SUAs & Drones

Small Unmanned Aircraft And Drones

In the United Kingdom, flights of unmanned aircraft (drones) around aerodromes that are designated as ‘protected aerodromes’ are restricted.

With effect from 13 March 2019 new regulations came in to force regarding the flying of small unmanned aircraft (drones) in the vicinity of aerodromes with the establishment of flight restriction zones; details are set out in CAP2013. These restrictions apply to any small unmanned aircraft no matter how small.

Full details of the legislation can be found here.

 What you need to know

  • You must not fly a SUA (drone) within the flight restricted zone of a protected aerodrome without obtaining permission. Shobdon Airfield is a protected aerodrome. Diagrams showing the Flight Restricted Zones around Shobdon Airfield can be forwarded on request.

    The flight restricted zone is active at all times and applies to all small unmanned aircraft of any mass, even small toys.

    During the hours of operation of Shobdon Airfield ATC (summer and winter 0915 – 1700 local times) permission must be obtained from the Flight Information Services Officer on duty.

    Outside ATC hours permission must be obtained from the aerodrome operator. If permission cannot be obtained the flight may not take place.

    Any SUA (drone) remote pilots operating under ORS4 General Exemption E4853 are reminded that they shall not permit their aircraft to fly within the flight restriction zone of a protected aerodrome without permission.

  • When you fly a SUA (drone) in the UK, it is your responsibility to be aware of the rules that are in place to keep everyone safe. Follow these simple steps to make sure you are flying safely and legally.

    The Drone Code

  • The administration charge is £20 + VAT per flight.

  • SUA (drone) flight requests with Shobdon Airfield must be submitted 48 hours in advance. If you have any urgent requirements that sit outside of these parameters, please submit a flight request, and contact us at +44 1568 708 369 during office hours or email airfieldops@shobdonairfield.co.uk.

    The operator must also contact Shobdon Airfield at least 1 hour prior to launching the SUA (drone) to obtain FISO Clearance. Please ensure that you have your authorisation number.

Requesting Permission

Terms & Conditions

01.

The flight is to be conducted in accordance with the Air Navigation Order and you are responsible for avoiding all other aircraft at all times. You must have a flight assistant present at all times to maintain lookout and visual contact with the SUA (drone).

02.

The on-site Operator shall have this Approval, CAA Permission for Commercial Operation (if required) and when relevant Non-Standard Flight Permission from NATS) (for operations in the R157 Restricted Airspace) in their possession at all times during flight. (See https://www.nats.aero/airspace/drones/ and www.caa.co.uk/uas)

03.

The granting of Air Traffic Control Approval/ Clearance does not imply exemption from the requirements of the Air Navigation Order or the Rules of the Air Regulations. Applications for flights which require exemption or written permission under the Air Navigation Order must be made to the Civil Aviation Authority.

04.

Approval for access to airspace is given on the basis of remaining entirely within the limits of the stated lateral and vertical operating area stated above and no safety assurance against other Unusual Air Activities taking place in the same area is given or implied.

05.

The operator/ flight assistant shall maintain an exclusive telephone line for ATC to contact them in the event of an emergency. The SUA (drone) must be landed immediately if any incident arises or is likely.

06.

At least 500ft vertical separation must be maintained at all times between the minimum height available to aircraft within the ATZ and the maximum height at which the SUA (Drone) is flown.

07.

The Operator must maintain direct, unaided visual contact with the SUA (Drone) at all times, sufficient to monitor its flight path in relation to other aircraft, persons, vehicles, vessels and structures for the purpose of avoiding collisions for which you are exclusively responsible and liable for.

08.

Operators are required to have SUA (drone) Insurance sufficient to cover all aviation risks that may arise.


09.

Please advise us of any changes to the arrangements.

Please be advised that any information given may be shared with local Police Counter Terrorism.