249g Drone do i need to register?

[Max Headroom]

Having OCD I have spent ages reading the forums and thought i had all the info i needed to get started i then found to my surprise i needed to register, i hope this helps others to not fall foul of the law.-




You may also need insurance - https://www.comparethemarket.com/home-insurance/content/drone-insurance/

 

[Felix le Chat]

You're not actually registering the drone: you're registering yourself as a drone flier. All three of my drones carry the same GBR-OP number, one of which is Shortarse: my mini 3 pro.

Insurance isn't mandatory (yet) but it is a good idea.

 

[Max Headroom]

You're not actually registering the drone: you're registering yourself as a drone flier

OK thanks for that, what is the penalty for flying without registering in the UK?

 

[Felix le Chat]

OK thanks for that, what is the penalty for flying without registering in the UK?

Really wouldn't know. As soon as the system was made a legal requirement: I registered and have renewed every year since. Regardless of weight or class, if you want to fly legally, you are best off registering with the CAA ASAP.

With the FLY and OP alpha-string, you are covered if anyone in a police uniform asks you to present in accordance with CAP1974 (DMARES compliance).

 

[Max Headroom]

Really wouldn't know. As soon as the system was made a legal requirement: I registered and have renewed every year since. Regardless of weight or class, if you want to fly legally, you are best off registering with the CAA ASAP.

With the FLY and OP alpha-string, you are covered if anyone in a police uniform asks you to present in accordance with CAP1974 (DMARES compliance).

Sorry i should have said i registered before my drone arrived and i got some nice stickers from amazon cheap with the ID so i am legal, i wondered if you might know the fine as it may have been mentioned in the forums.

 

[Max Headroom]

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[Felix le Chat]

Not aware of anyone who has been fined so far, but I'm sure it has happened.

The video link you posted is from one of the few YouTube sources who does have a finger on a genuine pulse.

 

[Max Headroom]

As the guy in it says how are they going to prove something like line of sight it smacks of scare tack ticks i can see a lot of challenges coming if they start to issue tickets..

 

[Felix le Chat]

As the guy in it says how are they going to prove something like line of sight it smacks of scare tack ticks i can see a lot of challenges coming if they start to issue tickets..

The only way VLOS compliance could be established is if your drone was confiscated on the spot and the flight logs examined. The same with claims of maximum altitude breach. But in real terms: all it takes for the boys (and girls) in blue to turn up is an anonymous phone call from one snipe-nosed busybody reporting "illegal drone flight".

How do I know? Had it happen to me. Luckily, I had the presence of mind to show the relevant flight record there and then - copper satisfied all was legal and above board and we parted company on happy terms.

Always carry:
a) driving license as photo ID.
b) your A1/A3 C of C card
c) a screenshot of your CAA registration details on your mobile phone.

That's the CAP1974 compliance sorted right there and then.

A current insurance certificate would be icing on the cake.

 

[Max Headroom]

c) a screenshot of your CAA registration details on your mobile phone.

I have the email conformati0n on my phone so i can show them that

 

[AeroJ]

Yeah it's good advice. I have pics of insurance doc / op id / flyer id instantly available on the phone, but don't normally carry any actual ID with me other than bank cards.

Flying sub-250g as you are you do not need a flyer ID, however you may win extra points one day for having it anyway (and it's free, and ridiculously easy), as it proves you have taken the initial test and have at least some basic 'rules awareness' going on.

 

[Felix le Chat]

Yeah it's good advice. I have pics of insurance doc / op id / flyer id instantly available on the phone, but don't normally carry any actual ID with me other than bank cards.

Flying sub-250g as you are you do not need a flyer ID, however you may win extra points one day for having it anyway (and it's free, and ridiculously easy), as it proves you have taken the initial test and have at least some basic 'rules awareness' going on.

It's also well handy if you start with a mini and decide to upgrade to heavier models.

 

[Max Headroom]

It's also well handy if you start with a mini and decide to upgrade to heavier models.

It took me long enough to finally pull the trigger on this I think this will probably be my last it's going to be a hobby that's why I went for the sub 250g models.

 

[AeroJ]

what is the penalty for flying without registering in the UK?

Like everyone else I have never tested this myself. But from everything I have read and watched over the years (and of course rules, and their degree of enforcement is always changing), but generally, these days, punishments are likely involve either fines or confiscation, or if you are very lucky and manage to plead ignorance / weren't doing anything overtly reckless, you may get let off with a warning to register, which I imagine will be subsequently checked.

 

[GhostRider2024]

You're not actually registering the drone: you're registering yourself as a drone flier. All three of my drones carry the same GBR-OP number, one of which is Shortarse: my mini 3 pro.

Insurance isn't mandatory (yet) but it is a good idea.

Beware: in Quebec (probably all of Canada I would surmise), most personal liability insurance policies included in one's Home Insurance have a specific EXCLUSION for drones. Therefore, a separate and distinct insurance policy should (and must, especially in several EU jurisdictions) be secured to fly legally (at least 1M Eur).

I got mine through The Magnes Group and Coverdrone.
Geographical coverage is as follows:
Worldwide
Excluding: North Korea, Iran, Russia, Crimea, Ukraine and Belarus Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Syria,
Yemen, Nagorno-Karabakh, North Caucasian Federal District, Somalia, The Republic of Sudan,
South Sudan Burundi, Cabinda, Central African Republic, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo,
Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Mauritania, Gorgia, Pakistan Any country where the
operation of the insured Aircraft is in breach of the United Nations resolutions or the trade or
economic sanctions, laws or regulations of the European Union, United Kingdom or United
States of America.

To purchase the policy, being in Canada,I also had to become a member of COPA.

Cost (all in CAD$):
$137 for the insurance policy itself (underwritten by Lloyd's of London).
$97 for 1yr membership with COPA
$30 for The Magnes Group insurance broker fees
Total: $264