9 main rules from the Drone Code

The Drone Code is written by the Civil Aviation Authority and is there to protect the public from misuse of drones.

This article relates to drones that are under 250g with a camera such as the DJI Mini 3 Pro and is for the benefit of non drone fliers.

I'd like to point out that Drones in 2023 are actually very safe with:

1. High-tech, robust transmission systems between drone and controller

2. GPS to hold drone in position

3. Obstacle avoidance sensors

4. Drones have a 'return to home' feature

5. Controllers with clear information

6. A wealth of online training and information

There are actually 37 rules in the code, but here are the main 9:

1 - Respect other people and their privacy

We must respect other people’s privacy. If we use these devices where people can expect privacy, such as inside their home or garden, we’re likely to be breaking data protection laws.

It’s against the law to take photographs or record video or sound for criminal or terrorist purposes.

Any photos or recordings we take may be covered by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)..

2 - We keep our drone with in sight

We always keep our drone or model aircraft in direct sight and make sure we have a full view of the surrounding airspace

We must be sure that we’ll be able to spot any nearby hazards, in the air or on the ground, and avoid any collisions.

For most drones this also means the drone cannot be more than 500m away as we simply cannot see it. You can't use binoculars.

3 - We fly below 120m/400ft

Flying below the legal height limit of 120m (400ft) will reduce the risk of coming across other aircraft, which normally fly higher than this. We listen out for aircraft that may be flying lower.

4 - We stay more than 50m away from uninvolved people if we can

When flying a drone or model aircraft that’s below 250g, we can fly closer to people than 50m and we can fly over them if safe to do so.

We must never put people in danger. Even small drones and model aircraft could injure people if we don’t fly them safely.

5 - We don't fly over crowds

Only with special permission from the CAA can we fly over crowds. These include busy roads, shopping centres, rallies, sporting events, music events, busy beaches and fetes.

6 - We stay well away from airports and airfields and are aware of restricted airspace

Most airports, airfields and spaceports have a flight restriction zone (FRZ). We can find these online within via official sources but it's easier to use this site, or an app like Drone Assist.

There can also be local bye-laws about where you cannot take off from and these rules can be hard to find.

7 - We need to be aware of all these flying risks and know how to mitigate them:

1. Low battery

2. Sudden poor weather

3. Birds and wildlife

4. Signal lost to controller

5. Ground distractions to the pilot

6. Radio interference in built up areas

7. Power lines

8. Tall buildings and trees

8 - We make sure we know what our drone can do and get our Operator and Flyer ID from the CAA

It's imperative to know our drones inside and out and to be able to act calmly in an emergency. It is wise to read and even print out the manual, watch tutorials and practice! The DJI mini 3, for example, has on its display a power display in percent and minutes. It also has a locator map as well as height, speed and distance from me.

Our drones are labelled with our operator ID. That's the person responsible for the drone, with isn't always the same as the person flying it. That person, the pilot, needs a Flyer ID and the information can be found on the CAA's website. Other more extensive training can be taken to fly larger drones.

9 - We make sure we have the right insurance

This is mandatory for any paid work. Although insurance is optional we only fly for fun, recreation, sport, or as a hobby, we’re responsible for our actions. We could be held personally liable for any injury or damage we cause.

Conclusion

There's a lot more detail within the pdf on the CAA's website.