Safety on Shared Airspace Days – Coordinating with Club Activity, Events, and the Law

 

Safety on Shared Airspace Days – Coordinating with Club Activity, Events, and the Law

Flying a drone for filming at the Upper Thames Sailing Club (UTSC) is never as simple as just taking off. The club sits on the River Thames, next to an active railway line, and directly opposite National Trust land — a location that makes planning, permission, and coordination essential every time the drone leaves the ground.

Understanding the Shared Space

When you’re filming or surveying near other activities, you’re sharing the airspace with more than just birds. Boats are racing, trains are passing, walkers are exploring the opposite bank — and every one of those environments brings both legal and safety considerations.

The Legal Landscape

UK drone laws are clear:

• Keep your drone within visual line of sight at all times.

• Maintain at least 50 metres’ distance from people and property not under your control.

• Avoid flying directly over spectators or moving vehicles.

• Check airspace restrictions using apps such as Drone Assist or UAV Forecast.

Because the UTSC is near a railway and National Trust property, extra caution and consent are needed. National Trust land is generally a no-fly zone without written permission, and flights over or beside the railway must avoid any risk of interference or distraction.

Coordinating with Club Activities

On sailing or event days, coordination is key:

• Inform the Race Officer or Duty Officer before flight.

• Avoid flying during starts, finishes, or rescue operations.

• Use low-altitude, wide-angle shots rather than hovering above boats.

• Fly downstream or over open water, keeping clear of crowds and moorings.

Respecting the Environment

Drones can disturb wildlife, especially nesting birds along the riverbank. Flying at moderate height, avoiding repeated passes, and keeping distance from trees and reeds helps protect the environment while still capturing stunning footage.

Drone Flying – Where You Can, Can’t, and Shouldn’t Fly

Drones open up incredible creative and educational possibilities — from filming science demonstrations and sailing events to capturing landscapes and promotional videos. But with that freedom comes responsibility. At Philip M Russell Ltd, we use drones for both filming and teaching, and one of the most important lessons is knowing where you can, can’t, and shouldn’t fly.

Where You Can Fly

You can fly almost anywhere that’s classed as open category airspace, provided you meet the conditions of your drone licence and weight class:

• Keep the drone within visual line of sight (you must always be able to see it).

• Stay below 120 metres (400 feet) in altitude.

• Keep at least 50 metres horizontally from people and property not under your control.

• Use apps such as Drone Assist or UAV Forecast to check for temporary flight restrictions or local by-laws.

For educational filming, open fields, school grounds (with permission), and designated club sites are perfect — safe, visible, and unobstructed.

Where You Can’t Fly

Certain areas are legally restricted and require special permissions:

• Airports and airfields – these zones extend far beyond the runway itself.

• Prisons, military sites, and nuclear facilities – always prohibited.

• National Trust and English Heritage sites – flying over their land without written consent is forbidden.

• Railways, roads, and densely populated areas – restricted for safety reasons.

Breaking these rules can lead to fines or prosecution, so always check before you take off.

Where You Shouldn’t Fly

Even when it’s legal, some areas are better avoided:

• Wildlife zones – drones can disturb nesting birds or protected habitats.

• Events or crowds – unexpected noise or movement can distract or startle.

• Private gardens or residential areas – respect people’s privacy and peace.

If you’re unsure, a good rule of thumb is simple: if you wouldn’t be comfortable being filmed there, don’t fly there.

The Takeaway

Drone flying is both an art and a responsibility. Knowing the difference between “can,” “can’t,” and “shouldn’t” keeps everyone — including you — safe and confident.
At Philip M Russell Ltd, we combine creative drone filming with clear safety education to ensure every flight is both lawful and respectful of others.