OpenLegislation

Article 73 Regulation of small unmanned aircraftI1

United Kingdom

(1)

A person must not cause or permit any article or animal (whether or not attached to a parachute) to be dropped from a small unmanned aircraft so as to endanger persons or property.

(2)

The person in charge of a small unmanned aircraft may only fly the aircraft if reasonably satisfied that the flight can safely be made.

(3)

F1Unless the Governor has granted written permission, the person in charge of a small unmanned aircraft must maintain direct, unaided visual contact with the aircraft sufficient to monitor its flight path in relation to other aircraft, persons, vehicles, vessels and structures for the purpose of avoiding collisions.

F2(4)

The person in charge of a small unmanned aircraft must not fly the aircraft—

(a)

at a height of more than 400 feet above the surface;

(b)

for aerial work;

(c)

within 400 feet of an open-air assembly of more than 400 persons;

(d)

within 150 feet of any person, other than the operator or any person accompanying the operator;

(e)

within 150 feet of any vehicle, vessel or structure which is not under the control of the person in charge of the small unmanned aircraft; or

(f)

within the boundary of an aerodrome,

except with the permission of the Governor.

(F35)

A small unmanned aircraft must be operated in accordance with instructions issued and requirements published by the Governor, and in such a manner as to minimise hazards to persons, property or other aircraft

(6)

The Governor may require that a person who intends to operate in the Territory a small unmanned aircraft with a mass of more than 400 grammes, excluding its fuel but including any articles or equipment installed in or attached to the aircraft at the commencement of its flight, must provide the Governor with such information regarding the purpose, scope, location and manner of operation as the Governor may prescribe.

Annotations

Textual amendments

F1

Words in art. 73(3) substituted (22.7.2021) by The Air Navigation (Overseas Territories) (Amendment) (No. 2) Order 2021 (S.I. 2021/755), arts. 1(1), 9(a)

F2

Art. 73(4)-(6) substituted for art. 73(4)-(10) (22.7.2021) by The Air Navigation (Overseas Territories) (Amendment) (No. 2) Order 2021 (S.I. 2021/755), arts. 1(1), 9(b)

F3

Art. 73(5) substituted (10.4.2024) by The Air Navigation (Overseas Territories) (Amendment) Order 2024 (S.I. 2024/384), arts. 1, 7(1)

Commencement

I1

Art. 73 in force at 1.1.2014, see art. 1