What are the rules for drones in Channel Islands?
Press AssociationAfter unauthorised drone activity caused flight cancellations in Jersey, authorities say they are reviewing what can be done to prepare for the future.
Flights were affected on Friday and Saturday evening at the island's airport, causing major disruption, and police said an investigation was under way.
There is increasing use of small unmanned aircraft, also known as drones, for filming, photography and light displays, but strict rules were place to keep airspace and maritime space safe and functional.
What rules apply for drone operators in the Channel Islands?
When do you need permission?
UK and European drone regulations do not apply to the Channel Islands so Jersey, Guernsey, Sark and Alderney have their own air navigation rules.
These apply to airports, harbours, prisons and other sensitive areas, including the Vale Commons Council land in Guernsey.
Drones are not allowed to be flown within two nautical miles of Jersey, Guernsey and Alderney airports unless the Office of the Director of Civil Aviation and the local air traffic control have granted permission.
The harbours and marinas in Jersey and Guernsey require permission from the civil aviation office and the landowner to operate a drone over or within 492ft (150m) of these areas.
The rules around drone use in Sark are overseen by the Chief Pleas and if it grants permission an operator then needs a permit from the Guernsey Director of Civil Aviation.
The Jersey Model Aero Club flying site at Les Landes is currently the only notified site in the island where the operation of powered drones takes place.
A full island no-fly zone is usually in place for all drone activity during air display time periods in the Channel Islands.
What is the drone code?
The Director of Civil Aviation Jersey Air Traffic Control have developed a code for the use of drones, which states:
- Operators are legally responsible for the conduct of the flight
- Make sure you can see your drone at all times and can avoid collisions
- Do not fly your drone in any way that could endanger people or property
- Do not fly higher than 400ft (122m) or within two nautical miles of the airport without the permission of air traffic control
- Use your common sense and fly safely, you could be prosecuted if you do not
- Drones fitted with cameras must not be flown within 164ft (50m) of people, vehicles or structures or over or within 492ft (150m) of congested areas or large outdoor gatherings such as beaches, concerts and sports events
- You need permission for aerial work to use a drone commercially
Elliot Cockett is the managing director of TDR Studio, which provides drone videography services in Guernsey.
He advised people to do their own research before flying a drone.
"You should always ask or try and find out where you can or can't fly a drone," he said.
"There's lots of different players involved in terms of drone safety, which can be a bit confusing."
He said having a common set of rules would be helpful for drone operators.
"I think really the Channel Islands could do with one single consolidated place where people can just go find the information," he said.
"Even as simply as clicking on a map and saying you want to fly here, this is what you've got to avoid, here's the dos and don'ts, here's who you've got to talk to first."
