MORE and more people are taking to the skies with their own drones – but what are the rules about flying them in Merseyside?

Using drones in large open air areas – where there are few people – is relatively straightforward.

However, filming in congested areas such as the city centre is more complex, as people are entitled to their privacy – and landowners must give permission before you fly onto or over their property.

Liverpool Airport

Liverpool John Lennon Airport’s website states: “As an airport, our first commitment, as always, is to passenger safety and security.

“Drones that are used around the airport, in most cases, require permission from Air Traffic Control to ensure they don’t interfere with aircraft movements.

“Permission to fly drones can only be given by Air Traffic Control Watch Supervisors. If you are seeking permission to use drones around LJLA please email sua@Liverpoolairport.com”

It is a criminal offence to endanger the safety of an airplane in flight.

As of 30 July 2018, drones will be banned from flying above 400 feet, and within 1km of airport boundaries in the UK.

Football stadiums and other open arenas

As a general rule, if you want to fly your drone commercially you need a permission from the CAA. This is effectively a flying licence, which would allow you to fly in built up areas – for instance.

You also need permission from landowners.

It’s worth also pointing out that you can’t fly your drone within 50 metres of a person, or 150 metres of a crowd that you do not have control over – basically anyone who is not with you or knows what you are doing.

For more information go to www.caa.co.uk/Consumers/Unmanned-aircraft-and-drones

Beaches

Sefton Council guidelines state anyone wishing to fly drones along its coast must obtain approval from both Sefton’s Coast and Countryside team as well as Natural England.

However, recreational drone usage is unlikely to be approved as much of Sefton’s coastline is classed as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

The flying of drones without prior consent or approval is strictly prohibited.

National Trust, which owns part of the Formby Coast, says it does not allow any recreational ‘aerial activity’ above its sites.

Permission, it says, is very occasionally granted for things like roof inspections or wildlife surveys.

Wirral Council’s website states anyone wishing to film on its coast must first obtain council permission.

No Fly Zones

NoFlyDrones.co.uk is an easy to use map, showing all of the no fly zones in your area.

These are broken down into military zones, controlled airspace and airports, danger areas, restricted areas, private land and prohibited areas.