Many people are aware of the usefulness of drones in business and industry. However, many restrictions exist on where drones can be flown and used. All airspace users have a responsibility to comply with the rules and regulations of the Irish Aviation Authority to ensure safety, privacy, and compliance with the law. This is especially true when it comes to operating drones in controlled airspace.
Flying a Drone in Ireland
Almost all of County Dublin is covered by multiple airspace classifications, from Class C to military; Dublin is a hive of activity. There are numerous no-fly zones and prohibited areas around Dublin, including airports, hospitals, foreign embassies, and prisons. There are also newer Geozones created to support Drone Delivery Operations, such as U97, around the Blanchardstown area.
No Fly Zones, as you might have guessed, are areas where drones cannot be flown without prior permission and in certain areas, only by Specific Category Permissions holders. One of the biggest and least apparent No Fly Zones is the Phoenix Park, and due to the number of sensitive buildings within the park, it is almost entirely covered by a Prohibited Airspace Geozone.
Alongside NFZ is Class C airspace. Drones can now be used up to 30m/90m (depending on location) above ground level (AGL) in these areas without ATC clearance. Beyond that, you need a Specific Category Operational Authorisation to apply for permission. Being granted permission for flying a drone in Ireland is not a given; you need to use and work with ATC to complete the mission.
U97 requires approval at all times for every drone operator except Manna. This is done by filing a UF101 or an application via the Altitude Angel Operator Platform or the Drone Assist app.
Why Are There Flight Restrictions for Flying a Drone in Ireland?
The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) enforces the EASA rules for drone operations across the country.
Drones can pose a safety or security threat when used for espionage, stealing confidential information, or even carrying out attacks. By restricting where drones can fly and limiting their capabilities, these regulations help protect people and organisations from such risks.
Privacy is another primary concern. Drones equipped with cameras can invade people’s personal space when flown over private property or areas where privacy is expected. The regulations work to safeguard privacy rights and prevent unauthorised surveillance. Some locations also have special restrictions. For example, nature reserves and wildlife habitats limit drone activity to protect animals and prevent environmental harm.
Classification of Airspace For Drones
Airspace is divided into classes. The most considerable controlled airspace in the country is, not surprisingly, in and around Dublin. It’s crucial to check the specific regulations in your country before flying a drone.
The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) is responsible for classifying airspace in accordance with international standards and regulations. They also establish Temporary Restricted Areas and set standards for instrument flight procedures. For drone pilots and others using the airspace, it’s essential to be aware of these classifications and comply with the regulations that apply to each class to ensure safety and coordination when flying a drone in Ireland.
The airspace in Ireland is predominantly composed of Class C and G airspace, where air traffic control manages drone traffic within the Designated Control Zones.
Class C Airspace Drone Operating: In this controlled airspace, every flight is under the jurisdiction of air traffic control services, which ensures a safe distance is maintained between aircraft. Flights operating under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) have protection in this zone.
Class G Airspace Drone Operating: This airspace is categorised as uncontrolled, meaning that air traffic control services are only available upon request by a pilot. Typically, it is utilised for local flights that adhere to Visual Flight Rules (VFR).
Failure to comply with airspace restrictions and regulations can result in fines, legal consequences, or endangerment to the safety of aviation and the public.
Do These Restrictions Apply to Hobbyist Drone Users?
Hobbyist drone users may have more flexibility in obtaining permissions or authorisations for certain types of drone flying compared to commercial operators. However, they are still required to follow the rules and regulations of the IAA, including registering their drones (if applicable), maintaining line of sight during flights, respecting privacy and property rights, and ensuring the safety of their operations.
Hobbyists must familiarise themselves with the relevant regulations and airspace classes before flying their drones to avoid legal issues or fines.
What is Temporary Reserved Airspace?
Temporary Reserved Airspace (TRAs) are measures that temporarily limit aircraft operations, including drone flying, within a specified area of airspace for safety or security reasons. These restrictions may be implemented for various reasons, such as VIP movements, air shows, emergency operations, or other critical events.
Drone operators need to stay informed about any TRAs that may affect their planned flights when flying a drone in Ireland.
It is essential to check for updates on temporary airspace restrictions before flying your drone to ensure compliance with regulations and avoid any potential hazards. It is always better to be prepared and informed when operating drones in controlled airspaces.
The Legality of Flying Drones Over Private Property
In Ireland, flying drones over private property is generally acceptable; however, drone pilots are obligated to navigate with care, respect the well-being, privacy, and property rights of individuals, and comply with applicable laws to guarantee that their flights are lawful and do not infringe upon or disrupt others.
Suppose you are flying a drone in Ireland over private property, although it is not strictly illegal, drone operators must ensure that their drone flying does not cause harm or intrusion to someone else’s property. It is essential to avoid capturing images or footage of people on private property without their consent, particularly if the images or footage may be considered intrusive or invasive.
In Ireland, drone pilots must comply with the Irish Aviation Authority’s (IAA) operational requirements, which require that manned aircraft keep a safe distance from individuals and structures, operate the drone within the pilot’s direct field of vision, and ensure the drone flight is steered clear of restricted zones like airports and state facilities.
Contact Our Professional Drone Service in Ireland
At Drone Services Ireland, we specialise in working within the controlled airspace in Dublin, where we complete the majority of our work. Our commercial drone operators are well-versed in the regulations and requirements for flying drones in controlled airspaces.
We have experience working with ATC to obtain the necessary permissions and authorisations for our operations, ensuring that we can conduct our drone services safely and legally in Dublin. We have many years of working in cohesion with drone regulations in Ireland to ensure that our operations are safe and do not put individuals at risk.
If you are looking for a professional drone service in Ireland that can navigate the complexities of controlled airspaces and provide high-quality aerial imagery or data collection, call us today!