Avoidance of Other Aircraft

In plain language

Always keep an eye and ear out for other aircraft, such as air ambulances, police helicopters, and light aircraft. Be prepared to take immediate action to keep out of their way.

Requirement as structured

Remote pilots must always be ready to respond in the safest way possible if other aircraft appear and must look and listen out for unusual or specialist flying activities.

Original regulatory text

Always be ready to respond in the safest way possible if other aircraft appear where you’re flying. Look and listen out for unusual or specialist flying activities, such as air ambulances, police helicopters, light aircraft, military aircraft, crop spraying, and electricity pylon surveying. Useful places to check for restrictions and hazards Signs Check for signs that say you cannot fly drones or model aircraft. Some sites may have restrictions that are not listed in apps and other services. NOTAMs (Notices to Aviation) NOTAMs are official notices that tell people about activities that may be a hazard to flying. For example, a balloon show. Many drone apps include details of NOTAMs. You can also find NOTAMs at the NATS drone website (opens in new tab). Apps and other resources with details of restrictions Some flying restrictions are given in the following: - drone apps that show airspace restrictions - the NATS drone website (opens in new tab) (NATS is the air traffic control organisation) - the Aeronautical Information Publication (opens in new tab) When you use any of these resources, make sure you understand exactly what information it is giving you. 9. Get the right authorisation before flying outside this code This Code covers basic flying in the Over People (A1) and Far from People (A3) sub-categories. If you want to fly outside the rules in this Code, you must first get the correct  authorisation to move on to more advance flying (opens in new tab). For example, you’ll need authorisation from the Civil Aviation Authority if you want to fly: - at different heights or distances to the ones in this Code - closer to a residential, recreational, commercial or industrial area - over crowds or groups of people If you want to fly at or near an airport, you need permission from the airport. If you want to fly in other types of restricted airspace, you’ll need permission. Authorisation that comes with membership of a club or association In some cases, being a member of a recognised club or association may give you additional flying authorisation. For example, you may be able to fly in an area that is normally restricted as long as you follow the conditions in the authorisation. Check with your club or association before you fly. - Previous page : Flying safely and responsibly (points 1 and 2) - Next page : Making every flight safe (points 10 to 20) Provide feedback for this page

Applies when

country

United Kingdom

regulatory category

Open