In partnership with Police Scotland and South Ayrshire Council, we’re committed to educating the public on the importance of following the Drone Safe Code, which helps ensure both safety and compliance with legal requirements.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), responsible for regulating UK airspace, has established legal obligations to protect both drone operators and the public. These rules are designed to ensure that everyone can enjoy their drones safely without disrupting other aircraft or putting people at risk.
Drone flight restriction zones around airports and airfields has changed.
There is a 5km restriction zone around Glasgow Prestwick Airport and all other airports and airfields in the UK. The use of drones near an airfield could endanger aircraft operations.
It is illegal to fly a drone within these restricted zones and operators may be subject to prosecution. To protect yourself and others, operators can safely fly their drones outside this restriction zone.
The CAA has updated their Guidance Document – CAP 722: Unmanned Aircraft System Operations in UK Airspace on 16 April 2024
The CAA have also created a Drone and Model Aircraft Registration and Education Scheme to support users with how to use them safely.
For more information please visit the CAA’s website.
Importantly, if you are a drone operator either for pleasure or commercial reasons you must label it with your ID. It is against the law to fly a drone without it being labelled.
Did you know that thousands of drones go missing each year? Therefore, not only having your operator ID clearly labelled on your drone ensures you are compliant, it could also help re-unite you with it should you every lose it.
More information on the re-uniting of drones visit the CAA’s drone re-united website.
Furthermore, to the above regulations there are some other rules that operators must comply with. The drone code has been put together by the CAA to keep everyone and the airspace safe.
Drone operators should follow the below Drone code;
Don’t fly near airports or airfields
Remember to stay below 400ft (120m)
Observe your drone at all times – Stay 150ft (approx. 50m) from people and property
Never fly near aircraft
Enjoy responsibly
Operators are responsible for the safe and legal compliance of each flight. By not following regulations set for yours and others safety, you could face prosecution.
For more information you can visit the CAA Website or download the Drone Assist app.
Glasgow Prestwick Airport supports the safe and legal use of drone flights. Should you wish to operate a drone, including in the restricted zone, please initially contact Police Scotland on 101 who will issue you with a Police Incident Reference Number.
Operators must then contact Glasgow Prestwick’s Air Traffic Control Unit (ATC) confirming details and the incident number given from Police Scotland. We will then co-ordinate the drone flight alongside Air Traffic Operations. Enquiries should be sent to our ATC team by using our Contact form.
Permission will only be granted at the discretion of Police Scotland and/or ATC.
Help us keep everyone and the airspace safe by reporting any concerns you may have with drones or unmanned aircraft being used close to Glasgow Prestwick Airport.
Reports should be made to Police Scotland by calling 101.
‘No Drone Zone’ signage has been placed in key areas around South Ayrshire. If you are reporting drone misuse and are close to one of the signs please quote the unique reference number to Police Scotland.
