Use of drones for non-commercial purposes
The CAA has set out basic rules that must be adhered to by all users. All drone operators are required by the CAA to have a flyer ID and Operator ID for either private or commercial use.
It is against the law to fly a drone or model aircraft without having the required IDs. You can also be fined for breaking the law when flying.
Events
Drones are becoming increasingly common in outdoor organised or charity events, and operators must be aware of their legal responsibilities.
Mountains
Care should be taken when using drones on mountains due to the high number of hikers. On Yr Wyddfa, all paths to the summit (which are also all Public Rights of Way) are geographically very narrow linear corridors used by a high number of hikers. The summit can be very busy, especially during the summer. More than one drone flying around in close proximity to each other could cause a considerable public safety concern.
Please note: The National Trust does not allow the flying of drones on any of their property, for example, the Ogwen Valley, the Carneddau and Glyderau (including Tryfan).
Aircraft and helicopters
It should also be kept in mind that there may be other low-flying aircraft in the area, such as search and rescue helicopters or aircraft used for military training purposes. Therefore, operators and organisers should think carefully about the use of drones and their potential for serious injury and your potential liabilities in such circumstances.
Animals and wildlife
Operators should also note that drones should not obstruct or disturb livestock, wild animals (including birds), other domestic animals or pets when used in the countryside. Such activity could be subject to different legislation and could lead to prosecution.
Use of drones for commercial purposes
Whether using drones under 25kg or over 25kg, commercial users should obtain a formal UAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) qualification, accredited by the CAA (Civil Aviation Authority), and operators must obtain the relevant permission from the landowner.
You will also need Public Liability Insurance and Aviation Liability Insurance cover. Where necessary, evidence of these documents should be presented. Snowdonia National Park Authority (SNPA) kindly requests that all organisers discuss their activities with relevant Authority staff beforehand to avoid any difficulties.
Permission and licensing will be required to use drones on SNPA property, such as on the summit of Yr Wyddfa or other SNPA owned areas such as car parks. This can be arranged through SNPA’s Property Department at the National Park Office in Penrhyndeudraeth.
Basic rules for using drones in Eryri National Park
- The drone should not endanger anyone or anything
- The operator must keep the drone in line of sight (500m horizontally and 120m vertically)
- The drone must not fly over or be within 150m of a ‘congested area’ (i.e. residential, commercial or recreational areas)
- The drone must not fly over or be within 150m of an organised outdoor gathering (i.e. event)
- The drone must not be within 50m of any vessel or structure
- The drone must not be within 30m of any person except when taking off and landing
- Owners and operators should have, where necessary, the relevant licensing requirements
- Operators should heed any requirements under the Data Protection Act for the collection, use, distribution and storage of any images/film
- Avoid taking close-up footage of sheep, lambs, cattle (especially with calves), or feral goats. They may panic and fall off cliffs, and you could be held liable.
- Do not fly and film anywhere near protected species such as any birds, their nests (all nest sites are also protected by law) or other wild animals. Such activities fall under other legislation and may result in prosecution.
- Some areas, such as National Nature Reserves, require consent from authorities like Natural Resources Wales (NRW) to fly drones, and you should not be flying down rivers and lakes and /or near wild species such as birds due to wintering or local summer populations of protected species – which is covered by other protective legislation.
- Keep your flying time to a minimum to avoid disturbing other visitors’ peace and quiet. Do not to `buzz` the summit area.
- Be aware of low-flying aircraft in the area, such as Search and Rescue helicopters or Ministry of Defence aircraft. If you see them, ground your drone immediately to prevent serious injury and potential liability.
- Drones are not allowed in National Trust properties without consent. This includes areas like the east Carneddau/Ogwen valley (Tryfan, Glyder Fach, Glyder Fawr, Y Garn, and Cwm Idwal) and areas on or near the Watkin path on Yr Wyddfa.
More information
For further information about using drones in Snowdonia, please contact the National Park Authority or visit the Civil Aviation Authority’s website.
Civil Aviation Authority website