So I found my answer by just reading the CAA rules online for the 12th time... it's quite simple really... if you are flying a drone under 7kg in a NFZ (Class A-E, not military or prison), then you can fly it! just advised not to fly within 5km of an airport (this will change to 1km with new laws), and advised that you contact CAA, so not a hard and fast rule. (Of course all the other stuff must be complied with... byelaws, 50m/150m/400ft etc. not for work), excerpt below:-
Airspace restrictions for unmanned aircraft and drones | UK Civil Aviation Authority
Controlled Airspace and Aerodrome Traffic Zones (ATZ)
UK airspace is divided into separate airspace 'classes' for Air Traffic Management purposes - these are classified by the letters 'A' to 'G, with Class A being the most tightly regulated, down to Class G being the least restrictive. Classes A to E are known as Controlled Airspace (CAS). In addition, licensed aerodromes have an Aerodrome Traffic Zone (ATZ) established around them, within which some additional rules for aircraft operations apply. Controlled airspace and ATZs are established in busier airspace, where the density of air traffic is likely to be high, and so the potential for a conflict with a manned aircraft will therefore be much greater.
Although operators of
drones weighing 7 kg or less are
not required to have the permission of Air Traffic Control (
even when flying within Controlled Airspace or within an ATZ), the Air Navigation Order requires that any person in charge of a small drone:
- may only fly the aircraft if reasonably satisfied that the flight can safely be made
and
- must maintain direct, unaided visual contact with the aircraft …for the purpose of avoiding collisions. Note: The use of normal corrective spectacles is acceptable within the term ‘unaided’
In practical terms, drones of any weight could present a particular hazard when operating near an aerodrome or other landing site due to the presence of manned aircraft. Operators of small drones are therefore
strongly advised to
remain clear of charted aerodromes by at least a distance of 5 km, whether or not the aerodrome is in controlled airspace or has an associated Aerodrome Traffic Zone (ATZ).
The CAA will not advise on post codes and locations where drones can be flown, as this covered by the Air Navigation Order i.e. classes of Airspace. The responsibility lies with the operator to determine if the area he has chosen to fly in is suitable.
