Since the 21st December 2015, drone registration has been mandatory in accordance with the Small Unmanned Aircraft (Drones) and Rockets Order S.I. 563 of 2015 for certain drones. All drones over 1kg must be registered, as do all drones, irrespective of weight flown higher than 15m above the ground or water.
Registration is a pretty simple two step process and can be applied for through, aisops@iaa.ie, the cost is once off fee of €5, and you will receive a sticker to be placed on your drone, visitors are more than welcome to apply .
Video for help with registration.
I have been flying drones commercially and as a hobbyist enthusiast under the Irish rules since there inception in 2014.
Drones I have flown in Ireland as hobbyists :
Phantom 2
Phantom 3 pro
Phantom 4
Phantom 4 pro
Spark
Mavic Pro
Mavic Air
Mavic 2 pro A@
Drones – Q&A
The use of drones is becoming more and more prevalent in Ireland and people who intend to operate drones should be aware of their responsibilities to ensure that they do so safely.
This Q&A information has been developed by the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) to provide users with information regarding the use of drones in Ireland.
1. What is a Drone?
A drone is an unmanned aircraft / remotely piloted aircraft.
2. Is there a difference between a drone and a model aircraft?
Model aircraft and drones are both considered small unmanned aircraft and the same rules apply to their operation. These rules are contained within in the Small Unmanned Aircraft (Drones) and Rockets Order, 2015 (SI 563 of 2015).
3. What aviation regulations govern the use of drones?
The Small Unmanned Aircraft (Drones) and Rockets Order, 2015 (SI 563 of 2015) regulates the use of drones in Ireland. There are also Aeronautical Notices that apply to the use of drones only.
4. What is prohibited regarding the operation of drones?
The Small Unmanned Aircraft (Drones) and Rockets Order, 2015 (SI 563 of 2015) contains a number of limitations for the operation of drones. These include never operating a drone:
• if it will be a hazard to another aircraft in flight
• over an assembly of people - 12 persons or more
• farther than 300m from the person operating the drone
• within 30m of any person, vessel or structure not under the control of the
person operating the drone
• closer than 5km from an aerodrome
• in a negligent or reckless manner so as to endanger life or property of others
• over 400ft (120m) above ground level
• over urban areas
• in civil or military controlled airspace
• in restricted areas (e.g. military installations, prisons, etc.)
• unless the person operating the drone has permission from the landowner for take-off and
landing.
Travelling to Ireland with your Drone. Customs .
Bringing drone through customs is not a problem , you can both bring as carry on luggage or checked in luggage.
You must remove all batteries and these must be carried on board, it is expected that these will be carried in lipo bags and power should be reduced to minimum.
Numbers of batteries are Ltd and differ to each carrier so check before you leave, it is accepted that you can split batteries between other travelers flying with you, I often carry on 3 batteries and give my wife another 3 with no problems .
Overall flying in Ireland :
Ireland is very similar to most countries throughout the world, it’s difficult in major cities , many cities you can fly under strict rules like Height limits distance limits flying around or over people.
Outside of cities drones are by and large accepted by general public, provided you show some respect for the area your flying in, asking for permission if your not sure if it’s ok to fly.
I think Irish people are fascinated by drones, and will be forward in approaching you to see what you are doing, it’s part of our nature.
If it’s possible offer to show what your doing or maybe email or send some photos, you will be in their favour for ever ;+) .
I believe that showing respect and courtesy for people and property will make for a very happy flying visit.
Just some Places of note and beauty where travelers can fly :
Cliffs on Moher
Fanad Lighthouse
Achill island. (Ireland’s largest island)
The ring of Kerry
Connemara Galway
Glenveagh National Park Donegal
Flying commercially:
In order to fly commercially you must be licensed by the IAA, you must sit a two week course followed by an oral written and practical test including flying drone in attitude mode.
In order to complete and get your license you must first be fully insured for public liability.
You are then free to work as a commercial pilot and will be required to sit further updated tests at the request of IAA.
to fly in controlled airspace you must complete a SOP or specific operations plan, you will also be expected to carry out a full risk assessment, decision’s on granting permission will be carried out in most circumstances within 24 hours.
Useful links for flying commercially and as a hobbyist:
Unmanned Aircraft Association of Ireland
iaa.ie aisops@iaa.ie
randy.sauder Posted at 4-7 14:10
Great work hallmark007...I've already begun to compile my list of info/strategies for the many places/countries I've flown in (not Ireland...yet!).
I see the the forums biggest troll who has been banned for trolling before is trying to start up again.
It seems strange when others are trying to help he spends his time trying to disrupt .
hallmark007 Posted at 6-3 06:52
Hey thank you, had almost forgot this one, very nice prize to. And a big congratulations to yourself , you led the way on this one so thank you .
You're welcome!
Yes thanks.
In my opinion this was one of the best ones from DJI since I have been a member (654 days to be exact)
Montfrooij Posted at 6-3 12:49
You're welcome!
Yes thanks.
In my opinion this was one of the best ones from DJI since I have been a member (654 days to be exact)
Yes it was certainly one of if not the best one since I’ve been around here, don’t remember how many days that is, but I enjoyed it .
hallmark007 Posted at 6-3 14:47
Yes it was certainly one of if not the best one since I’ve been around here, don’t remember how many days that is, but I enjoyed it .
At least 1140 days, since your first post was on 20-4-2016.
Replies I can't see. The forum does not allow for more than 100 pages