Recreational area

General
1

I’m sure this is a silly question (and prob one im answering as I write it) but is there any thing that defines a recreational area for the purposes of article 16. Specifically I am thinking of fields on the edge of a housing development that have footpaths, benches etc… whilst not labeled as a park and def not the countryside given its proximity to the development it feels recreational by design to me but wanted to be sure before i take off as I will be using a mavic 3 and would prefer using art 16 rules to do so

2

Hi Amit

The term Recreational Area doesn’t exist in the Article 16 Operational Authorisation (or anywhere else that I’m aware of).

The Article 16 Operational Authorisation can be used in any suitable area, except a built-up area.

AND a built-up area used which is only used substantially for recreational
purposes, when supported by a risk assessment.

3.7 Location(s) of operation

(1) This authorisation may be used throughout the United Kingdom, at:
…

b) Any other suitable area, which is not a ‘built-up area’, other than in the
circumstances defined below;
i) A built-up area which is only used substantially for recreational
purposes may be considered a ‘suitable area’. Operation within
such an area must be supported by a risk assessment.

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3

Sorry thats what I meant built up area for recreational purposes … does this effectively mean any area designed for or used by people to socialise, go for walks, play sports etc etc?

4

I’m not an aviation lawyer able to offer a legal opinion, and this hasn’t been tested in a court of law, so I can only quote what the authorisation says.

A built-up area which is only used substantially for recreational purposes may be considered a ‘suitable area’.

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5

Ok, reading it a few times I think it works for me as a reasonable interpretation :slight_smile: thank you

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6

The definition of a built-up area, from section 7.1, may be useful:

Built-Up Area:
An area substantially used for industrial, recreational, commercial or residential purposes.

So one could perhaps rearrange all of these words to say:

Without a risk assessment - you can fly your drone anywhere, except in an area substantially used for industrial, recreational, commercial or residential purposes.

With a risk assessment - you can fly your drone anywhere, except in an area substantially used for industrial, commercial or residential purposes.

Have you seen our Article 16 Infographic? It is here: fpv.uk/article16infog and video: fpv.uk/article16video

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