Drone Safety Rules

This guide is for everyone involved in drone flights managed by Mavic Drone Services. 

The Project Manager on site oversees making sure that everyone is aware of these safety implications. The drone pilot on site will explain these rules to everyone involved at the location where the drone is flying. 

The Drone Pilot or Project Manager will read out the following statement: 

Today we are flying a drone which could potentially be dangerous. Please do not approach the aircraft during take-off or landing. While the aircraft is in the air, please always be aware of it. If you hear me shout ‘UAV FAIL’ at any time, please find the aircraft in the sky and avoid it, as it might be deviating from its planned flight route and the drone pilot might not have control of it.’ 

Should the Pilot become unwell during flight the spotter will: 

In the event of me becoming unwell during the flight, he will take the controller and press and hold the RTH.  The controller will beep and the aircraft will return to the landing/take-off point. Keep this area clear until the aircraft lands and then he or she deals with any medical emergency(ies). 

Knowing the drone’s path. 

The path the drone will take, and the take-off/landing locations will be clearly explained to make sure everyone knows where the drone will fly. This helps people stay aware and safe.  

Staying safe around the drone 

The UK Civil Aviation Authority has rules about how close uninvolved people can be to the drone when it takes off, lands, and flies.  

Different types of drones have different safety distance requirements. To make sure you’re safe, it’s important to stay back the required distance.  

The drone pilot will wear a bright jacket and brief you on suitable places to stand during all operations.  

If there’s an emergency, like a fire, involved people should follow the briefed procedures and have access to the tools to help.  

Listening to the drone pilot 

If the drone pilot tells you to move or help in an emergency, you need to listen and do as they say, as long as you’re able to.  

What to do in an emergency 

If there’s an emergency, the drone team will use specific words to tell you what to do. “UAV Fail” means you need to leave the area quickly. If you hear “Bird Incursion” it means birds are near the drone. “FIRE UAV FAIL!” means the drone is on fire.  

Understanding the rules 

It’s important that everyone knows these what is required of them prior to any operations taking place. If you have questions, you can ask the drone team anytime.  

Agreeing to be part of the operations

If you don’t feel safe or don’t want to be near the drone, you can say “I am not happy to around the operation.” The team will respect your choice, and the drone won’t fly until you feel safe or you’re away from the operational area.  

Getting permission to fly 

Before flying the drone, Mavic Drone Media will make all necessary checks to see if there are any special rules for the area.  

We handle all the paperwork, which might take up to 28 days. By saying yes to these rules, you’re letting Mavic Drone Services fly the drone on this property.  

If you’re not the owner or are unable to grant these permissions, please tell the owner about this prior to any operations commencing. The owner can say no to allowing the drone to take off at any time.  

This guide is intended to keep everyone safe and informed during drone flights.