Drone Use
Drone use has had a bad press in the UK after the Gatwick issues last year, these drones were maliciously modified to remove the safeguard software stopping them being used within a restricted zone.
Since Gatwick the CAA has adopted even more rigorous drone regulations to guard against drone misuse. There are specific drone laws and regulations with virtual barriers (using GPS), that all drone manufacturers have built in to stop this happening and protect the general public.
Laws and Licensing
The Civil Authority Authority (CAA) has adopted the new European Aviation Safety Authority (EASA) drone regulations. The UK has been directly involved in assisting EASA develop the new licensing.
The CAA were adopting the EASA regulations and licensing on July 31st , but due to Coronavirus has been delayed until to December 31st 2020
PfCO licences are phasing out in 2020 and new GV licences come into force for larger over 20kg Drones. In parallel a new commercial license for under 4kg drones called the A2CofC has been introduced. This is to allow flying closer to buildings that larger over 20Kg category drones are not safe for.
It is important to check drone pilots are licensed to fly close to buildings, that they have a commercial licence (can receive payment), are using the correct category of drone, and have commercial liability insurance.
In law - operating a drone without the above is no different from driving a Taxi ,without a drivers licence and no car insurance.