FLYING DRONES / MODEL AIRCRAFT
The use of drones is a very rapidly developing part of the aviation scene adding to model aircraft flyers, and we’re very keen to work with owners /operators to promote their safe and legal use, both in the vicinity of Barton Aerodrome in and in general.
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What are the rules?
The Civil Aviation Authority are the regulator responsible for civilian aviation in the UK, as well as manned aircraft this extends to unmanned aircraft of all sizes.
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When flying drones and other remotely controlled aircraft, there are specific rules that must be observed. Civil Aviation Authority permission may be required for certain flights depending on where you plan to fly the drone.
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The CAA have published a Drone and Model Aircraft Code to assist users in ensuring flights are conducted safely and legally, without endangering others. For more information, please follow the link: The Drone and Model Aircraft Code
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Can I fly close to Barton Aerodrome?
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Barton Aerodrome is a 'Protected Aerodrome' with the meaning of the Air Navigation Order and has an ‘Flight Restricted Zone’ (FRZ), – an area of regulated airspace of 2 nautical miles radius around the airfield with further extensions of 5 kilometers by 1 kilometer from the end of each runway, designed to provide protection to aircraft landing and departing from us, (see map below). Within the FRZ, helicopters and aircraft can be expected at heights down to ground level as they arrive to land or take-off.
​In order to ensure compliance with the Air Navigation Order, and to reduce the risk of a drone or other remotely flown aircraft endangering the safety of any manned aircraft, you must not fly a small unmanned aircraft at any height within the red shaded areas, without first gaining approval from us. We will consider your requirements and, where possible we will work with you to ensure your flight can be achieved safely.
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The Air Navigation (Amendment) Order 2019 makes it a criminal offence to operate any drone or other remotely controlled aircraft within the Flight Restricted Zone, at any height, at at any time, without our permission. You must not operate a drone or model aircraft in this area without our express agreement.
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The full text of the Air Navigation (Amendment) Order 2019 can be found here
Further guidance can be found here
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REQUEST APPROVAL TO FLY WITHIN THE FRZ
Use the form below to request permission for a drone or model aircraft flight in the FRZ. This allows us to ensure your flight can be completed safely. Please do not fly without us confirming permission.
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Please provide at least 24 hours notice prior to your planned flight. If you are unable to provide 24 hours notice, please contact us on 0161 789 1362.