Where to fly a drone in Ireland

m_stan

New to the drone hobby - yes I've jumped on your bandwagon. Just purchased a DJI Mavic Pro, registered it and have read the regulations from the IAAA.

Can someone clarify for me whether it's legal to fly in a public park or not? eg: St Anne's Park, the Phoenix Park, St Stephens Green for example?

If my read of the regulations is correct, it's technically only legal to fly on private land. Is that a good way to think about it?

Any advice on where I can fly within the rules would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

MajesticDonkey

You cannot fly anywhere in Phoenix Park, because it's prohibited airspace due to the Aras etc. In the other two parks you mentioned, and indeed anywhere within 15 miles (I think, though it could be 20) of Dublin Airport, you cannot fly above 50 ft - this is called controlled airspace.

You then have the usual limitations of not flying within 30 metres of any person or building and not flying within 120 metres of a congregation of people.

In terms of where it's legal to fly...it's legal to fly anywhere as long as the above is adhered to. If you're taking off from or landing on private land, you need permission from the land owner, but it's perfectly legal to do so on public property as long as you're far enough away from everything as above.

Poster here for common rules: https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/p960x960/16991780_10154270635290848_7049142253023082252_o.jpg?oh=8f3ab86ba45a629fb0255fca6733b471&oe=59B91CD5
You can use this map to determine if you're in controlled (yellow) or prohibited (red) airspace: https://www.flyryte.com/airspace/

deco nate

Download an app called airmap handy to use before you even turn on your drone it will check the area your in.

Denisoftus

MajesticDonkey wrote: »

Poster here for common rules: https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/p960x960/16991780_10154270635290848_7049142253023082252_o.jpg?oh=8f3ab86ba45a629fb0255fca6733b471&oe=59B91CD5

You can use this map to determine if you're in controlled (yellow) or prohibited (red) airspace: https://www.flyryte.com/airspace/

This is very confusing. First link states never flight closer then 5km from any aerodrome, right, ok, but the second link shows Bray (far longer then 5km from Dublin airport), for example, as Class C airspace, which limits you to 15m alt (again according to the website). What is this site anyway? And where does it take the map data from? I could not confirm on IAA site that this area is restricted to 15m to flight drones. Is there an official IAA map to confirm it?

By the way, Flyryte site now offering online course, is it worth taking it? With so many restrictions and rules one can be so easily and genuinely confused.

MajesticDonkey

Denisoftus wrote: »

This is very confusing. First link states never flight closer then 5km from any aerodrome, right, ok, but the second link shows Bray (far longer then 5km from Dublin airport), for example, as Class C airspace, which limits you to 15m alt (again according to the website). What is this site anyway? And where does it take the map data from? I could not confirm on IAA site that this area is restricted to 15m to flight drones. Is there an official IAA map to confirm it?

By the way, Flyryte site now offering online course, is it worth taking it? With so many restrictions and rules one can be so easily and genuinely confused.

Nobody can fly within 5 km of any airport. If you're licensed, you can fly with express permission from the IAA. Outside that, usually to 15 miles (this is Class C), anyone can fly without permission, but only up to 15 m (or 50 ft). Outside that again, you can fly pretty much un-restricted - max of 120 m altitude, and 300 m distance from controller to drone.

Unfortunately the IAA don't offer an official online map of Irish airspace - you're forced to buy a hard copy from OSI, which is expensive and just behind the times IMHO. So that FlyRyte online map is an unofficial map, pretty much just as a guide. What's there is accurate though, and while I don't have experience with FlyRyte personally, they have a great reputation in the drone industry here, so if you're interested in learning everything I would recommend the course on reputation alone.

Denisoftus

MajesticDonkey wrote: »

Outside that, usually to 15 miles (this is Class C), anyone can fly without permission, but only up to 15 m

I can't find this restriction anywhere on IAA website. Where did you see it?

MajesticDonkey

Denisoftus wrote: »

I can't find this restriction anywhere on IAA website. Where did you see it?

U.04

m_stan

The maps in the doc above seem to suggest that only parts of the Phoenix park are a no fly zone. Is it possible to fly outside the marked no fly zone or is the entire park off limits? Thanks!

MajesticDonkey

Yeah, looks like the prohibited airspace centres on the Aras with a radius of about 1.8 km, so outside of that it's just a case of staying below 50 ft.

tawnyowl

MajesticDonkey wrote: »

Yeah, looks like the prohibited airspace centres on the Aras with a radius of about 1.8 km, so outside of that it's just a case of staying below 50 ft.

Does the Leinster Model Flying Club fly to the west of St. Marys' Hospital? They fly in the Fifteen Acres area, I gather: http://www.leinstermodelflyingclub.ie/about-us.html

MajesticDonkey

tawnyowl wrote: »

Does the Leinster Model Flying Club fly to the west of St. Marys' Hospital? They fly in the Fifteen Acres area, I gather: http://www.leinstermodelflyingclub.ie/about-us.html

I've no idea, but based on the map on their website, it's actually inside prohibited airspace, so they likely have an agreement with the IAA to fly there on a regular basis.

Bruthal

The mavic may be outside the scope of the IAA regulations if the 1kg threshold is still in place, although might still be if it has metal parts etc.

MajesticDonkey

Bruthal wrote: »

The mavic may be outside the scope of the IAA regulations if the 1kg threshold is still in place, although might still be if it has metal parts etc.

That's likely the change pretty quickly, and the laws are there good reason, so people should be looking to follow them unless they have one of these

dirtydancing

A bit late to the party, but does anyone how to deal with the limitation proposed by OPW on national monuments? Is the the case of "no taking off or landing within our properties", or are they considered restricted airspace?

stuff.hunter

dirtydancing wrote: »

A bit late to the party, but does anyone how to deal with the limitation proposed by OPW on national monuments? Is the the case of "no taking off or landing within our properties", or are they considered restricted airspace?

as far as I know, national monuments are not classified as restricted airspace (unless in regular restricted areas ) and most of them are on private owned land so in theory no extra restrictions apply but... usually there are visitors around so flying over is prohibited. Also, when taking off from outside of the monuments site while on private property, you should get (farmers?) permission to do so.
On the IAA website ( https://www.iaa.ie/general-aviation/drones ) you can find a link to the Heritage.ie website which says 'PLEASE NOTE: THE USE OF DRONES IS NOT PERMITTED AT NATIONAL MONUMENT SITES' and pointing you back to the IAA where is no other heritage sites related info so I'd say that taking off and landing on the site is prohibited, safe flying over is ok

tedpan

It's a tough one. You need to pay attention to the signage in the area. Flying over people/crowds is a no no.

I was at the curragh a few months ago, there are no drones or planes allowed to fly anywhere in that area. Probably would have been able to get some great shots with all the sheep freely roaming.

Check the Airmap app and if you need to fly in a restricted place, make sure you have permission first.

nthclare

Man if you want action with a drone go to the cliffs of moher or Doolin and you'll get spectacular footage.

Loop heads another place worth a shot, thats if you're ever down this way.

So would I be right in saying that as a general rule of thumb, the general gist of things is you can pretty much do what you want, as long as you're not flying too high (over 50ft) and not over a crowded area (ie; festival, parade, etc.).

delly

Deleted User wrote: »

So would I be right in saying that as a general rule of thumb, the general gist of things is you can pretty much do what you want, as long as you're not flying too high (over 50ft) and not over a crowded area (ie; festival, parade, etc.).

Add to that that you have a line of sight restriction and can't fly near vehicles that are not within your control.

Top Dog

Deleted User wrote: »

So would I be right in saying that as a general rule of thumb, the general gist of things is you can pretty much do what you want, as long as you're not flying too high (over 50ft) and not over a crowded area (ie; festival, parade, etc.).

IAA website says you can fly to 120m (400ft) altitude.

tedpan

Top Dog wrote:

IAA website says you can fly to 120m (400ft) altitude.

True, I think KKV meant without having to register the drone.

Top Dog

tedpan wrote: »

True, I think KKV meant without having to register the drone.

Ah. Apologies so Only learning all the rules & regs myself

99nsr125

tedpan wrote: »

True, I think KKV meant without having to register the drone.

If the drone is registered what is the maximum ceilng then

Top Dog

99nsr125 wrote: »

If the drone is registered what is the maximum ceilng then

120m/400ft

delly

Just for anyone wondering, registration involves putting your details online, giving the drone model details and serial number, which costs €5 for 2 years. You'll then get sent out a IAA registration sticker to attach to your drone. It's a pretty inoffensive process, so would recommend it if you plan on flying in the wild. It also gives you a small bit of credibility if you get any hassle if you do get approached, as most non drone people don't have a clue what you can and can't do.

robinwing

delly wrote: »

Just for anyone wondering, registration involves putting your details online, giving the drone model details and serial number, which costs €5 for 2 years. You'll then get sent out a IAA registration sticker to attach to your drone. It's a pretty inoffensive process, so would recommend it if you plan on flying in the wild. It also gives you a small bit of credibility if you get any hassle if you do get approached, as most non drone people don't have a clue what you can and can't do.

Hi whats the address for registering online please ?

tedpan

robinwing wrote: »

Hi whats the address for registering online please ?

Register Here

tedpan

tedpan wrote: »

Register Here

Cheers. Been flying for years and just did registered there now. Could never actually find where to register. Website always struck me as a mess, but maybe I just never bothered looking hard enough.

tedpan

Deleted User wrote:

Cheers. Been flying for years and just did registered there now. Could never actually find where to register. Website always struck me as a mess, but maybe I just never bothered looking hard enough.

Yeah the website has gotten slightly better recently but still a pain to navigate.

Homer

Top Dog wrote: »

IAA website says you can fly to 120m (400ft) altitude.

It’s very much down to the flight space you are in. For example, all of Dublin is 50ft which is actually 15 metres! Class G airspace would be 120m

Bruthal

Having a drone such as a mavic Pro etc with its abilities, is now getting like having a formula one car but you can only drive it in a shopping centre car park.

Range of about 4km and full autopilot home etc but ye won't be able to fly it outside your living room in time.

Bruthal

Bruthal wrote: »

Having a drone such as a mavic Pro etc with its abilities, is now getting like having a formula one car but you can only drive it in a shopping centre car park.

Range of about 4km and full autopilot home etc but ye won't be able to fly it outside your living room in time.

In fairness, drones, much as I use mine (mostly for work) are very much the kind of thing that shouldn't really be as easily available as they are.

For all the good that comes of them, there are so many negative aspects, that it's not hard to see why rules and regulations will start to get tightened up on.

It's always the assholes that ruin it for the decent people. It's the person that wants to get a decent shot of the sunset over some Donegal Mountains that will face difficulty doing so, because a few travellers used a drone to rob a farm, etc.

albernazj93

MajesticDonkey wrote: »

You cannot fly anywhere in Phoenix Park, because it's prohibited airspace due to the Aras etc. In the other two parks you mentioned, and indeed anywhere within 15 miles (I think, though it could be 20) of Dublin Airport, you cannot fly above 50 ft - this is called controlled airspace.

You then have the usual limitations of not flying within 30 metres of any person or building and not flying within 120 metres of a congregation of people.

In terms of where it's legal to fly...it's legal to fly anywhere as long as the above is adhered to. If you're taking off from or landing on private land, you need permission from the land owner, but it's perfectly legal to do so on public property as long as you're far enough away from everything as above.

Poster here for common rules: https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/p960x960/16991780_10154270635290848_7049142253023082252_o.jpg?oh=8f3ab86ba45a629fb0255fca6733b471&oe=59B91CD5
You can use this map to determine if you're in controlled (yellow) or prohibited (red) airspace: https://www.flyryte.com/airspace/

Translating: You can't fly anywhere



Thanks for the post tho, I did not know all these rules.

Hoop66

Top Dog wrote: »

IAA website says you can fly to 120m (400ft) altitude.

Only in class G airspace. Anywhere within 15km of an airport is class C and you are restricted to 50ft, unless you have specific permission. The IAA is unlikely to give permission unless you are licensed.

Eire-Dearg

Potentially a stupid question, but if you are flying too high in restricted airspace (say, at the very edge of the 15km range) will drones pick up in radar at the airport? If not, how is it policed?

tedpan

Eire-Dearg wrote:

Potentially a stupid question, but if you are flying too high in restricted airspace (say, at the very edge of the 15km range) will drones pick up in radar at the airport? If not, how is it policed?

Certain drones have the technology built in and won't allow you to fly or take off within that airspace. The likes of DJI, Xiaomi, Yuneec, autel, parrot etc.

The lower end drones without GPS would technically be 'less safe' because of this.

Top Dog

Hoop66 wrote: »

Only in class G airspace. Anywhere within 15km of an airport is class C and you are restricted to 50ft, unless you have specific permission. The IAA is unlikely to give permission unless you are licensed.

Is that not 5km rather than 15?

Top Dog

Top Dog wrote: »

Is that not 5km rather than 15?

To answer my own question - yes it is 5km


https://www.iaa.ie/docs/default-source/misc/drones-questions-and-answers.pdf?sfvrsn=2

Hoop66

Top Dog wrote: »

To answer my own question - yes it is 5km


https://www.iaa.ie/docs/default-source/misc/drones-questions-and-answers.pdf?sfvrsn=2

5km is the no-fly zone. 5-15km (approx) is class C airspace where you can only fly above 50ft with specific permission from the IAA.

Turquoise Hexagon Sun

Use this map, and you generally can't go wrong. It's updated and maintained by current/ex Irish air-corp pilots that liase closely with IAA. If you click on the areas marked, it will tell you the local information - the class of the airspace and the local aerodrome.

https://www.flyryte.com/airspace

theothernt

Also, if you have a DJI drone, check their flight maps before you fly as they have additional restrictions eg. height limits along the approaches to most run ways for several kilometres...

https://www.dji.com/ie/flysafe/geo-map

ablelocks

only have my drone a week, but i've been asked to do take initial footage of a commercial site - just to get some footage for early design purposes. plan is if they buy the site, they'll get professionals in to do drone work.

however, it's within 5km of Casement and Baldonnel. edit - DJI map says the location is in an Authorization Zone.

So from my ltd reading this morning :

a) that effectively rules me out of getting any footage at any height with a mavic air 2?

and

b) if they want to get it done professionally, they and/or the drone operator need to get permission from the IAA, and the drone operator needs to be licensed?.

correct?

sumo12

ablelocks wrote: »

only have my drone a week, but i've been asked to do take initial footage of a commercial site - just to get some footage for early design purposes. plan is if they buy the site, they'll get professionals in to do drone work.

however, it's within 5km of Casement and Baldonnel. edit - DJI map says the location is in an Authorization Zone.

So from my ltd reading this morning :

a) that effectively rules me out of getting any footage at any height with a mavic air 2?

and

b) if they want to get it done professionally, they and/or the drone operator need to get permission from the IAA, and the drone operator needs to be licensed?.

correct?

From my equally limited knowledge, yes to both questions....

tedpan

ablelocks wrote:

a) that effectively rules me out of getting any footage at any height with a mavic air 2?

ablelocks wrote:

b) if they want to get it done professionally, they and/or the drone operator need to get permission from the IAA, and the drone operator needs to be licensed?.

Correct, 5kms in any direction from an airport is a no go for the average drone pilot.

For the job listed above and for most professional work, the drone will need to be registered, the pilot will need to have completed their IAA certification, need permission from the IAA to fly in restricted areas and have the relevant insurance in place.

Cotts72

nthclare wrote: »

Man if you want action with a drone go to the cliffs of moher or Doolin and you'll get spectacular footage.

Loop heads another place worth a shot, thats if you're ever down this way.

Apologies new to the drone game... Isnt the cliffs of moher a no drone zone?

And secondly as the mavic air 2 is below the 1kg do I still need to register it?

tedpan

Cotts72 wrote:

Apologies new to the drone game... Isnt the cliffs of moher a no drone zone?

Not sure, I do know that lots of sites are no fly zones, like the curragh and other parks, check airmap to be sure.

Cotts72 wrote:

And secondly as the mavic air 2 is below the 1kg do I still need to register it?

It depends on how high and far you'd like to fly it. Anything above 15 metres and you'll need to register.

Cotts72

tedpan wrote: »

Not sure, I do know that lots of sites are no fly zones, like the curragh and other parks, check airmap to be sure.



It depends on how high and far you'd like to fly it. Anything above 15 metres and you'll need to register.

I know Google says different but looking at the air map is seems to indicate that it's OK to fly. Was heading that way next week so might just email

tedpan

Cotts72 wrote: »

I know Google says different but looking at the air map is seems to indicate that it's OK to fly. Was heading that way next week so might just email

Yeah, look out for local signage too. Hope you can get some nice shots!

ScrubsfanChris

Cotts72 wrote: »

I know Google says different but looking at the air map is seems to indicate that it's OK to fly. Was heading that way next week so might just email

The land operated by Clare County Council don't allow the use of drones, they have plenty of signs about it.

The cliffs themselves obviously extend south and north of this point with signage noting when you are leaving the "visitor areas"
Take off and land well outside the Clare CC perimeter and on public land, then you should be ok just be safe with people milling around the weather.

There's more to consider when flying than just airspace.