DRONES are aircraft without a human pilot on board, which are guided by a remote pilot. While drones have long been deployed for military purposes, civilian use is fairly recent.

The use of drones is becoming more and more prevalent in Ireland and are often used recreationally. Prospective operators should be aware of their responsibilities to ensure safety. Operators of such aircraft must familiarise themselves with the rules regarding these aircraft, to ensure they don’t endanger other airspace users or people.

It is possible that the use of such aircraft may cause privacy concerns among the public as a result of equipment which may be added to the drones. This may include sensors of various types including smart cameras, specific sensors, detection equipment and radio-frequency equipment.

Unless such systems are used with proper care and consideration, they can give rise to concern that the individual’s home or private life is being invaded. Professional drone pilot Ian Kiely, of Drone Consultants Ireland, had the following advice for recreational users: “Make sure you are familiar with the relevant regulations, there is plenty of helpful information on iaa.ie. You should never fly over someone’s property unless you have their permission and you should never operate a drone within 30m of any person, vessel or structure not under your control. Most importantly, never operate a drone in a negligent or reckless manner so as to endanger life or property of others.”

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

  • Operation and usage of drones is primarily regulated by the Irish Aviation Authority.
  • It is up to drone operators to comply with their regulations. Information is updated over time so it is important that operators are up to date in their knowledge of these regulations, along with any considerations they need to undertake regarding the Data Protection Acts.
  • From the 21st December, drone registration is mandatory in accordance with the Small Unmanned Aircraft (Drones) and Rockets Order S.I. 563 of 2015. All drones over 1kg must be registered.
  • Those of 1 kg or more and less than 25 kg, without fuel but including any articles or equipment installed in or attached to the aircraft and including cargo at the start of its flight, must be registered.
  • Unmanned aircraft of 25 kg or more, are subject to the Irish Aviation Authority (Nationality and Registration of Aircraft) Order, 2015, and must be registered in a similar manner to manned aircraft.
  • In order to register your drone, you must first register with ASSET, the IAA’s online terrain mapping system. Once done, you will be able to register your drone via the ASSET system.
  • For technical queries on registration with ASSET and drone registration, please email aisops@iaa.ie
  • You must be over 16 years of age to register a drone. Drones operated by those under 16 years of age must be registered by a parent or legal guardian.