FPVUK E-Mail ... Safety Sheet for Drones bought from shops

[FPVSteve]

Just received this through in an e-mail from FPVUK.

http://www.fpvuk.org/files/CAP%201202%20UAV%20safety%20notice.%20X.pdf

I think it looks like a fantastic start.

The only real problem I see is that it isn't specific with units. For instance, stating "stay well away from airports" ... some might consider that 500m away is far enough but of course it isn't, and they'd be flying illegally.

What do you think? Does it need specific distances and altitudes or as a guide (with, I note, a link to the caa UAS page which does have specifics) that comes in the box with say a Phantom, is it enough?

Either way - great start Simon Dale and everyone else involved in this type of thing...

[Dave]

It does look like a good start but will anyone actually read it?
Im like a kid at Christmas whenever I get anything and just want to play. Anything papery that may require the effort of reading is quickly shoved aside!

I agree with a minimum distance recommendation though.
Oh, and why use the word 'drone'? Its an awefull word that seems to have stuck (unfortunately), surely UAV would be more encompasing?

[stef1]

i agree that this is a good start

i think that that the guys are right about heights and distance and possible fines for breaching the rules nothing get peoples attention like "this could seriously affect my bank balance"

i went to silverstone over the weekend just gone for the british moto gp i was sitting on the grass inbetween two parts of the track and this guy just walkes past me with a phantom with gopro attached and its box in his other hand

i did not see him fly it while i was at this part of the track but there was 90000 people there and live tv coverage helicopters flying around i could picture the headlines in the papers drone downs one of the helicopters or drone crashes into the bikes racing
or drone hurts one of the spectators

this guy either knows what the rules are and just does not care or has never been informed about them either was it was sheer stupidity to even bring the phantom to an event like this

i am all for the leaflet being distributed with new multirotors!!

its people like this that will kill our hobby!!

[Heliotrope]

It would be better if they said "you must not" rather than "don't" when it comes to congested areas and 50 metres. Also a link to the web page with the law should be included, it all looks a bit timid to me.

[Ynot6]

i replied to the email, i said that the numbers should be included, and that the retailers should have something telling them to make sure that the customer is fully aware of the leaflet and its contents.

[wgt40w]

i replied to the email, i said that the numbers should be included, and that the retailers should have something telling them to make sure that the customer is fully aware of the leaflet and its contents.

The only thing against numbers is - how does the pilot measure them ?

It's like the old joke:

"How high is 400 feet?", the spectator asked me, "one foot higher than my plane", I answered.

[Billy_boy_2010]

Looks good.

But if the phrasing is obeyed exactly, "you must keep your drone in your line of sight at all times".

Then fpv goggles are out.

And so is flying beyond what, 300m? Unless you have a massive craft.

Are these rules or guidelines?

[Ynot6]

may be a note should be added to look up the FPV regs (with link). as for distances, the rules say no further than the pilot (competent observer) can see the aircraft, no change. nav lights help extend my LOS range on my F330.

[FPVSteve]

I think the general idea behind this information is that it will be in the box when a product is purchased... better than nothing at the moment.

Will it make a difference? Not measurable, but ignorance will no longer be an excuse.

[DaveyLC]

I still like my idea.. Force the manufacturers to make all flight controllers require the user to register them before they can be armed and used.. Prior to registration the user must read some safety information or watch a video.

[electrotor]

Looks good.

But if the phrasing is obeyed exactly, "you must keep your drone in your line of sight at all times".

Then fpv goggles are out.

And so is flying beyond what, 300m? Unless you have a massive craft.

Are these rules or guidelines?

The leaflet does not deal with FPV or even mention it - FPV is a separate issue for which there is exemption on condition of having a competent observer who maintains line of sight at all times.

http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/33/ORS4%20No.%201011%20Small%20Unmanned%20Aircraft.pdf

The rules are in the ANO and expanded by CAPs. Happy reading - most of what you need to know is in CAP 658.

https://www.caa.co.uk/application.aspx?catid=33&pagetype=65&appid=11&mode=detail&id=226

http://www.caa.co.uk/application.aspx?catid=33&pagetype=65&appid=11&mode=detail&id=5631

https://www.caa.co.uk/application.aspx?catid=33&pagetype=65&appid=11&mode=detail&id=415

[FPVSteve]

I still like my idea.. Force the manufacturers to make all flight controllers require the user to register them before they can be armed and used.. Prior to registration the user must read some safety information or watch a video.

Hmm .. wouldn't they need an instruction sheet to tell them how to register? :laugh:

I wonder if they could tie it into a simulator .. i.e. unlock altitude/distance restrictions if they can score 32109 on "World 1-1 .. Flying Around A Field" :D

[BigT]

I think the general idea behind this information is that it will be in the box when a product is purchased... better than nothing at the moment.

Will it make a difference? Not measurable, but ignorance will no longer be an excuse.

Ignorance of the law has never been a valid defence in the UK  eg not knowing the speed limit is not a defence.


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[BigT]

I still like my idea.. Force the manufacturers to make all flight controllers require the user to register them before they can be armed and used.. Prior to registration the user must read some safety information or watch a video.

Surely you would then need to do this for every new RC Tx sold into the UK. Then how do you deal with the second hand market?  I have always thought that this issue needs a multi agency solution. I may be wrong but I seem to remember that when I first started in RC in the late 60's on 27mhz you had to buy a radio telegraphy licence from the post office but no one bothered as it wasn't policed. Got dropped just like the dog licence.
My simple solution
1 Government make Retailers importers manufacturers put a warning on the outside of the box prior to shipping or handing over the item. Just like tobacco. Name and address along with proof of id taken at point of sale and then forwarded to CAA. If sold on as used then the original owners record is on file.  This is similar to the existing rules regarding TV sales
2 Leaflet inside box with warning repeated plus list of fines including simple do's and do not's.
3 Get the press to keep repeating the message that these toys are dangerous and the use of them is covered by laws.

That should kill the market stone dead



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[phantomoperator]

I agree it is a good idea to include this leaflet (Needs some modification though) in every box, and it should be mandatory for the purchaser to read and acknowledge it in some way.
As has been said FPV is a different ball game, but it still requires a spotter with LOS.
So how far is that. sight varies enormously as I can subscribe to. ''Her in doors'' is mine even within the 300 m range.
So what happens to those who want to and do do flights of over a kilometer. I defy anyone to be able to keep a UAV in sight at that distance. You just have to look at the videos of such flight on Youtube. Like some of over a mile away. And there are those on here and on other sites who are asking how to alter their antennae to get more and more range.
There are many RULES in place already that cover it all. so there is really no excuse for not understanding them. Besides which if a case does come to court.... In Law Ignorance Is No Excuse.. Or so I understand.