DRONES AND SMALL UNMANNED AIRCRAFT (SUA)
In the United Kingdom, flights of unmanned aircraft around aerodromes that are designated as ‘protected aerodromes’ are restricted.
Unmanned aircraft of any size must not be flown within the Flight Restriction Zone (FRZ) of a protected aerodrome without appropriate permission. Full details of the legislation can be found here.
Drone flight requests within the Popham Airfield FRZ must be submitted 48 hours in advance. Any drone flight request made within the 48 hours notice period may not be processed in time.
REQUEST PERMISSION
Popham Airfield manages all drone flight requests within its Flight Restriction Zone using Altitude Angel. To request permission, you can either apply via the desktop application (Operator Portal) or Mobile App (Drone Assist).
Use Operator Portal by Altitude Angel
Altitude Angel’s Operator Portal, is where you can submit your mission details for approval to us. For new Altitude Angel users, by clicking on the above link, you will be presented with the option to register for free and then proceed to your new account to submit your mission details.
Click here for the Altitude Angel Operator Portal User guide.
Use the Drone Assist Mobile App by Altitude Angel
If you are an existing Altitude Angel user, your user credentials can be used for both the Drone Assist App and Operator Portal. Once logged into the Drone Assist App, locate Popham Airfield on the interactive map. Create your mission plan using the in-app technology, which will automatically request approval if you require access to Popham Airfield for your drone flight. The free app is available for iOS and Android.
When you fly a drone in the UK, it is your responsibility to be aware of the rules that are in place to keep everyone safe.
Follow these simple steps to make sure you are flying safely and legally.
FLIGHT RESTRICTION ZONE (FRZ)
You must not fly a SUA within the flight restriction zone of a protected aerodrome without obtaining permission. Popham Airfield is a protected aerodrome.
The flight restriction zone is active at all times (H24) and applies to all small, unmanned aircraft of any mass, even small toys.
Having received approval for your request, during AGCS's hours of operation, final permission must be obtained from the Air Traffic Control Officer (ATCO) on duty.
Outside ATC hours, permission must be obtained from the aerodrome operator. If permission cannot be obtained the flight may not take place.
FLYING DRONES SAFELY AND LEGALLY
When you fly a drone in the UK it is your responsibility to be aware of the rules that are in place to keep everyone safe.
Drone Access Policy (UK only)
The drone pilot must be aware of and comply with the law relating to safe and legal operations, this includes:
Air Navigation Order 2016
CAP722A; and
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Drone Code.
All drone pilots must:
Actions: