Drones are a powerful tool for search and rescue, especially in challenging areas like coastlines and rural locations.
However, flying a drone isn’t as simple as buying one and taking off. The UK has strict regulations to ensure that drones are flown safely and responsibly, particularly when used for professional purposes like search and rescue missions.
It’s important to understand what drone pilots need to legally operate in the UK and why anyone seeking drone services should make sure their pilot is qualified, insured, and fully prepared.
It might seem like drones are easy to use, but there are strict laws to follow to make sure they’re flown safely.
Drone pilots, especially those involved in search and rescue, must comply with legal requirements. So, if you’re hiring a drone pilot for a rescue mission, make sure they’re not just casually flying their drone without proper qualifications.
Any drone weighing over 250g must be registered with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). The pilot must pass an online test to get a flyer ID, proving they understand basic drone safety. They also need an operator ID, which ensures the drone itself is properly registered.
When drones are used professionally—such as for search and rescue—having insurance is critical. This isn’t optional. Insurance protects against potential accidents or damages, and it’s something you should always ask about when hiring a drone pilot.
While the basic drone license covers general operations, it’s highly recommended that pilots have the A2 Certificate of Competency (A2 CofC).
This certification allows drone pilots to operate closer to people and in more complex environments, which is often necessary during search and rescue missions. This extra qualification shows that the pilot has undergone additional training, giving you peace of mind that they’re fully capable of handling more demanding scenarios.
One of the biggest challenges for drone pilots during search and rescue operations is navigating Flight Restriction Zones (FRZ) and Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), where strict regulations limit drone operations.
FRZs are areas around airports, military bases, and other sensitive locations where drone flights are heavily restricted or outright banned to avoid risks to air traffic and national security.
Flying a drone in these zones without permission is illegal and could lead to severe penalties. However, during critical search and rescue missions, drone pilots can sometimes seek permission to operate within these zones.
For operations within an FRZ, the drone pilot must contact the relevant Air Traffic Control (ATC) to seek permission. In some cases, ATC may grant temporary flight permissions, especially if the mission is urgent, such as a search and rescue operation.
Since approval to fly within an FRZ can take time, pilots need to plan ahead. Permission isn’t guaranteed and depends on factors like air traffic, weather, and the nature of the mission.
When you hire a drone pilot for search and rescue, they should know the proper channels for seeking permission and have experience communicating with ATC to get approval quickly when needed.
SSSI areas are designated for their unique environmental value, often hosting rare wildlife, plants, or geological features. Due to their sensitive nature, drone flights are usually restricted to prevent disturbing these ecosystems. Search and rescue operations in SSSI areas face additional hurdles, making it nearly impossible to conduct ad-hoc drone missions in these zones.
Drone pilots must first obtain permission from the landowner to fly over an SSSI area. This is the initial step, and without this permission, the operation cannot proceed.
Once the landowner grants permission, they must then submit a request to Forestry England, which oversees and protects SSSI sites. Only with Forestry England’s approval can the drone operation proceed.
Unfortunately, this process can take a significant amount of time, often making ad-hoc search and rescue operations unviable in SSSI areas. It’s essential to be aware of these restrictions, as last-minute emergency operations may not be feasible in these protected zones.
Therefore, it’s crucial to work with a drone pilot who understands the complexities of SSSI areas and has experience in gaining the necessary permissions.
When flying a drone for search and rescue, it’s not just about getting the job done—it’s also important to respect privacy and ensure safety at all times.
Professional drone pilots take these considerations seriously. When flying over private property or near people, drone pilots need to be careful about capturing images or video.
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) ensures that any data collected is used only for the purpose of the mission and must be handled securely.
Drones are powerful machines, and safety is the top priority. Search and rescue pilots must be skilled at flying in difficult conditions—whether that’s navigating bad weather, avoiding obstacles like power lines, or keeping a safe distance from people on the ground. It’s also essential to ensure the pilot is fully insured, as any potential accidents or damages must be covered.
Drone search and rescue is an incredibly effective service, but it’s important to remember that not just anyone can fly a drone. The UK has strict rules to ensure safety, privacy, and professionalism in drone operations, particularly for complex missions like search and rescue.
If you have any questions or need a professional drone pilot for a search and rescue mission, don’t hesitate to get in touch—we’re here to help!
Comments