Drones in Ireland (Republic of, to be sure)

[electrotor]

See that bit about no closer than 5k from an aerodrome? If that came here it would put an immediate stop on 9 local flying clubs that operate locally, 3 I belong to.

Whilst the UK does not have such a blanket restriction you might be surprised to know that model flying should not take place within controlled airspace without permission.

CAP658 Chapter 5.3
Air Traffic Control and Controlled Airspace
Before flying within controlled airspace or an ATZ
• Obtain permission from the appropriate air traffic control unit.

That doesn't mean of course that model flying can't take place, but restrictions may exist, for instance height, if controlled airspace starts at say 2000 ft above sea level and extends up from there. That is the case for the club I fly at. Our ground level is approximately 600ft above sea level so we have a fairly generous ceiling before controlled airspace starts. It just needs a little checking before you go chucking.  :)

[big a]

As per http://www.fpvhub.com/index.php/topic,47716.msg235504/topicseen.html#new

It wouldn't suprise me if the BMFA jump on the band wagon....

the BMFA position is that the current UK regulations are appropriate and more than adequate and this was put forward again quite strongly again (and agreed with by the CAA again) at the annual meeting with the CAA that all the various model aircraft flying associations at the start of December. That position was agreed with by all those present which was the BMFA, LMA, SAA and BARCS as well as a number of bods from the CAA.

What is needed is education for the masses which is the reason behind the joint BMFA/CAA Drone aware initiative that was launched at the Drone show by the BMFA/CAA

[Gundummy]

Electrotor is a robot .... only a data storage device can hold such quantities of valid information verbatim  ;)

the BMFA position is that the current UK regulations are appropriate and more than adequate and this was put forward again quite strongly again (and agreed with by the CAA again) at the annual meeting with the CAA that all the various model aircraft flying associations at the start of December. That position was agreed with by all those present which was the BMFA, LMA, SAA and BARCS as well as a number of bods from the CAA.

That's good to know.....BUT

It wouldn't suprise me if the BMFA jump on the band wagon.... ;D

[FPVSteve]

Was there any representation in attendance from FPVUK?

[yellowjacket]

One thing most people haven't picked up from the new IAA regs is that the requirement for Aerial Works Permits is gone if you fly within the new rules.  Training is also no longer needed under 4kg. You still can get a permit if you want to fly in controlled airspace / higher / further etc.
It means a very significant deregulation of commercial RPAS here though. No more €1500 barrier to commercial ops.

This process is also indicative of where EASA are going with rpas regulation.

[Gundummy]

the BMFA position is that the current UK regulations are appropriate and more than adequate

... i find that quite arrogant... how good of you to tell the governing body that what they are doing suits you...

(that's the way it came across)  :+

[electrotor]

the BMFA position is that the current UK regulations are appropriate and more than adequate and this was put forward again quite strongly again (and agreed with by the CAA again) at the annual meeting with the CAA that all the various model aircraft flying associations at the start of December. That position was agreed with by all those present which was the BMFA, LMA, SAA and BARCS as well as a number of bods from the CAA.

What is needed is education for the masses which is the reason behind the joint BMFA/CAA Drone aware initiative that was launched at the Drone show by the BMFA/CAA

I find that all quite reassuring and encouraging. Dialogue is very important, especially input from those who will be most affected but also know most about their own specialisation.
I too would like to know if anyone from FPVUK was present. Simon?

[Gundummy]

What is needed is education for the masses which is the reason behind the joint BMFA/CAA Drone aware initiative that was launched at the Drone show by the BMFA/CAA

:facepalm: Which is why i stated it wouldn't suprise me if the BMFA jump on the band wagon. 

no disrespect .... and it's to near Xmas to flog a dead horse

[Dizzy]

I can see a time when the best of FPV will be behind us, unfortunately everyone seems intent on making money or tightening the regs or both.

We live in a red tape society  :+

Why cant people just be sensible any more :(

dizzy :)

[Lola]

:facepalm:  this is getting out of hand

Could not agree more!

[electrotor]

I can see a time when the best of FPV will be behind us, unfortunately everyone seems intent on making money or tightening the regs or both.

We live in a red tape society  :+

Why cant people just be sensible any more :(

dizzy :)

I don't think it's quite as bad as it seems Dizzy. The problem is that not everyone has the capacity to be sensible and that is not new. That sensibility includes flying, making money and rule making.
We so often tend to think that things used to be so much better years ago. We used to hold control line combat & rat race competitions in a public park with no marshalling or barriers between anybody who wandered past and screaming 2 strokes. In reflection it was madness. Then think back to how much radio gear used to cost - a months wages for a 4 channel 27Mhz set. I'll give you the rule making one though, but that has something to do with a blame culture or a lack of personal responsibility for your own actions.
Cheer up though, you live in a lovely part of the UK with tremendous flying sites.

[big a]

... i find that quite arrogant... how good of you to tell the governing body that what they are doing suits you...

(that's the way it came across)  :+

Not quite sure where the arrogance is.

[Lola]

Not quite sure where the arrogance is.

I'm arrogant.... Sometimes. ✌️

[big a]

Was there any representation in attendance from FPVUK?

The minutes of the meeting are available to download at http://www.bmfa.org/Downloads/All-Downloads?Command=Core_Download&EntryId=1568 the LMA have also reported on the meeting at http://www.largemodelassociation.com/resources/over-20kg-scheme/annual-meeting-with-the-caa-2015/

[FPVSteve]

Thanks (although a simple no would have sufficed :D )

It's quite nice to read that it was the CAA who proposed extending the current exemption for FPV flyers.