Tips to fly your drone safely and legally

ByMDG

Legal requirements when flying drones

  1. Drone pilots must follow the rules related to drones by the National Aviation Authority. You should read these regulations in full before you fly your drone for the first time.
  2. Drone pilots must carry a valid drone pilot certificate and only fly drones that are marked and registered. If you are flying a drone that is less than 250 grams, you do not need to register the drone or get a drone pilot certificate.
  3. Drone pilots must carry a valid drone pilot certificate at all times while operating their drones.

You must respect all other laws when flying your drone. Aviation authorities usually investigate reports of unsafe flying. They may involve local police if you break other laws. You must respect the privacy rights of others when you fly.

Drone pilot responsibilities

Manage

  • Plan for normal and non-normal conditions
  • Make decisions in normal conditions
  • Recognize and respond to non-normal conditions
  • Transfer control

Aviate

  • Monitor and control aircraft systems, including automation
  • Monitor consumable resources
  • Monitor and configure control station
  • Collision avoidance maneuver to avoid aircraft or terrain
  • Monitor and control status of links

Navigate

  • Control and monitor location and flight path of aircraft
  • Remain clear of terrain, airspace boundaries, and weather
  • Self-separate from other aircraft
  • Ensure that the lost link procedure is appropriate as the flight progresses
  • Terminate flight

Communicate

  • Communicate with ATC
  • Communicate with other airspace users
  • Communicate with other flight crew or ground support
  • Communicate with ancillary services (e. g. weather)

Fly your drone safely

Once you fulfill the legal requirements, It is equally important that you fly your drone responsibly to avoid harming others.

Before you fly

  1. Understand your legal requirements when flying drones
  2. Get the necessary knowledge requirements
  3. Get a drone pilot certificate
  4. Register your drone
  5. Follow your drone manufacturer’s instructions
  6. Survey the area where you will fly – Take note of any obstacles, such as buildings and power lines

While flying

To keep yourself and others safe, fly your drone:

  1. Where you can see it at all times
  2. Below 400 feet in the air
  3. Away from emergency operations and advertised events – Avoid forest fires, outdoor concerts, and parades
  4. Away from airports and heliports
  5. Far away from other aircraft – Don’t fly anywhere near airplanes, helicopters, and other drones

Penalties

You could face serious penalties, including fines and/or jail time if you break the rules.

Tips for first-time pilots

  • Make sure it is safe to fly – Pre-flight checklist
  • Fly your drone with someone who has flown a drone before
  • Fly your drone in an open space and away from people
  • Fly your drone close to the ground and at a low speed
  • Fly your drone during daylight and in good weather

Operation of Drone – Do’s and Don’ts

The drone is a new addition to the aviation sector. This technology has a promising effect on economic growth worldwide in the both manufacturing and service industry. As more people enter the commercial and recreational hobby drone scene; the prospects for drone accidents/incidents also multiply. This applies not just to newcomers/ amateurs but even to professionals. Here are some operational safety tips to ensure that you have a better and safer flying experience, not just for yourself but the people around you.

Do’s

  • Ensure your Drone (except Nano in uncontrolled airspace up to 50ft) is “No Permission – No Takeoff” (NPNT) Compliant.
  • Obtain a Unique Identification Number (UIN) from the competent authority for operating in controlled airspace and affix it to your drone.
  • Obtain an Unmanned Aircraft Operator Permit (UAOP), if applicable from the competent authority for commercial operations and keep it handy.
  • Ensure the drone is in good condition (not damaged) and fit for flying safely.
  • Keep an eye on interference: Interference can be from mobile devices or blockage of signals, do watch out when flying your drone.
  • Fly only during daylight (after sunrise to before sunset).
  • Fly in good weather: Good weather lets you not only fly your drone better but also keep track of it in the air.
  • Fly in visual line of sight (VLOS): Always be within visual range of your drone.
  • Follow Flying Guidelines.
  • Do your homework before spending considerable money on a drone. Make sure you clearly understand all operational and regulatory aspects.
  • Be aware of Airspace Restrictions/ No Drone Zones.
  • Do stay away from airports and heliports.
  • Respect the privacy of people.
  • Keep local police informed about your drone flying activity. If you are ever approached by police, provide all requisite information.
  • Do log your flights and intimate concerned authorities (like aviation regulator, local police, etc.) of any incidents or accidents.

Don’ts

  • Don’t fly a Nano drone above 50ft (15m) from the ground level.
  • Don’t fly a Micro drone above 200ft (60m) from the ground level.
  • Don’t fly drones more than 400ft (120m) from the ground level.
  • Don’t fly drones near other aircraft (manned or unmanned).
  • Don’t fly drones near airports and heliports.
  • Don’t fly drones over groups of people, public events, or stadiums full of people without permission.
  • Don’t fly drones over government facilities, military bases, or over/near any no-drone zones.
  • Don’t fly drones over private property unless permission is given.
  • Don’t fly drones in controlled airspace near airports without permission.
  • Don’t drop or carry hazardous material.
  • Don’t fly drones under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
  • Don’t fly drones from a moving vehicle, ship, or aircraft.