New Drone laws being introduced.

Krombopulos Michael · 03-01-2019 12:55pm #1

"New laws that will see more drones requiring registration are coming into effect in Ireland this year.

Owners of drones here that weigh more than 250 grams will have to register the device.

Previously it was only drones over 1kg that had to be registered."

https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/new-laws-mean-more-drones-will-need-to-be-registered-in-ireland-895354.html

I was planning to pick up a small cheap drone to see if I enjoy the hobby and want to go bigger. The one I was looking at was 450grams, which according to these changes, I would have to register.

Gatling · 03-01-2019 1:34pm

Stupid knee jerk reaction to a situation that may not Have actually happened at all in the UK

badtoro · 03-01-2019 2:05pm

If, and everyone will have different perspectives on it, people disagree with registration the squeaky wheel gets the oil. Email your local td's , particularly in FG & FF and outline your case. Follow up on that email is important.

This does work, if enough people do it.

listermint · 03-01-2019 2:07pm

If you are objecting you should be objecting on a cost base analysis.

i.e how much would operating maintaining such a system of registration cost.

including GDPR requirements.

Put a figure on it. Thats where the objections should lie rather than 'i like my freedom flying drones'

TDs only see money.

Crumplecorn · 04-01-2019 2:40pm

It comes after thousands of flights were disrupted due to drone activity at London's Gatwick Airport before Christmas.

This is the Best Kind of Correct, but misleading.

This has been coming for a while.

I'm trying to wrap my head around it at the moment, but for small (<900g) drones it seems significantly more liberal than SI563/2015 in terms of where you can fly (in cases where the SI applies anyway). There seem to be some potential gotchas for existing drones, e.g. max energy and electronic IDs. Registration will be needed (for the operator, but not the drone I think), but currently that's super simple anyway.

Top Dog · 11-01-2020 11:39pm

Registered my drone on December 6th, still waiting for it to come through in the post. :rolleyes:

Corbother · 12-01-2020 12:22am

Top Dog wrote: »

Registered my drone on December 6th, still waiting for it to come through in the post. :rolleyes:

What's involved in the process do you mind me asking?

Top Dog · 12-01-2020 12:27am

Corbother wrote: »

What's involved in the process do you mind me asking?

Its a slight bit of a faff, but nothing too complicated. Its a 2 step process. First you register for an account with ASSET, the IAA's online terrain mapping system. Once you verify the account you can register your drone. Pretty straightforward and normal questions - name, address, serial number off the drone, small fee and .... wait.

All the links are available here -> https://www.iaa.ie/general-aviation/drones/drone-registration

Corbother · 12-01-2020 12:38am

Top Dog wrote: »

Its a slight bit of a faff, but nothing too complicated. Its a 2 step process. First you register for an account with ASSET, the IAA's online terrain mapping system. Once you verify the account you can register your drone. Pretty straightforward and normal questions - name, address, serial number off the drone, small fee and .... wait.

All the links are available here -> https://www.iaa.ie/general-aviation/drones/drone-registration

Many thanks. I'll have to follow suit.

Widdensushi · 12-01-2020 12:45am

badtoro wrote: »

If, and everyone will have different perspectives on it, people disagree with registration the squeaky wheel gets the oil. Email your local td's , particularly in FG & FF and outline your case. Follow up on that email is important.

This does work, if enough people do it.

It's a European rule, email your mep if you want but it would seem rather pointless, definitely pointless contacting your td.

robinwing · 14-01-2020 12:10pm

Is it illegal to fly a drone on a deserted beach ?

nozzferrahhtoo · 14-01-2020 1:35pm

On the off chance anyone is at all interested, here is a pretty good summary of the Drone Laws here in Germany. Might be interesting to compare with what Ireland is doing if you are into that kind of comparing

Otherwise please ignore.

Top Dog · 15-01-2020 3:12am

robinwing wrote: »

Is it illegal to fly a drone on a deserted beach ?

No

Homer · 15-01-2020 5:51pm

robinwing wrote: »

Is it illegal to fly a drone on a deserted beach ?

Depends on how high you want to fly? If you’re in Dublin it would be 15m and any higher you’re breaking the law.

Fionn · 16-01-2020 1:25pm

a year or more ago I tried to renew the registration for my Phantom 4 Pro but their system wouldn't allow it for some reason, so I eventually gave up altogether.

I haven't tried since because I'm selling it now.

Top Dog · 16-01-2020 11:46pm

Homer wrote: »

Depends on how high you want to fly? If you’re in Dublin it would be 15m and any higher you’re breaking the law.

Where are you getting this information from?

Its not mentioned at all in the IAA FAQ in relation to drones - so if the beach is deserted and over 5km from an aerodrome, then there's nothing stopping you from going up 120m?

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

ScrubsfanChris · 17-01-2020 9:20pm

Top Dog wrote: »

Where are you getting this information from?

Its not mentioned at all in the IAA FAQ in relation to drones - so if the beach is deserted and over 5km from an aerodrome, then there's nothing stopping you from going up 120m?

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

Point 9: In civil or military controlled airspace (specifically Class C airspace)

All the light yellow here is Class C

Only holders of a SOP and PCC can operate drones above 15m in these areas.

Map is from https://www.flyryte.com/airspace so is for reference only, but Dublin atleast is pretty accurate to the current Irish Aviation Aeronautical Chart.

Homer · 17-01-2020 9:57pm

Top Dog wrote: »

Where are you getting this information from?

Its not mentioned at all in the IAA FAQ in relation to drones - so if the beach is deserted and over 5km from an aerodrome, then there's nothing stopping you from going up 120m?

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

The IAA website is woefully out of date and gives VERY basic rules for drone operation.

Spanish Eyes · 17-01-2020 10:00pm

Criminal use of Drones is an issue now.

But otherwise as long as drones are for photos and enjoyment, and don't injure the privacy of homes/gardens off you go.

YFlyer · 18-01-2020 1:41am

Gatling wrote: »

Stupid knee jerk reaction to a situation that may not Have actually happened at all in the UK

Different country.

ScrubsfanChris · 18-01-2020 9:43pm

Homer wrote: »

The IAA website is woefully out of date and gives VERY basic rules for drone operation.

Recently completed my SOP/PCC renewal course and I brought this very point up with my instructor. Referring specifically to this:

drone-guidance.jpg?sfvrsn=f43408f3_0

The closer than 5km from aerodrome is all anyone see's and thinks grand - I can fly around Howth or Cobh or similar, except that point is overruled in most situations by the controlled airspace point.

He agreed with me its too vague and misleading, he's even mentioned it to them but also says the IAA are too slow to change anything most the time.

Lucious Sweet · 19-01-2020 12:08pm

ScrubsfanChris wrote: »

Recently completed my SOP/PCC renewal course and I brought this very point up with my instructor. Referring specifically to this:

The closer than 5km from aerodrome is all anyone see's and thinks grand - I can fly around Howth or Cobh or similar, except that point is overruled in most situations by the controlled airspace point.

He agreed with me its too vague and misleading, he's even mentioned it to them but also says the IAA are too slow to change anything most the time.

Do you mind if I ask where you did your course mate? Thinking of doing one myself.

Ger Roe · 19-01-2020 12:50pm

Fionn wrote: »

a year or more ago I tried to renew the registration for my Phantom 4 Pro but their system wouldn't allow it for some reason, so I eventually gave up altogether.

I haven't tried since because I'm selling it now.

I have just tried to register with the ASSET system on the IAA website. The process will not accept my email address - says that the entered address and the verification address do not match.... but they do.

I then found a pdf document on the site that also explains the drone registration process that includes a url link to the registration process.... but it is a dead link.

I have sent an email off to them to see what they say.... but it doesn't inspire confidence in the system, if it is this difficult at the first hurdle.

Fionn · 19-01-2020 1:11pm

At the time I emailed them a few times but got one reply to try again or whatever, but as far as I could tell, whoever was dealing with registrations weren't that bothered. I did successfully de-register the last drone I had, haven't tried to do it with the present one tho!

Top Dog · 20-01-2020 12:11am

ScrubsfanChris wrote: »

He agreed with me its too vague and misleading, he's even mentioned it to them but also says the IAA are too slow to change anything most the time.

That ties in nicely with their lack of urgency when it comes to registering drones. Still waiting on my registration sticker, since December 6th. Emailed last week and got the following vague-as-you-like reply;

Hi Robert,

You will receive it before February 2020. If you have registered in December then your decal will be sent to you sometime in January.

Your registration number can also be found on your asset account.

Kind Regards,
Drone Department

:rolleyes:

stuff.hunter · 20-01-2020 3:35pm

guys, with any issues in regards of registering your bird, email drones@iaa.ie , they should be able to help you out

Ger Roe · 20-01-2020 3:45pm

stuff.hunter wrote: »

guys, with any issues in regards of registering your bird, email drones@iaa.ie , they should be able to help you out

I have sent an email... but surely the online system that they direct you to on their website, should just work without any issue? I have tried two ways of accessing the system through their site and both methods have failed.. for different reasons.

They aren't helping me out.. if their online registration system doesn't work, they have a bigger problem than I do.

stuff.hunter · 20-01-2020 3:52pm

Ger Roe wrote: »

I have sent an email... but surely the online system that they direct you to on their website, should just work without any issue? I have tried two ways of accessing the system through their site and both methods have failed.. for different reasons.

They aren't helping me out.. if their online registration system doesn't work, they have a bigger problem than I do.

well, thats odd to be honest. I've registered my Air a few months ago without any issues, just waiting time to get sticker posted was almost 2 months long

ScrubsfanChris · 20-01-2020 9:22pm

Lucious Sweet wrote: »

Do you mind if I ask where you did your course mate? Thinking of doing one myself.

PM sent

drunkmonkey · 04-02-2020 5:20pm

What's the cost of getting your commercial license, I see on one of the irish sites it's €849 for IAA Ground-School & Flight Test Package, do you need to renew that every year as it's another €299.
How much roughly is insurance once you have the licence got?

ScrubsfanChris · 04-02-2020 10:10pm

drunkmonkey wrote: »

What's the cost of getting your commercial license, I see on one of the irish sites it's €849 for IAA Ground-School & Flight Test Package, do you need to renew that every year as it's another €299.
How much roughly is insurance once you have the licence got?

€850 - Ground School Course and Examination + IAA flight Assessment
€148 - IAA fee for PCC certification
€148 - IAA fee for SOP certification
€360 - Third party liability + hull(drone) insurance

Total: €1506

Insurance every 12 months

IAA fees are every 24 months
The refresher course plus flight test is also every 24 months (much cheaper than initial tests)

You need to have third party liability insurance in place before you can complete a flight exam and submit the IAA documents.

Now this is based on my personnel experience so the final numbers (especially the insurance quote) might differ slightly.

Hope that helps.

drunkmonkey · 04-02-2020 11:06pm

Thanks Chris a good breakdown, I have 3rd party liability, I'm not sure if it covers drones, I doubt it but I'll check it out.

stuff.hunter · 06-02-2020 10:36am

ScrubsfanChris wrote: »

€850 - Ground School Course and Examination + IAA flight Assessment
€148 - IAA fee for PCC certification
€148 - IAA fee for SOP certification
€360 - Third party liability + hull(drone) insurance

Total: €1506

Insurance every 12 months

IAA fees are every 24 months
The refresher course plus flight test is also every 24 months (much cheaper than initial tests)

You need to have third party liability insurance in place before you can complete a flight exam and submit the IAA documents.

Now this is based on my personnel experience so the final numbers (especially the insurance quote) might differ slightly.

Hope that helps.

holy Molly ...1.5k... its making no sense for 'recreational' use at all
guess it should be max 300 for course plus IAA cert and made mandatory for all drones over 0.25kg as it would make 'droning' safer for everyone

ScrubsfanChris · 07-02-2020 6:43pm

stuff.hunter wrote: »

holy Molly ...1.5k... its making no sense for 'recreational' use at all
guess it should be max 300 for course plus IAA cert and made mandatory for all drones over 0.25kg as it would make 'droning' safer for everyone

Correct, and I wouldn't expect anyone to do it if only for recreational use.

In Canada, anyone who wants to fly a drone 250g+ has to take an online exam for only $10
Although they suggest you take a course to pass, they start about $160 depending on where you go from what I can see.

More importantly because it will affect all of us, there are new EU wide regulations coming April 2020 and in full effect by April 2021 which will supersede most current Irish laws on drone safety.

I haven't to reed them in depth fully yet as its another 14 months until they are mandatory, but we could see something similar to the Canadian situation.

stuff.hunter · 12-02-2020 12:50pm

ScrubsfanChris wrote: »

Correct, and I wouldn't expect anyone to do it if only for recreational use.

In Canada, anyone who wants to fly a drone 250g+ has to take an online exam for only $10
Although they suggest you take a course to pass, they start about $160 depending on where you go from what I can see.

More importantly because it will affect all of us, there are new EU wide regulations coming April 2020 and in full effect by April 2021 which will supersede most current Irish laws on drone safety.

I haven't to reed them in depth fully yet as its another 14 months until they are mandatory, but we could see something similar to the Canadian situation.

..I'd happily pay $160 to get certified

clappyhappy · 09-03-2020 5:32pm

If this is the wrong thread apologies, I'll delete it.

Just wondering what the law is on flying a drone, one of our neighbours in a rural village has a couple of drones and often flies them over our property. Came home from training the other night and it was above us. Most worrying is that our 12 Yr old daughter said she was in her room upstairs on sat and when she looked out the window she could see the drone at her eye level about 10m from the window.

This guy is very difficult to reason with so I'd just like to know what his and our rights are. Thank you.

ScrubsfanChris · 09-03-2020 6:29pm

clappyhappy wrote: »

If this is the wrong thread apologies, I'll delete it.

Just wondering what the law is on flying a drone, one of our neighbours in a rural village has a couple of drones and often flies them over our property. Came home from training the other night and it was above us. Most worrying is that our 12 Yr old daughter said she was in her room upstairs on sat and when she looked out the window she could see the drone at her eye level about 10m from the window.

This guy is very difficult to reason with so I'd just like to know what his and our rights are. Thank you.

Assuming he's not a certified operator (and I hope he isnt) what might be most relevant to your situation is it's illegal for him to fly closer than 30m meters of a property he doesn't own or control, or people not under his control.

Feel free to PM me.

drunkmonkey · 09-03-2020 9:46pm

Eye level at your daughters window, that's a paddling.

stuff.hunter · 10-03-2020 10:50am

clappyhappy wrote: »

If this is the wrong thread apologies, I'll delete it.

Just wondering what the law is on flying a drone, one of our neighbours in a rural village has a couple of drones and often flies them over our property. Came home from training the other night and it was above us. Most worrying is that our 12 Yr old daughter said she was in her room upstairs on sat and when she looked out the window she could see the drone at her eye level about 10m from the window.

This guy is very difficult to reason with so I'd just like to know what his and our rights are. Thank you.

I'd call guards, as its a breach of privacy, in mean time I'd borrow some air gun and wait for a drone to fly over

clappyhappy · 14-03-2020 9:43am

Thank you for your replies. I'm sure he'll be flying it this weekend so I'm going to record it if it's over our property and then go to the guards. He has videos on fb with our property on them so I'll use that also. Thank you.

New Drone laws being introduced.

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