MDJ
lvl.3
Flight distance : 85646 ft
United Kingdom
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JitterBug Posted at 2-22 21:01
So if I understand correctly, although the UK has left the EU, from 31st Dec 2020, they will be adopting the EASA rules that apply across the EU, yes?
And if so, all of the larger drones (+250g) will become legacy drones, and be severely restricted by the level 3 rules, yes? Looks like if you want to buy any drone before 2023, then something small like a Mini 2 is the best way to go.
I do really recommend the video posted above - it explains the new rules very well. But to answer your questions above:
1) Yes, the UK brought new rules into place on 31/12/20. These new rules are essentially the EASA rules introduced across the EU at the same time. That does not mean that the new CAA rules may not eventually diverge from the EASA rules but, for the moment - other than a couple of minor exceptions, they are essentially the same.
2) The Mini 2 might be a good purchase as it will allow you to operate in all of the sub-categories, namely A1, A2 and A3. This includes limited flying over uninvolved people - in a limited manner. In addition, legacy drone less that 250g are not time-limited. In other words, while the legacy exemptions for drones larger than 250g expire on 31 December 2022 (thus relegating to them only being able to fly in the A3 sub-category), legacy drones less than 250g will still be able to fly in the categories they can fly in now. This assumes that the regulations do not change between now and 31 December 2022. If I were buying a drone at the moment it is likely that the Mini 2 is the one that I would get due to the reasons above.
3) I've already answered the question about the Mini 2. but it's worth noting a couple of other points. While Legacy drones over 250g can operate in the A2 category, it's worth noting that they can only be flown in the A3 category unless you have an A2 CofC!. If you have the A2 then you can fly these drones in the A2 sub-category but only within 50m of people. When the C2 drones start to appear then you can fly within 30m of people or 5m in a low speed mode. These lower distances don't apply to legacy drones greater than 250g at the moment. Hopefully there may be a retrospective or retrofit process that will allow drones such as the Mavic 2 drones to be rclassified as C2 aircraft but it is by no means clears that this is going to happen - or that, if it happens in the EASA countries, that the CAA will follow suit.
Hope this helps.
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