UK Drone Code UPDATED For 2023! Explanation of CAA Updates for YOUR Drone!

Hey everyone! Following our first video in this series to explain some of the key changes which have been made by the UK CAA to Drone Rules, today we are talking through the alterations to the UK Drone Code and explaining how they impact your drone flight! Let us know what you think in the comments below.

Read the full drone code here:

Link to our full video on flying near emergency/police incidents:
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Geeksvana is a YouTube channel focused on drones, or as you might call them UAS, (Uncrewed Aerial Systems). We cover all types of drones from hobbyist to commercial, with a focus on drone rules and future flight. Primarily a news channel looking to bring our audience the latest news, leaks and information on the drone world – we also provide how to guides and reviews on products. Geeksvana is an independent source of news and guidance.

Sean Hickey, founder of Geeksvana and main channel presenter is a UK registered journalist who seeks to provide accurate information on what is an often misquoted and misrepresented industry and hobby. Sean currently holds certificates from the UK Civil Aviation Authority, including both the A2 Certificate of Competency (A2 CofC) and the General Visual Line of Sight Certificate (GVC). Flying all sizes of multirotor aircraft from the small DJI Mini 2 to larger aircraft including the DJI Inspire series for both hobby flights and commercial work.
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[tinglydingle]

Speaking as a paramedic, I personally don't mind drones (or any other camera) on me when I work, but patient confidentiality is extremely important, and if I feel that is being violated by a nearby drone then not only am I forced to call the police to assist, but it can delay urgently required care if I'm unable to get the information from the patient for fear of privacy concerns.

Another concern is that if it's a major incident, there's a good change we'll have the air ambulance en route, and if they're unable to land because of drones in the area then that's likely to be a serious problem. For these reasons, I'd suggest not flying a drone nearby an ambulance responding to a patient who's outdoors.

I appreciate that most people reading this will be here because they're responsible and want to keep up to date with the regulations, so I'm probably preaching to the choir. Please don't think that this is me cramping your style either; I think drones are awesome and would love to get one soon, rather I just wanted to share my perspective as an emergency responder.

[timoryan]

Really useful updates Sean. I’ll keep watching and sharing.

[twrmoor]

Thanks for these updates, no major changes just clarification and dropping the "C" marked stuff.

[funkyduckproductions.]

I stepped out of the Drone hobby when registration become a requirement. As I fundamentally disagree with it. Since then further rules and regulations have only confirmed to me that the fun has been taken out of the fun pass time. Which is a real pity as it Was a great hobby which I still miss now.

[lindsayheyes]

Thanks @Geeksvana, very useful. And it made me happier about shelling out for my A2 again.

[denaco]

always the first to inform me on changes. thanks for the efforts!

[JerGoes]

We now have local authorities using questionable and disproportionate byelaws to prohibit overflight of their (OUR) land and the CAA only capable of ratchetting ever tighter regulations on the operation of drones, I can't help but feel the regulations are becoming farcical, when a law becomes so detached from reality adherence to those regulations will become very lax

[fraserp]

I know this has been said already, but I think the problem this community has is with the few who run aggressive audit channels and just a lack of common sense and silly accidents. It wasn't long ago that the UK government and CAA allowed the use of sub 70kg microlights without the requirement for a pilots license or aircraft identification. This hobby has been ruined by muppets, the authorities are just responding to this.

[MrVideowill]

So if a business, say a roofer doing a survey or an estate agent selling a house wants to use a drone over 250g, say a Mavic 3 for example, they would have to be 150m away from that and any other residential property?

[edwardrushton]

I have the original Mavic Air, takeoff weight around 430g. I have completed A2 CofC some time ago. I am also registered with FPV-UK. With regards to the separation distance can I no longer fly within 50m of uninvolved people, buildings anymore? Apologies if this seems a simple question, just getting confused with the updates with only being a casual flyer. Appreciate the help and the channel.

[JRLNeal]

Thanks Sean for these videos. Can you narrow the information down to sub 250g flyers only. I’m trying to follow the details only to find it might not apply to me.

[ST-zxue]

Nice clear video . I think it is becoming clear the CAA need to justify there existence by updating the rules making expensive drones worthless, and the hobby so difficult to enjoy. We will spend more time worrying if our flight is legal or not. A sub 240g drone that is perfectly symmetrical will give the same siloette at many different angles at 20 meters.. does this become the new restriction. If you are unsure of the aircrafts orientation, surly tou go into the hover, give it a single movment command and watch what it does thus verifying its direction of travel/ orientation.

[iainmccallum]

Another very helpful and informative video, thank you.

[StreakyP]

Interesting that the emergency situation clarification directly contradicts one of the "auditors" videos around a fire where they were adamant that as the emergency services hadn't officially instigated an exclusion zone yet that they were 100% allowed to fly without restriction.

[hedleythorne]

Appreciate these videos, it has saved me quite a lot of time sifting trough changes.

[TerryMcGearyScotland]

Thanks! Hadn't realised I was actually breaking the law yesterday flying my DJI Mini 3 Pro for the first time without a operator registration number! I shall deal with that asap! (yes I thought -battery compartment too in case I sell it at some point.). First flight went very well in an open field empty (almost) car park. The most fun I've had with technology for ages!

[xjet]

Sean, what are you using to edit/render your videos?. I note some severe artifacting when switching from camera feed to a graphic.

[mauriceMa]

Thanks for your info. But recently I got Mavic 3 classic but I don’t have A2 Cofc can fly that one ? Without certification

[testpilotian]

Pretty fair updates tbh, not sure how many will be aware and / or take notice of them though.

[Nkkdxnj]

One thing I noticed in CAP722 itself was in what is allowed in A1/2/3 sub-categories.

I may be wrong, because I do not have the original text, but I think in A1 which was basically for C0 (I think), it also included privately built up to 250g with some other limitations. Now the way it is worded, privately built seems specifically excluded.

That means, if I build (as opposed to buy, and I do build them) a 65mm tiny whoop, roughly 25g all up weight, if I don't have an A2CfC I can only fly it in the A3 sub-category at least 150m from anything.

If that is a correct interpretation it is pretty stupid for something you can fit in the palm of your hand, weighs damn all, and does about 10-15mph max, but no more than I would expect from the CAA. I hope I'm wrong.