Is it legal to fly at night in the UK?
- Thread starter giebe
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It depends whether you are flying commercially or recreationally.
The former requires additional permission from the CAA, the latter is permissable providing VFR are adhered to at all times along compliance with CAP393 (The Air Navigation Order) appertaining to UAV use.
although it is possible to fly at night you have to remember that even if you can see your drone, it is your spacial awareness that can be difficult if where you are flying is very dark, and you need to be aware of the topography of the area you are flying over, you probably would not be able to see power lines ,if you must fly at night then go there in daylight and check what you will be flying over first, for night flying there are some very good additional light kits that can be fitted to enhance your VLOS and illuminate a small area in front of the drone personally i would not risk flying at night but that is my choice
Show me where it is specifically prohibited within the ANO and I will admit I got it wrong.Recreationally. Thanks a lot. So it means I can fly as long I follow the standard rules, thought it is not allowed.
. The Drone Code is meaningless since it is not law - CAP393 has been passed by an act of Parliament and therefore has legal standing.Although, flying commercially after sunset/before sunrise requires additional permissions which are granted so long as acceptable procedures are included within your operations manual and is signed off by the CAA.
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Show me where it is specifically prohibited within the ANO and I will admit I got it wrong.
Although, flying commercially after sunset/before sunrise requires additional permissions which are granted so long as acceptable procedures are included within your operations manual and is signed off by the CAA.
I thought it might be not allowed since I watched a few videos where someone suggested in comments that flying at night is not allowed. This is why I decided to ask in here before I even try.
The google says:
Currently it is illegal under FAA rule Part 107.29 to flydrones at night. ... In order to fly at night, under the new proposal, pilots would have to simply a new “knowledge testing or training,” and they would have to ensure their drone has an anti-collision light illuminated and visible for at least 3 statute miles.
I have also heard it is not allowed to fly at night in a few EU countries. Had no idea how it looks like in the UK but I assume now it is not allowed just in the US and just for commercial use over 400ft everywhere.
Thanks for all advice regarding to night flying. I am also wandering are there any birds I should be afraid of while flying at night? Would bat attack a drone?
Got a very bad experience with seagulls so far but only in a day time
I usually don't fly a drone far away from myself and dont fly in any risky places but making a location research during the day sounds like a great advice since.
Thanks,
G
Stealthbomber
Well-Known Member
The ANO doesnt (yet) specify night as such but they'll apply 94 (3) that effectively bans it (the VLOS rule)
You'll lose that one because "i can see the drone" doesn't qualify as VLOS. If its dark you're unable to see structures, vessels and other objects around the drone and potential collisions.
It all stems from real flying where daytime VFR flight is one thing but night requires extra qualifications and ratings due to disorientation and collision avoidance.
The new EASA rules that'll come in next year also don't specifically state night but keep the same VLOS criteria.
You'll lose that one because "i can see the drone" doesn't qualify as VLOS. If its dark you're unable to see structures, vessels and other objects around the drone and potential collisions.
It all stems from real flying where daytime VFR flight is one thing but night requires extra qualifications and ratings due to disorientation and collision avoidance.
The new EASA rules that'll come in next year also don't specifically state night but keep the same VLOS criteria.
Sorry - you are wrong.
I hold night flying PfCO permissions.
Although additional procedures had to be written into my ops manual (such as lighting requirements both on the launch/landing site as well as the aircraft) there are no laws to prohibit night flying.
Most birds do not fly at night, though migrating Geese do sometimes fly at night, for the cooler temps, calmer air and relative lack of predatory birds. Also in cities and ports, you will often find seagulls flying about at night. Otherwise most birds are sleeping. Bats generally are flying lower because that is usually where the food (insects) hang out. I doubt a bat is going to attack you, since they don't seem to attack anything other than insects. So unless DJI come out with some sort of Nano-Drone, you should be okay.I thought it might be not allowed since I watched a few videos where someone suggested in comments that flying at night is not allowed. This is why I decided to ask in here before I even try.
The google says:
Currently it is illegal under FAA rule Part 107.29 to flydrones at night. ... In order to fly at night, under the new proposal, pilots would have to simply a new “knowledge testing or training,” and they would have to ensure their drone has an anti-collision light illuminated and visible for at least 3 statute miles.
I have also heard it is not allowed to fly at night in a few EU countries. Had no idea how it looks like in the UK but I assume now it is not allowed just in the US and just for commercial use over 400ft everywhere.
Thanks for all advice regarding to night flying. I am also wandering are there any birds I should be afraid of while flying at night? Would bat attack a drone?
Got a very bad experience with seagulls so far but only in a day time
I usually don't fly a drone far away from myself and dont fly in any risky places but making a location research during the day sounds like a great advice since.
Thanks,
G
Something else to consider is insurance ,my liability insurance for recreation use does not permit night flying.
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