https://vimeo.com/165950316

I assume you had permission from the LHR controller to fly in this controlled airspace ?  If you did not you may want to think about removing this video !

It's on the edge, but isn't in a NFZ.

Only aircrafts above 7kg are prohibited in this zone and need to seek permission

http://www.noflydrones.co.uk

You need to look at a proper source of information.  http://notaminfo.com/nationalmap

The area you flew in is Class D controlled airspace from the surface to 2,500 ft.  You need consent from the controller to fly in this airspace.  What's more Kew is on the direct approach to LHR.

Thanks for the info, I'll look into it

Looked on the regulations and this also says drones over 7kg need permission in a D zone. Phantom 3 is less implying it was fine

http://www.caa.co.uk/Commercial-industry/Aircraft/Unmanned-aircraft/Small-unmanned-aircraft/

Heathrow and Kew is in Class A airspace

apatrick732 Posted at 2016-5-12 20:20
http://www.caa.co.uk/Commercial-industry/Aircraft/Unmanned-aircraft/Small-unmanned-aircraft/

Article you quoted 166 refers to 'small unmanned aircraft'.

You should be reading 167 which refers to 'small unmanned surveillance aircraft', which is where the Phantom sits as it had a camera fitted.

Right ok but 167 imentions no differences  when it comes to flying in a D Zone. Why would having a camera on it change what air space you can fly it in?

marcus@hpminves Posted at 2016-5-12 21:14
Heathrow and Kew is in Class A airspace

Even if it was its not over 7kg

apatrick732 Posted at 2016-5-13 08:32
Even if it was its not over 7kg

Well the camera thing is about privacy...

These are the Guidelines I use as they are more directly aimed at the small aircraft. But the exemption from the CAA (E4049) that it links to technically expired on 30th April (Page 2, section 9). So to be honest I don't know exactly where that leaves us. But I'm sure if we continued to follow the BMFA advice then we wouldn't be far wrong.

You should know and understand the UK air navigation orders if flying a SUSA and article 167 is what must be adhered to whether you are a commercial UAV pilot or hobby flyer. You need permission of a landowner to take off and land and cannot fly over or within 150 of buildings, people, vehicles or not under your control i.e.. they are aware and have given permission. Public parks are considered congested areas and the aircraft weight does not come into it. There is a system of reporting unsafe drone activity to the CAA and police and people have been prosecuted and their equipment confiscated. Commercial UAV operators will report anyone flying illegally and unsafely. There is much to be learnt when new to flying a drone and you can get some stunning imagery but it must be done legally and safely. ARPAS are the main trade association for the industry in the UK and will give advice, it is well worth visiting their website especially the guide to UK regulations https://www.arpas.uk/a-short-guide-to-uk-regulation/

Smithypn Posted at 2016-5-13 09:25
You should know and understand the UK air navigation orders if flying a SUSA and article 167 is what ...

I've heard the part about getting permission from the landowner to take off & land but never seen that written down anywhere, especially from the CAA.  It makes some sense, but I haven't seen anything to say it's enforceable.  It's important for me to understand where & when that applies for reasons I won't go into, but if it covers everywhere then we can't really fly anywhere.  Or is it just private land?  Do you have a reference to it?

As an example, flying from National Trust land isn't allowed because they say it isn't, but I'm not sure if it's enforceable (yet).  Wild camping isn't allowed anywhere on NT land in the Lake District, but many people do it & the National Trust know about it & turn a blind eye.  This I know from experience.

nigelw Posted at 2016-5-13 14:27
I've heard the part about getting permission from the landowner to take off & land but never seen  ...

The landowner permissions are part of the operational conditions for permissions for aerial work issued by the CAA. The hobby flier I guess takes a risk by flying from public or private land and by doing so run the risk of prosecution if activities are seen to endanger public safety or infringe privacy.

Smithypn Posted at 2016-5-13 23:24
The landowner permissions are part of the operational conditions for permissions for aerial work is ...

Right.  That might be a deal breaker for my PfAW then.  How are you meant to get permission from the National Trust to fly in the mountains?  Possible I suppose, but at what cost.

Some really good points here. As far for the air zone it is obviously a little ambiguous. In terms of airspace I thought It was ok all other rules aside

As for asking permission I tend to fly first and let people ask questions later better just to play it dumb since most people make a big deal out of it otherwise when you ask.. If you are standing on private land whilst flying it they can ask you to stop or leave just as though a pub owner could ask you to step of the premises, but if you are not on the location and fly over private land there is no law. Even physically walking on land when not allowed to is civil trespass only.However I try not to fly in an intrusive manner.

Fabulous video !

apatrick732 Posted at 2016-5-14 00:02
Some really good points here. As far for the air zone it is obviously a little ambiguous. In terms o ...

I don't think the air zone is too ambiguous. You only have to stand in Kew Gardens and look up! It is close to LHR and on the flight path into it.

Smithypn Posted at 2016-5-18 11:29
I don't think the air zone is too ambiguous. You only have to stand in Kew Gardens and look up! It  ...

Heathrow  changed from Class A to Class D in 2014 .

http://www.nats.aero/news/caa-ap ... ication-london-ctr/
There are 2 zones...Inner and outer . If you intend to fly the inner zone you need prior permission and a radio so they can tell you to move  if you are in the way of something more important !
Its always best to contact ctr's if you have any doubts . they usually try to accommodate if they can.

Nice video though .

Smithypn Posted at 2016-5-18 11:29
I don't think the air zone is too ambiguous. You only have to stand in Kew Gardens and look up! It  ...

Well obviously , what I meant is it is ambiguous as to zones and permission to fly. everything I checked said it was fine and it's done now.

The bottom line is not the air zone but the fact that public parks are considered congested areas and you were probably flying within 150m of people and building not under your control. That is in article 167 of the air navigation orders.

Smithypn Posted at 2016-5-20 09:37
The bottom line is not the air zone but the fact that public parks are considered congested areas an ...

Yes i can see that

Smithypn Posted at 2016-5-20 09:37
The bottom line is not the air zone but the fact that public parks are considered congested areas an ...

Yes I can see that

Smithypn Posted at 2016-5-20 09:37
The bottom line is not the air zone but the fact that public parks are considered congested areas an ...

Yes I am aware of that I was just interested in the air zones as that was what we were trying to figure out

Yes that was never in dispute. We were having a discussion about air zones and permission to fly in them.

I enjoyed. Thanks for sharing.

love it

how long have u fly a drone? good work!

You guys are lucky to have such beautiful landscapes!