Hi everyone, I’m from the UK and I was out flying my drone Saturday morning where I flew over a HMS naval base. It pinged up and the MOD police traced it to my location. They came over and spoke to me, took my name, address, and checked my ID. I know this was stupid, but is this just a caution or will I hear from them again? I’ll be gutted if I lose my drone.
As they took your name and address, as well as confirming your identity, nobody can tell you if they will choose to take it further. The fact that they haven’t confiscated the drone straight away is probably a good sign, but anybody here is just guessing. You might hear more about it, you might not.
I seriously hope you’ve learnt your lesson though. That was quite a big mistake to make.
@Kelby
They were pretty chilled about it and didn’t take the drone, which is good. So hopefully nothing else.
Monroe said:
@Kelby
They were pretty chilled about it and didn’t take the drone, which is good. So hopefully nothing else.
I read further down it was the military police? You might be a very lucky ducky. Just guessing but there’s a reasonable chance that once they ascertained you were not a threat, they just recorded your details to make sure they don’t catch you doing it again. Their concern is Chinese and Russian spies flying camera drones over military equipment, not bonkers Barry pratting around with the drone he got for Christmas.
Was it a flight restriction zone as shown on Drone Assist? If so, you might be in trouble.
If not, chances are they just responded to a potential threat and had to check it.
Perry said:
Was it a flight restriction zone as shown on Drone Assist? If so, you might be in trouble.
If not, chances are they just responded to a potential threat and had to check it.
I’m quite new to this flying, I didn’t know about Drone Assist until a friend told me, but yes, it shows up as restricted on Drone Assist.
@Monroe
This will likely get downvoted but you’re likely going to get further knocks on the door on this and probably a fine, regardless if you’re new to a hobby or not.
What type of drone is it? If it has a camera, it should be registered and have an operator ID as well. In the UK, DJI Mini type drones are not classed as toys.
@Ashby
It’s a DJI Mini 4K and I have an operator’s ID.
Monroe said:
@Ashby
It’s a DJI Mini 4K and I have an operator’s ID.
Then you should have known about checking the area you’re flying in. You will definitely be contacted by the CAA soon. I am sorry but that’s how it is.
@Monroe
OK so maybe in trouble.
You flew a drone into a restricted area which also happens to be a military base.
I assume/hope you registered as you’re legally required to do so and have an operator ID and the drone labelled appropriately? If not, that’s another offence there.
You might get lucky - you might not. It could well be someone is now deciding how to deal with the case. I wouldn’t be amazed if you’re contacted a few weeks/months down the line once that’s happened. It’ll be at the discretion of the officers.
Was it the MoD police or regular police?
I wouldn’t worry so much about losing the drone - I’d be more worried about the potential fines which run into many thousands if they decide to act on it.
You might get lucky but even if lucky, expect a visit and talk a few months down the line.
@Perry
I have an operator’s ID and it was MOD police.
Monroe said:
@Perry
I have an operator’s ID and it was MOD police.
Maybe lucky. If it’s MOD they might just note it and do no more.
If they do pass it to the UK CivPol it’ll take time and even longer before they act, if at all.
A word of advice, although not required for the Mini, sit the flyer exam and get an ID on the CAA site.
This actually teaches you the rules (where you’d know about Drone Assist) so is useful.
You don’t need it for sub 250 but you still have to follow the same laws so for a small fee, it’s worth it for the education value.
@Monroe
Just remember, in the eyes of the legal system, ignorance is not an excuse. The small drones can do a lot of damage and will bring down a civilian airliner sooner or later near places like airports. Not picking on you OP, just trying to strongly emphasize that it is your responsibility to know do’s and dont’s before taking to the skies (and violating airspace restrictions).
@Vanya
Fair point, I admit I was stupid. It’s probably not the normal content that’s shared on here. I just wanted to know if I would lose my drone, hopefully just a caution and I now have Drone Assist so super careful now.
@Monroe
Now get a Flyer ID and Operator ID. That will at least give you a basic education.
@Vanya
I’m all for being an advocate for safety and respecting the rules, but don’t sensationalize the issue.
There is absolutely no way a sub-250 drone can take down a commercial airliner, unless the plane has a missing windscreen and the drone hits the pilot directly in the face, neither of which will ever happen.
@Skyler
While I do agree and will say I might have sensationalized the message above, the fact that last week, a firefighting plane was almost downed after colliding with a drone (no details released on the drone’s height when the collision occurred).
Drone collided with firefighting aircraft flying over Palisades Fire.
@Vanya
I’m from the states and I’m well aware of the incident, however “almost downed” is not the same as actually downed. The plane continued to perform exactly as expected!
Skyler said:
@Vanya
I’m from the states and I’m well aware of the incident, however “almost downed” is not the same as actually downed. The plane continued to perform exactly as expected!
Changing my statement to a less sensationalized message for OP, as he sounds on the younger side of life: Treat using a drone as you would driving a car, know the laws and your car before getting on the highway.
I think the drone community has “self policed” well enough to keep government overreach from happening with evolving security threats from drones, especially over military bases (prior military myself). We saw it last month in the news with drone hysteria, “felt” like government overreach were incoming for sure
Why would you fly over a military base? Simpleton.