Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) or ‘drones’ are becoming a regular sight around the country and in news articles.
A large number of the general public are unaware of the basic legislation and requirements of flying a ‘drone’ with a camera attached that are referred to professionally as ‘small unmanned surveillance aircraft’ and the regulations around the use of these systems.
Sector Forensics is experienced in examining ‘drone’ flight controllers; some of these contain flight and mapping data and collection/preservation of evidential data from social media platforms to aid cases pertaining to offences committed under the following legislation.
The key legislation is contained in:
CAP 393 Article 167 - Overview of key legislation
CAP 393 Article 167 covers the following restrictions pertaining to 'Small Unmanned Surveillance Aircraft'. This is defined as a small unmanned aircraft which is equipped to undertake any form of surveillance or data acquisition.
167 (1) The person in charge of a small unmanned surveillance aircraft must not fly the aircraft in any circumstances referred to in paragraph (2) except in accordance with a permission issued by the CAA
(2a) over or within 150 metres of any congested area;
(2b) over or within 150 metres of an organised open-air assembly of more than 1,000 persons;
(2c) within 50 metres of any vessel, vehicle or structure which is not under the control of the person in charge of the aircraft; or
(2d) within 50 metres of any person; or during take-off or landing within 30 metres of any person.
Sector Forensics advises and leads through the process and provision of full continuity of verified evidential data in a wide range of cases pertaining to UAV/UAS/drones.