Flight rules summary for FPV and LOS in the UK

[Shikra]

A while back Jumpy07 created an excellent summary of flight rules for the UK.

These are now up on google for reference and review.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1DljvrxC1NDZmi-05MdJ2r-QT1t_Z2BQ70QuWl_7n8f0/edit?usp=sharing

Any suggestion for improvements?
There is a link for requesting any changes or amendments

Here is snapshot from earlier. Please refer to the link for latest update:


Let me know if any thoughts or should be any changes...

[Hubsanman]

I think the top line text should be in white as black on dark blue is not easy to read...

[Billy_boy_2010]

Looks bloody good to me.

The green box one in from the right in the fpv row- which is currently blank- shouldn't that be 50m? I know at take off and landing you have to be 30m clear from passers by, but isn't it 50m the rest of the time?

[BigT]

There are a few errors, especially with the 7-20-kg section. Quoting CAP 658
Additional Requirements – Models
Having a Mass from 7 kg to 20 kg
Should only be flown
• Clear of controlled airspace unless wi
th Air Traffic Control (ATC) permission.
• Clear of any Aerodrome Traffic Zone (ATZ) unless with ATC permission.
• At less than 400 ft above the point of
launch except with permission as above.
• Well clear of any congested area
of a city, town or settlement.
• At least 50 m clear of persons, vessels,
vehicles or structures. This can be reduced
to 30 m for take-off or landing. Other model operators and any assistants or
officials may be within this distance; as
may vessels, vehicles or structures under
their control
And
A serviceable 'fail-safe' mechanism should be incorporated
to operate on loss
of signal or detection of an interfering signal. For example on an internal
combustion power driven model this should operate, as a minimum, to reduce the
engine(s) speed to idle.

And Generally for all models
Avoid low overflight of houses, domestic gard
ens, car parks, traffic or spectators. You
have no control over people walking by
at a reasonable distance from your
take-off/landing area but you should take
care not to overfly them at low level.

Its all here
http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/33/CAP658%204%20Edition%20Amend%201%20June%202013.pdf

[Shikra]

Looks bloody good to me.

The green box one in from the right in the fpv row- which is currently blank- shouldn't that be 50m? I know at take off and landing you have to be 30m clear from passers by, but isn't it 50m the rest of the time?

This is why I want to get this spreadsheet correct :)

My interpretation of the ANO is this restriction does not apply for hobby without camera....

Updated unless someone can advise otherwise

[Shikra]

I think the top line text should be in white as black on dark blue is not easy to read...

Done

[Shikra]

There are a few errors, especially with the 7-20-kg section. Quoting CAP 658

Cheer for reply
Can you advise any specifics...
Preferably with reference to the ANO

Also If it says should... its not mandatory in legal terms. 

Not going to cover every item, but I think to your points - a few key rules should be listed too.

[krikey]

With regards to the FPV option, I was of the impression that max distance was based on how far your spotter can see the plane unaided, not 500m. Or am I incorrect?

[Shikra]

Agree - no reference to it in the exemption notice. Amended...

As long as not recording video of course. Or any other forms of data acquisition!

[BigT]

There are a few errors, especially with the 7-20-kg section. Quoting CAP 658

Also If it says should... its not mandatory in legal terms. 

From personal experience you would need a very smart barrister to defend your actions in front of a CAA board or jury to explain why you thought it not necessary to take "all possible care that your actions where not irresponsible" Trust me and interpret "should" as "if you don't you are being stupid and deserve a punishment". I'll look at the 7 to 20 kg LMA rules and get back.

[wgt40w]

There are a few errors, especially with the 7-20-kg section. Quoting CAP 658

Also If it says should... its not mandatory in legal terms. 

From personal experience you would need a very smart barrister to defend your actions in front of a CAA board or jury to explain why you thought it not necessary to take "all possible care that your actions where not irresponsible" Trust me and interpret "should" as "if you don't you are being stupid and deserve a punishment". I'll look at the 7 to 20 kg LMA rules and get back.

+ 1

It's like the car offence of "driving without due care and attention", which is a charge that is impossible to defend as by the fact that an incident or accident has occurred proves 'you' were driving without due care and attention.

"Should" = common sense in the legislators minds. Don't do it and you could be held to be guilty of carelessness or stupidity. Any claim for damages would go badly against you.