I am about to buy a 3DR Iris. Eventually I wish to kit it out with FPV, take still images and record movies with a GoPro or similar camera. I will most likely begin with duct taping my Canon S90 camera to keep costs down and it is an excellent camera weighing about the same as a GoPro.
However I would like to stay on the right side of the law, but I don't exactly know what all the legal requirements are and would very much appreciate help or advice on this.
I see lots of shiny equipment to kit out a FPV quad but I don't want to buy the wrong kit and end up with a criminal record or end up in prison through ignorance of the law.
As far as I have discovered my drone is under 20kgs and does not need an air worthiness license, provided I don't even consider think about commercial use. Its just a hobby and I don't want to earn money from this.
My drone will be controlled by a 2.4khz transmitter and I think does not need a license to buzz around as long as I remain within line of sight. I think this means within a 500 meter unobstructed radius and no higher than 121 meters from the ground.
Where it gets confusing, for me, is the FPV and transmitting back from the drone to a display screen. What legal requirements or licence do I need to stay on the right side of the law?
As far as I can understand from reading a few websites is that an Armature Radio license does not meet the requirement and expressly states that it can not be used to transmit airborne signals.
What equipment can I use to transmit FPV signals from my drone back to me and stay legal?
Replies
Thank you both for your advice, it is much appreciated.
From what I read recently, every UAV which is equipped with any kind of camera is designated a "surveillance aircraft" in the UK and must stay clear of any building or individual person by at least 50 meters.
I've been thinking about this concept of all UAV's being classed as surveillance aircraft.
I can take a camera or video recorder anywhere I want in a public space and shoot or film what I want, with the odd exception, but in a public space I could use a camera with a 1,200mm zoom and photograph pop stars, but I have no desire to do this.
So what is the difference between my camera in my hand or on a tripod or a quad buzzing around in a public space?
I can't exactly be accused of invading privacy other wise the British Press would be out of business quite quickly.
Lots of food for thought.
Thank you everybody for your advice and comments.
Please excuse any spelling mistukes. I'm using my tablet which, for some reason does NOT have a spell checker.
How ironic from the country with the most surv cameras.
I dont live in the UK, so the best advice i can give is search for local rc shops that sell fpv equipment. It stands to reason they will sell legal equipment on the right frequencies. I have also heard that the mW output is very strict in the UK. Regarding other limitations, typically they are you must fly under 130m and within line of sight. You will of course hav e to do more research.
On the equipment side, basically you will need a video tx and matching rx. These are available in several bands, 900mhz, 1.2-1.3g, 2.4g and 5.8. Im not sure which you can and cant use in the UK because of mobile phones which are usualy somewhere between 900 and 2g. You have to be careful that the tx and rx match because not some products dont work with others.
Any camera with video out can be hooked up to your tx. You will need a monitor or goggles to view the video on the ground. Personally i would advice a monitor when your starting simply because its easier to move your eyes between the monitor and the actual craft. Goggles require you to put them on and off so its a bit more trouble to switch.
I am genuinely interested in flying quadcopters and I have now asked three questions that I think are important to my road of discovery. But sadly as yet I have not had a single reply to my subjects even though many people have read them.
Am I doing something wrong on the forums, or have I posted my questions in the wrong areas?
Please help me out.
This link fpvuk.org should give you the information that you are looking for, it explains how to go about flying fpv here in the uk legally, it also gives guidance on how to select the frequencies of the equipment that you will need:-)