Drones: You have control... be SAFE, be LEGAL

by LPB Aerial Imagery 19 Feb 2015 03:13 PST 19 February 2015

Increasingly drones are being used around the world and their use on the water has become more popular, however, do we truly understand their value, potential and associated risks, and whether we should be flying them?

LPB Aerial Imagery has a passion for flying their drones when out on the water, and therefore it is not unusual to be approached by people interested in their work. Last summer, Chris Watts RYA Race Officials' Education Officer, came alongside somewhere mid-Solent and invited them to present at the RYA Race Officials Conference on the use of drones within the sport of sailing.

In February 2015, Dr Jonathan Johns from LPB Aerial Imagery was one of four keynote speakers and presented to all delegates at the conference as well as hosting two workshops over the weekend. "I found the professionalism of LPB Aerial Imagery staff most impressive." Commented Chris Watts, RYA Race Officials' Education Officer. "Everything they did was planned to the utmost, with contact being established with all relevant bodies to get flying permission, to ensure the safety of all concerned, as well as site safety surveys and adapting plans to suit all conditions and hazards."

At LPB Aerial Imagery they have witnessed how drones give sailors a truly unique perspective of action on the water. They have worked with clients who have used their footage for promotion of their sailing clubs and specific events. Yacht and dinghy crews have used their footage when training to help them get the leading edge on the competition, so they can fully observe and understand their crew and rig set up.

So yes drones are fun, and can add value in a number of ways. There are however a few facts which everyone should know before one is flown at a sailing club or an event. In order keep drones flying within the law here are a few useful guidelines from LPB Aerial Imagery.

Who can fly a drone?

The truth is anyone can go into a shop, buy a drone and fly it as long as the drone is not flown directly overhead, it is not within 50m of anyone else and there is no commercial gain now or in the future from the footage taken. In reality at a sailing event it is hard to get any meaningful footage without breaking any of this legislation.

Commercial gain is not so clear cut. Taking footage of a club race may seem like fun at the weekend, however things change from the moment the video is watched and shared on and offline. The reality is that the video is ultimately promoting a club, the classes sailed and the sport of sailing which may result in an increase in participation. This means there is a commercial gain, whether it be monetary or not.

So what does a club or event organiser do if someone approaches them to fly a drone? Here is a little check list to help provide some simple pointers.

Documentation

• Is the person flying the drone a licenced pilot to fly the specific drone? They should have documentation to show this.
• Do they have their own insurance to fly the drone? They should have the documentation to show this.
• Do they have the appropriate permission to launch the drone from the water? They should have documentation to show this.

Without evidence of the above LPB Aerial recommend you ask them not to fly the drone to protect both the individual and the club/event's insurance should an incident occur.

Other factors to take into account before taking flight.

• Controlled air space. Drones are flying objects and therefore have to abide by the Civil Aviation Authority guidelines and Air Traffic Control. The pilot should be aware of any exclusion zones or limits that may require additional permission.
• Storage of the batteries. The batteries are LiPo batteries. They are highly flammable and categorised as dangerous goods. If there are drones on site, the batteries need to be stored appropriately and those responsible for health and safety need to be aware of them.

Drones are good fun, and that is why LPB Aerial Imagery love using them and working with clients across the country, but there is a real safety element that needs to be taken into consideration. If you are in any doubt, then please get in touch with the experienced team of sailors and pilots at LPB Aerial Imagery and they will be happy to answer any questions you may have.