Drone at shooting range

[forbie]

Was thinking more along the lines of doing target spotting for shooters on the firing point. Along the lines of a target cam.

[fra150l]

There is an air danger height for each range. Any aircraft in that airspace during shooting should result in a halt. I think Bisley is 850 feet ~300yds.

The airspace danger area at Bisley- for pilots - is shown as 1200ft.

[Blackstuff]

Surely such things only apply to manned vehicles?? i.e. something that is dangerous to the people on the ground

[Mattnall]

Surely such things only apply to manned vehicles?? i.e. something that is dangerous to the people on the ground

It is place because the people on the ground are a danger to the aircraft in the air, not the other way round.

The danger area is not prohibited space, just restricted. There have been helicopters land at Bisley during the service rifle and imperial matches in the past. It usually requires prior permission and then measures put in place accordingly or as needed.

[Blackstuff]

Therefore as there is no danger, other than to the monetary value of the drone, which the 'pilot' surely has to accept, or could be required to sign a waiver on, there no problem?

[nickb834]

I'd go with "it depends".

For eg the MoD's Strensall range complex near York requires a stop for low flying aircraft (it's not defined as to what constitutes aircraft - so simplest meaning - owt man-made that flys!) - this is in Range Orders never mind anything about "ANO's".

In practice as the RCO I'd radio range control - tell them the situation and go with what they say; likely as not they'd let us carry on.

Danger wise - I'd agree a drone is negligble - but MoD range, MoD rules.

[Plumose]

I saw this video and thought of this thread:

[Mattnall]

Therefore as there is no danger, other than to the monetary value of the drone, which the 'pilot' surely has to accept, or could be required to sign a waiver on, there no problem?

There is always a danger, especially if the pilot is not very competent or flies in a reckless manner, and if the shooters don't know or dont expect it, etc.

As long as the prior planning and RA is carried out with everyone knowing what to expect it should not be a problem.