1000ft Exemption renewed

[Brucey]

Looks like the CAA have renewed the 1000ft exemption even with all the plastic bags hitting aircraft!

http://publicapps.caa.co.uk/docs/33/1168.pdf

[dogzilla]

The CAA and press are still widely reporting the 400ft limit. Is that because 400ft is the normal limit and the 1000ft is only an exemption in special circumstances?

For example on the CAA site: https://www.caa.co.uk/Consumers/Model-aircraft-and-drones/Flying-drones/
And their PDF: http://publicapps.caa.co.uk/docs/33/CAP1202droneawareNov15.pdf

[Ratty]

Yup, 400ft is the normal limit to any random who goes to the shop and buys a RTF "drone". If you are addicted, do your research, and get insured, you are rewarded with the privilege of an exemption.  ;D

That's how I see it anyway.

[Loopdreams]

I'm not sure where the 400ft thing in the drone code comes from, I guess it's just a guideline which they are trying to pass off as a rule.  Because as far as I was aware it's only models over 7KG that need permission to go higher.  There is no height restriction for models under that other than maintaining visual contact, unless you are flying FPV in which case the restriction in the exemption comes into play and you should not exceed 1000ft.

[Ratty]

I think they are just trying to pass the guide lines off as rules to your average punter. Which is think is a good idea.

You don't want them to know you can buy a Phantom and fly it as high as you can see it.

[FPVSteve]

I may be wrong but I thought it was to ensure at least 100ft separation from VFR aircraft who have to be >= 500ft:

In the UK, the Rules of the Air define clearly in the principles of Low Flying Rules in Rule 5. The main principle is that an aircraft must always be able to perform an emergency landing in a case of engine failure. Hence these three criteria:

500 ft rule
An aircraft must not fly closer than 500 ft to any person, vessel, vehicle, building or structure.
1000 ft rule
If an aircraft is flying over a congested area (town, settlement, etc.) it must fly high enough so that in the case of an engine failure, it is able to land clear without being a danger to people AND it must not fly less than 1000 ft above the highest fixed object within 600m of the aircraft.

Interesting that last point because I have wind turbines about 1km from my house and daily VFR aircraft flying over them at way less than 1000ft .. the wind turbines are what, 200ft tall? So in theory these aircraft should be at 1,200ft so I can bloody fly wherever I want \0/ :laugh:

Bloody full-size - think they own the place :D

[Xup]

You need to come to Wales Steve ...try flying here ! ( could be you in the photo ;))
No rules help here.

[stevec]

those PSS models are getting ridiculously big these days!

[BigT]

I'm not sure where the 400ft thing in the drone code comes from, I guess it's just a guideline which they are trying to pass off as a rule.  Because as far as I was aware it's only models over 7KG that need permission to go higher.  There is no height restriction for models under that other than maintaining visual contact, unless you are flying FPV in which case the restriction in the exemption comes into play and you should not exceed 1000ft.

It's all here
http://achievements.bmfa.org/mandatory-questions

CAA General Exemption E 4049 – permits FPV flight without a buddy box, but with a competent observer.

(a) The competent observer must maintain direct unaided visual contact with the model at all times
(b) The aircraft must be below 3.5kg including batteries and fuel

[Liam B.]

I may be wrong but I thought it was to ensure at least 100ft separation from VFR aircraft who have to be >= 500ft:

Interesting that last point because I have wind turbines about 1km from my house and daily VFR aircraft flying over them at way less than 1000ft .. the wind turbines are what, 200ft tall? So in theory these aircraft should be at 1,200ft so I can bloody fly wherever I want \0/ :laugh:

Bloody full-size - think they own the place :D

But are the wind turbines in a congested area? otherwise, you'd be able to fly over them at ca.700ft.

The other thing is the exemptions to the 500ft rule. For example gliders ridge soaring, pretty sure some of you slope guys know what it's like (depending where you fly) :laugh:.  :laugh:

[Dizzy]

I do laugh at some of these threads How about the free flight guys who send planes weighing in in at huge amounts with a petrol 4 stroke or large ic on the front with no control what so ever going far and above the 1000 ft limit I really think we get targeted  some times especially since this stupid word Drone as appeared to become the media's favourite word these days  :laugh:

dizzy :P

[electrotor]

Dizzy, I take your point but you are being a little unfair to the free flight guys. I have attended many free flight meetings over the years and very few of the models are large and I have yet to see a petrol one. Despite their size, even the large models are surprisingly light.
On the flip side though, once launched there is no possibility of control input and some do fly for miles. Interestingly the regulations for free flight are somewhat scant compared to r/c.

Chapter 7 Other Models
1 Free Flight Models
1.1 Only Fly:
• On sites that are clear and open with adequate open space downwind of the launch point. (With a strong wind this distance could be considerable.)
• In good visibility.
• After you have ensured that any spectators are clear of the intended initial flight path of the model.
• With due consideration for other people and property.

Also the most injuries I have witnessed have been at free flight meetings, notably the fun fly at the BMFA Nationals. There are always people being carted off with bleeding head injuries. Personally I take the risk because I can still move quickly if the circumstances demand and the I know the risks, but not everyone who attends is aware enough or agile enough to get out of the way.

[BlueFlyer]

The only injuries I'm aware of in FPV is the odd finger shred due to self carelessness lol... certainly no bleeding head injuries lol

[BigT]

The only injuries I'm aware of in FPV is the odd finger shred due to self carelessness lol... certainly no bleeding head injuries lol

Bleeding wallet in my case. I've always thought that free for all free flight at the Nats is a stupid thing.

[BigT]

Dizzy, I take your point but you are being a little unfair to the free flight guys. I have attended many free flight meetings over the years and very few of the models are large and I have yet to see a petrol one. Despite their size, even the large models are surprisingly light.
On the flip side though, once launched there is no possibility of control input and some do fly for miles. Interestingly the regulations for free flight are somewhat scant compared to r/c.

Chapter 7 Other Models
1 Free Flight Models
1.1 Only Fly:
• On sites that are clear and open with adequate open space downwind of the launch point. (With a strong wind this distance could be considerable.)
• In good visibility.
• After you have ensured that any spectators are clear of the intended initial flight path of the model.
• With due consideration for other people and property.

Also the most injuries I have witnessed have been at free flight meetings, notably the fun fly at the BMFA Nationals. There are always people being carted off with bleeding head injuries. Personally I take the risk because I can still move quickly if the circumstances demand and the I know the risks, but not everyone who attends is aware enough or agile enough to get out of the way.

Unless of course one had a camera on board then it becomes a UASV