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IT SEEMS LIKE it was only a scant few years ago that drones were strictly confined to foreign military endeavors.
Now, with their coming down in price, the devices are becoming more commonplace – and the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) is expecting a surge in their presence over the Christmas period.
The body has issued a statement that drones, which are also known as Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), are subject to the ‘Rules of the Air’ – in much the same way cars are subject to rules of road.
For the crafts to be operated safely, they are required to abide by the following:
Rules outlined by the IAA are also very clear that drones should not be operated over built up urban areas, or anywhere where they could potentially cause harm to individuals or vehicles.
It is also warned that they should not be used within 2 km of an aircraft in flight.
Speaking about the RPASs, Donal Handley, IAA Head of Corporate Affairs, said, “safety is our number one priority and we want to highlight that there are rules in place to help ensure the safe operation of this evolving aviation technology.”
Some people may be lucky enough to receive a RPAS as a gift over Christmas and they need to be aware that they must operate their RPAS in a safe and responsible manner, and in full compliance with the regulations’.
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I have a small drone here in Sligo – which I fly regularly on the the beach in Strandhill. A great bit of kit for €175.
With an excellent camera, I can send it down to the cattle – about 2 miles away – and view them on my laptop.
Also, I can see which blokes are calling at my girlfriend’s house…
what model is it?
thinking of getting one this christmas
Yeah would love to know the make. I was looking at quad copters and housing units for go pro cameras.
But I saw a lad out flying one with monitor built into controls to see live what it’s recording. His rig was several grand and that was couple of years ago. I’d love one if they are in my price range
I don’t see these “Rules of the Air” being forced upon seagulls and the like
Which is why bird strikes remain a hazard for small/medium aircraft, and in extreme cases larger ones too (Hudson River crash).
I don’t think we’ll ever be able to train and licence the birds though…. ;- )
It would be convenient if we could genetically modify all birds to be flightless then…
I have one of these with a cord attached that uses a sail to lift it rather than a mechanical power ….its called a kite.
All powered using that tinfoil hat of yours Frankie boy…
I like to think of it as an acoustic drone or drone unplugged of you will…
These could be hazardous for Santa
Excellent for deliveries to prisons,if you have a good pilot
The fact that most of these drones are using smart phone apps to operate the remote control means that “system” will have everything on record and will know immediately if you are breaching any of the aviation of photography violations.
I would be especially concerned in the UK or across the Atlantic where you could have your door kicked down in the middle of the night by swat teams after finding that you breached regulations. UK cops are especially paranoid about photography.
There he is.
The real Frank is back – woohoooo!! :- )
Avina Laaf _ I guess it wont be long before we hear stories in the main streem media of ISIS using these devices to drop scorpions innocent people.
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/isis-launch-scorpion-bombs-spread-4817241
They’ve already used them in Kobane for surveillance.
Avina Laaf _ We can guess who paid for them.
The same people that equipped them with IPhones and modified Toyota Hilux Jeeps.
Not sure why the red thumbs for posting a fact:
A thousand quid would buy one like the one used Frank – small change for IS.
Fecking hate cats.
Woof…
I hope Santa leaves me one!! But i want one of the drone with the missile’s attached ,so I can kill civilians from miles away
Just like the american ones
Meantime while we are worried about these flying 200 feet.There are lads in the USA who have built private drones that can fly a quarter of the way across the US and back using gPS and internal navigation without any worries under experimental aircraft rules.Wonder why the EU cant introduce same??
DJI drones have gps that detects where you are and if you’re in fly path of any airport in the world it will not go above certain height depending where you are. Quite clever solution.
Are these rules or guidelines then? Why does it say “should not” instead of “shall not”? Is there anything actually illegal about flying these “drones”? While some are controlled via smartphone, any of the good ones are controlled with a proper remote control unit so no worries about your door getting kicked in
Fly safe with the copters over the christmas. Remember not to fly in built up areas, common sense is whats needed and we would advise everyone to attend an RPAS Ground School Training Course like the one offered by http://www.iflytechnology.com . Fly safe and Happy Christmas.
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