The law when using drones as a surveillance aid

The laws when using drones in surveillance

The rules in regard to the use of drones have changed and adapted over the years and in some cases is less stringent. The purpose of this short newsfeed is to inform surveillance operatives of the current legislation published by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). This is our interpretation of the regulations, and we don’t profess to be experts in this field.

Most surveillance operatives who have a drone in their arsenal use the DJI Mini 2 or similar model which weighs under 250 grammes. They are small, easy and quick to prepare to fly and cost between £250 and £400. The current rules that apply to the use of drones which are under 250 grammes effectively only require the operative to register it. There is a requirement to renew this registration yearly. If the DJI application is utilised then the drone will only allow it to be flown in areas which are permitted.

The drone weight and flight rules

If the drone is under 250 grammes then there are some variations to some of the rules that apply to drones which are 250 grammes or over. If the drone has a camera, which a surveillance operative will require, then they must be registered as an operator. They do not have to complete the flyer ID test, although this is strongly recommended.

If the operative is flying a drone that’s lighter than 250 grammes then it can be flown closer to people than 50 m, and it can be flown over them. It must not be flown over crowds though. The flying application won’t allow the drone to be flown over or in proximity to football stadiums or other locations where crowds gather.

Other rulings are as follows, however if utilising the DJI application, the drone will not be physically permitted to fly out of these parameters.

• Never fly the drone higher than 120 m (400ft).
• Always keep your drone or model aircraft in sight.
• Never fly in an airport’s flight restriction zone unless permission is gained.

The guidelines don’t advise on how close a drone can be flown near people, however the onus is that people must never be put in danger. Even small drones can injure people if they are not flown safely.

There is no longer a distinction between flying commercially or for financial reward and flying for pleasure or recreation. This means that an approval just to operate commercially is not required. However, all commercial drone flights require valid insurance cover.

If any requirements of the law have not been met by the operative flying a drone, then the Police are responsible for taking enforcement action.

CAA Drone Flyer ID and Registration

Anyone flying a drone weighing 250g or more is required to pass a test and gain a flyer ID from the CAA. This is free and online. If the operative already has a flyer ID that is still valid, then the test does not need to be redone until it expires, although it is a requirement to keep up to date with the new regulations. More information in regard to registering a drone or to gain a flyer ID and other more information can be seen at register-drones.caa.co.uk

Drone Surveillance, Who do I contact for further advice?

For further advice and information in regard to Titan’s services, please feel free to speak to us for further advice and in complete confidence.

London Private Investigators – Call the Titan Investigations London Office 020 39046622
Birmingham Private Investigators – Call the Titan Investigations Birmingham Office 0121 7162442
Cambridge Private Investigators – Call the Titan Investigations Cambridge Office 01223 662022
Derby Private Investigators – Call the Titan Investigations Derby (Head Office) 01332 504256
Leeds Private Investigators – Call the Titan Investigations Leeds Office 0113 4574066
Leicester Private Investigators – Call the Titan Investigations Leicester Office 0116 2436520
Nottingham Private Investigators – Call the Titan Investigations Nottingham Office 0115 9646950
Manchester Private Investigators – Call the Titan Investigations Office 0161 3023008
Sheffield Private Investigators – Call the Titan Investigations Sheffield Office 0114 3499400

Alternatively, you can contact us directly using our fully confidential contact form at enquiries@titaninvestigations.co.uk or chat directly using our Live Chat facility and one of our private investigations team will get right back to you.