What you should know before flying a drone

Video   |   25th May 2023

Go above and beyond with drone videography, but don't forget to comply with the laws surrounding flying one.

There’s no denying the advantages that a drone can bring to your visuals, whether that be through still photography or video. But as they grow more accessible to the average user, many people are unaware of the laws and regulations that surround flying a drone.

Here at ads creative solutions, we are lucky to have Rob, who is a fully qualified drone pilot. His knowledge and expertise allow us to capture content that is not only of the highest-quality but done in a safe and law-abiding manner.

What are the rules for flying a drone in the UK?

Whether you’re flying for personal or commercial use, all drones and their pilots must meet the following requirements:

• Your drone must weigh under 25kg
• You must not fly about 400 feet in altitude or 500 metres above you
• Drones must be kept in a visual line of sight at all times
• Always remain at least 1 kilometre away from other aircraft and airports/airfields

What are the rules for flying a drone with a camera?

All the above rules still apply but alongside these additional measures:

• You cannot fly within 50 metres of people, vehicles, buildings or vessels
• The drone must not be flown within 150 meters of congested areas or any large group of people, such as festivals or sporting events.

Do I need to register my drone?

Yes. All drones within the UK weighing more than 250 grams must be registered with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). This requirement applies to both recreational and commercial drone users.

Upon successful registration, you will receive a unique operator ID, which must be displayed on your drone.

What are the benefits of using ads creative solutions to capture drone content?

Whilst drones may be more accessible to the average consumer, abiding by all the rules and regulations becomes an increasing challenge.

Rob has been operating drones for over five years and is a fully licensed drone pilot.

Not only can you take advantage of Rob’s license and have the peace of mind he’s fully insured, but you’ll also benefit from his pre and post-flight work.

Here’s a quick preview of some of the aspects that are included in one of our drone shoots:

Pre-planning:
– Reviewing the proposed site for the shoot, which includes assessing whether it is safe to fly and conducting a full risk assessment.

Shooting:
– Planned flight path and storyboard of the content that will be captured, giving you a true feel of the story that will be produced.

Post-production:
– After the shoot, the post-production begins where Rob will meticulously pick through the footage to produce a high-end video using Premier Pro.

In Conclusion

Drones are undeniably a fantastic way to elevate your brand’s story but done wrong can land you in hot water. We all remember the Gatwick scenario, right? That’s one of many reasons why the regulations are so strict.

If you’re clued up, then take to the skies, but if you’re not ready to take on the burden of becoming a fully insured and licensed pilot, why not give Rob a call? Not only is he a licensed pilot, but he’s also an incredibly skilled photographer, with a creative eye for detail. Plus he’ll take any excuse to get the drone out on a sunny day!

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