Can You Fly Your Drone At Night UK?

Are you a drone enthusiast looking to explore the fascinating world of night-time drone flights? The serene beauty of the night sky, combined with the unique perspectives that drones can capture, make night flying an exhilarating experience for both hobbyists and professionals.

However, navigating the darkness brings its own set of challenges and regulations that UK drone pilots need to be aware of.

In this blog post, we’ll delve into the essentials of flying your drone at night in the UK, covering everything from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) guidelines to practical tips for ensuring safe and enjoyable night flights.

So, buckle up, and let’s embark on a journey through the captivating realm of night-time drone operations!

Can You Fly A Drone At Night In The UK?

The CAA document “CAP722 – Unmanned Aircraft System Operations in UK Airspace – Guidance” states that ‘There are no specific prohibitions to VLOS operations during nighttime’. The basic VLOS principles still apply, you must be able to see the aircraft and the surrounding airspace. However, maintaining VLOS is crucial for safe operations and avoiding collisions. While it may be more challenging due to reduced visibility at night, it remains a critical requirement for UK drone pilots.

Drone Night Flying Regulations For UK Drone Pilots

Night-time drone operations in the UK are subject to the rules and regulations set forth by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). The CAA’s CAP722 document outlines the guidelines for Unmanned Aircraft System Operations in UK Airspace.

It states that there are no specific prohibitions for VLOS (Visual Line of Sight) operations during night-time. As a drone pilot, this means you can legally fly your drone at night as long as you adhere to the basic VLOS principles and follow the CAA’s regulations.

Visual Line of Sight (VLOS)

VLOS is a fundamental requirement for UK drone pilots, both during daytime and night-time flights. It means that you, as the drone operator, must be able to see the aircraft and the surrounding airspace. This is crucial for maintaining safe operations and avoiding collisions with other objects or aircraft.

At night, maintaining VLOS can be more challenging due to reduced visibility, but it remains a critical requirement for drone pilots.

Challenges and Solutions for Maintaining VLOS at Night

Maintaining Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) with your drone at night can be challenging due to reduced visibility and other factors. However, there are several strategies you can employ to overcome these challenges and ensure safe drone operation.

Challenges of Flying A Drone at Night UK:

1. Reduced visibility: Darkness makes it difficult to maintain VLOS, as the drone can blend into the night sky or be obscured by other objects. Equip your drone with high-visibility lighting, such as strobe lights or LED strips, to improve visibility and maintain VLOS. Ensure these lights meet regulatory requirements for night operations.
2. Disorientation: Pilots may have difficulty determining the drone’s orientation, distance, and direction at night. Have a secondary person assist you in maintaining VLOS by keeping an eye on the drone and communicating its position, orientation, and any potential hazards.
3. Limited depth perception: It is harder to gauge distance and altitude at night, increasing the risk of collisions or crashes. Fly at a conservative distance from obstacles, and keep your drone within a manageable range to maintain VLOS. Pre-plan your flight route, including waypoints and altitude, to minimize the risk of collisions or losing sight of the drone. Conduct a site survey before flying to identify potential obstacles and safe flying zones.
4. Identifying obstacles: Low light conditions can make it difficult to spot potential hazards, such as power lines, trees, and other structures.
5. Monitor weather conditions: Be cautious of weather changes that can affect visibility, such as fog, rain, or snow. Avoid flying in adverse conditions to ensure safe drone operation.

How To Work With A Spotter When Flying A Drone At Night UK

A spotter, also known as a visual observer, plays a crucial role in maintaining safety and situational awareness during night-time drone flights. In the UK, it is essential for drone pilots to maintain Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) with their aircraft, even at night. A spotter can significantly enhance the pilot’s ability to maintain VLOS and respond to potential hazards.

Here is an in-depth guide on how to work with a spotter when flying a drone at night in the UK.

1. Selecting a Qualified Spotter:

Choose a spotter who is familiar with drone operations, understands the airspace regulations and has good situational awareness. The spotter should have a keen eye for detail and be able to communicate clearly and effectively with the drone pilot. It is beneficial if the spotter has experience with night-time operations, as the challenges differ from those encountered during the day.

2. Pre-flight Briefing:

Before each night flight, conduct a thorough pre-flight briefing with your spotter. Discuss the flight plan, objectives, and any potential hazards or obstacles identified during the site assessment. Make sure the spotter understands their role and responsibilities, as well as any specific tasks they need to perform during the flight. Establish a clear communication protocol, including hand signals, radio channels, or specific phrases to convey essential information during the flight.

3. Positioning the Spotter:

The spotter should be positioned in a location that offers an unobstructed view of the drone and the surrounding airspace. This may require the spotter to stand at a higher elevation or a specific vantage point, depending on the flight plan and terrain. The spotter should have a clear line of sight to both the drone and the pilot, allowing for effective communication and coordination.

4. Maintaining VLOS:

The primary responsibility of the spotter is to help the pilot maintain VLOS with the drone. The spotter should keep a constant watch on the drone, tracking its position, altitude, and orientation. If the drone becomes difficult to see or is at risk of flying out of VLOS, the spotter must immediately inform the pilot, who can then take appropriate action to re-establish VLOS or safely land the drone.

5. Identifying and Communicating Hazards:

The spotter should actively scan the environment for potential hazards, such as obstacles, other aircraft, or changes in weather conditions. If a hazard is identified, the spotter must promptly communicate this information to the pilot, using the pre-established communication protocol. The pilot can then make informed decisions to mitigate the risk, such as adjusting the flight path or altitude.

6. Assisting with Orientation:

At night, it can be challenging for the pilot to determine the drone’s orientation, distance, and direction. The spotter can provide valuable input by communicating the drone’s relative position and heading, helping the pilot maintain control and avoid disorientation.

7. Monitoring Battery Life and Flight Time:

The spotter should keep track of the drone’s battery life and flight time, providing regular updates to the pilot. This ensures that the pilot is aware of any time constraints and can plan the flight accordingly to ensure a safe return and landing.

8. Assisting with Takeoff and Landing:

The spotter can play a crucial role during takeoff and landing, particularly at night. They can help the pilot identify a suitable launch and landing site, ensure the area is clear of obstacles and hazards, and provide guidance during the takeoff and landing process.

9. Post-flight Debriefing:

After each night flight, conduct a post-flight debriefing with your spotter. Discuss any issues, challenges, or lessons learned during the flight.

Use Your Drones Night time Features When Flying

When selecting a drone for night flying, it is crucial to consider specific features that can enhance performance, safety, and overall effectiveness during low-light conditions. T

he following are some essential features to look for in a drone suitable for night-time operations:

1. High-visibility lighting: Look for drones equipped with bright LED lights or strobe lights that can improve visibility and maintain VLOS during night flights. These lights should comply with local regulations for night operations.
2. Camera with low-light capabilities: A camera with a high ISO range, larger sensor, or specialized low-light settings can capture better quality images and videos in low-light conditions. This feature is particularly important for aerial photography, videography, and surveillance applications.
3. Thermal or infrared imaging: Drones with thermal or infrared cameras can detect heat signatures and provide valuable information during night flights. This feature is useful for search and rescue operations, wildlife monitoring, and inspection tasks.
4. Obstacle avoidance sensors: Advanced obstacle avoidance systems can help you navigate safely during night flights when it is more challenging to spot obstacles manually. These systems typically use a combination of sensors, such as ultrasonic, lidar, or radar, to detect and avoid potential hazards.
5. GPS and waypoint navigation: Reliable GPS and waypoint navigation capabilities are essential for planning and executing precise flight paths during night operations. This feature allows you to pre-program your drone’s route and ensures accurate navigation, even in low-visibility conditions.
6. Extended flight time: A drone with longer flight time is beneficial for night operations, as it allows you to complete your mission without the need for frequent battery swaps. Look for drones with efficient power management and high-capacity batteries.
7. First Person View (FPV) capability: FPV goggles or an onboard camera feed can help you maintain orientation and monitor your drone’s position during night flights. Be aware of local regulations regarding the use of FPV while maintaining VLOS, as some countries may have specific rules in place.
8. Stability and wind resistance: A stable drone with good wind resistance can ensure a smoother flight during night operations, when weather conditions can be more challenging to assess. Look for drones with advanced stabilization systems, such as a robust GPS/GLONASS system or optical flow sensors.
9. Return-to-Home (RTH) feature: A reliable RTH function is crucial for night flights, as it can help ensure a safe return and landing if you lose VLOS, encounter technical issues, or run low on battery power. Make sure the RTH function is easy to activate and provides accurate positioning.
10. Customizable payload options: Some drones offer customizable payload options, which can be useful for night operations requiring specialized equipment. These options can include additional lighting systems, payload releases, or specialized sensors tailored to your specific needs.

By considering these features when selecting a drone for night flying, you can ensure that your aircraft is well-suited for low-light operations and can help you achieve your objectives safely and effectively.

Addition to Drone Safety at Night: Required Lighting

Required Green Flashing Light

As of December 2, 2021, the CAA requires that each individual unmanned aircraft be installed with at least one green flashing light for the purpose of visibility during night flights. This requirement helps ensure that drones are visible to other airspace users and reduces the risk of collisions.

Make sure your drone is equipped with a green flashing light that is clearly visible from a reasonable distance before undertaking night-time operations.

With this additional information, the article now provides a more comprehensive overview of the requirements for flying a drone at night in the UK. By adhering to these guidelines and taking the necessary precautions, drone operators can safely and legally enjoy night-time flights.

Drone Operational Authorisations and Night Operations UK

If you are applying for operational authorisations that include VLOS flights at night, the CAA will expect your operations manual to have a dedicated ‘night operations’ section.

These operating procedures should be followed during night-time drone flights in the UK:

• Daylight Reconnaissance and Site Safety Assessment: Before undertaking night flights, it’s essential to perform a daylight reconnaissance of the area where you plan to fly. This assessment will help you identify potential hazards, restrictions, and obstacles that may not be easily visible at night.
• Identification and Recording of Hazards: Document any hazards, restrictions, and obstacles you encounter during your daylight reconnaissance. This information will help you plan your night flights more safely and efficiently.
• Illumination of the Launch Site: Make sure your launch site is adequately illuminated to ensure a safe takeoff and landing for your drone. Proper lighting will also make it easier for you to maintain VLOS during your night flights.
• Aircraft Lighting/Illumination Requirements: Your drone must be equipped with the required lighting, such as a green flashing light, to enhance visibility during night flights. Additional high-intensity lights can also be installed to further improve VLOS maintenance.
• Weather Limitations for Operation: Be aware of weather conditions that may impact night-time drone flights, such as fog, rain, and strong winds. These factors can affect visibility and your drone’s performance, increasing the risk of accidents. Monitor weather conditions closely and adjust your flight plans accordingly.

By understanding and adhering to the night flying requirements set forth by the CAA, drone pilots in the UK can safely and legally operate their drones at night.

Following these guidelines will help minimise the risks associated with night-time drone flights while ensuring compliance with the applicable regulations.

In conclusion, flying a drone at night in the UK is both possible and enjoyable, provided that you adhere to the CAA’s regulations and follow the necessary safety precautions. By maintaining VLOS, equipping your drone with appropriate lighting, and carefully planning your flights, you can safely navigate the challenges of night-time drone operations. Always prioritize safety, respect the privacy of others, and stay informed about any changes in regulations.

By doing so, you can experience the unique thrill of night-time drone flights while minimizing risks and ensuring compliance with the law.