Category: Drone / UAV / RPAS Questions

A shielded operation is an operation conducted:

Within 100 metres of, and below the top of, a natural or man-made object

Outside of the boundary of all aerodromes; and

In airspace that is physically separated from the aerodrome by a barrier that is capable of arresting the flight of the aircraft (Airshare hint: if there is no barrier e.g. a fence between you and the aerodrome, then your operation is not shielded)

• Part 101 will require that operators have knowledge of the airspace designation under Part 71. This means you will be required to know if your planned flight is within controlled or uncontrolled airspace, the class of the airspace or whether the airspace is designated special use (e.g. a Military Operating Area)
• You will also be required to be aware of any airspace restrictions (e.g. low flying areas, danger areas etc.) in the location of your planned flight.
• Part 101 still states that operations within controlled airspace require prior Air Traffic Control (ATC) authorisation, however the amended rule will allow ‘shielded operations’ to occur in controlled airspace with no ATC authorisation. A shielded operation is an operation within 100m of and below the top of a natural or man-made object (e.g. a tree or building). Within 4 kilometres of a controlled aerodrome a shielded operation must be physically separated from the aerodrome by a barrier that is capable of arresting the flight of the aircraft. .
• Part 101 allows the use of First Person View (FPV) systems however a trained and competent observer who maintains visual line of sight of the aircraft and is in direct communication with the aircraft operator is required.
• Part 101 will require operators to gain permission of people and property occupiers/owners if they wish to operate over people/property. Further information relating to this requirement is provided in the Advisory Circular

If you want to operate outside of any of the requirements under the Part 101 rules, you can apply to the CAA for a one-off Exemption or for a Part 102 operator certificate if you need permanent exemptions. In your application, you can indicate which requirement(s) of Part 101 you want to be granted a variation from. Application information can be found on the CAA website here.

Check out the Rules top tips page for links to the relevant Civil Aviation Rule (CAR). It is important you know and understand your obligations when flying a UAV. The relevant rules are CAR Part 101 and CAR Part 102.

Yes, Airways is responsible for controlled airspace. To ensure safety for all air users and passengers, you must get permission to fly in any controlled airspace. If your local park is in a control zone, then you must get permission from Airways. For example, that park could be in an aircraft approach path.

There are limitations to where you can fly your UAV. Please refer to the Rules top tips. It’s important to note that as a guide you cannot fly in controlled airspace or within 4kms of any “defined area of land or water intended or designed to be used either wholly or partly for the landing, departure, and surface movement of aircraft; and includes any buildings, installations, and equipment on or adjacent to any such area used in connection with the aerodrome or its administration” This includes an airport, aerodrome, airfield, heli-port etc.

As a drone operator you are responsible under the Civil Aviation Act. You must give way to manned aircraft. You must understand and obey the relevant rules. For more information on the relevant rules please refer to the CAA website.

Control tower hours of service are published in AIP supplements which can be found here (TIP: click on the latest supplement under the AIP Amendments section)

It improves safety, helps to avoid collisions, and enables separation services to be performed by air traffic control. Being able to see a UAV is also an important step towards integrating UAV’s into airspace.