Where to legally fly in Cambrigeshire? Time to sell drone?

General
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Currently own a DJI Lito X1, which is unfortunately is back in its box whilst I ask myself the question whether I sell or give it away and give up on drones altogether.

I’m only interested in flying if 100% legal. Whilst I consider the CAA rules pragmatic, and really not an issue when it comes to following (particular for a Lito X1), it is other rules that come into play that are leaving my drone firmly grounded in Cambridgeshire (which I’m sure isn’t different from other locations around the country).

Whilst taking off from my Garden may be legal (in terms of CAA rules), it isn’t something that my neighbours are OK with on the grounds of privacy. I appreciate you can follow the recommended min of 50m whilst flying over gardens, and avoid hovering (and not taking any photos/videos), but this isn’t something my neighbours are OK with, and I’m not interested in making myself unpopular.

so what about other locations… well then comes into play landownership and getting permission from the landowner. This is something that I’m really struggling with and I consider the biggest issue when trying to fly a drone legally. Cambridgeshire councils are not drone friendly and do not permit drones from being flown from council/county council controlled land or open spaces. Although there is a lot of arable farmland near where I live, trying to get permission from famers to fly for recreational purposes from a field is almost a non starter as there is more and more suspicion over motivation, and concern of damage to crops (like a Lito X1 could flatten a crop) or nuisance to animals or wildlife.

So where can I fly my drone from (excluding my garden), where I can fly legally (particular in terms of not trespassing or being in breach of bylaws associated with land use/access). And presumably, unless you fly your drone 100% legally (following not only CAA regulations, but also privacy and land access/ownership/usage laws/bylawas) then your are not covered by liability insurance (would be considered void in event of an incident).

So, with no local drone clubs/likelihood of a local drone club at this time, and apparent absence of any sites where I can fly more drone 100% legally, I’m considering giving away my Lito X1 to anyone who can make use of it. Sadly another flyer who has lost the mojo for flying, because it is something that I don’t want to attract trouble or unwanted attention over, or get caught up in arguments around law or legality of flying.

If interested in a Lito X1 drone (happy to give it away) and 2 batteries, just give me a shout.

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To be honest I think your bailing too soon. As long as you don’t take off and land on someone’s land without there permission you can pretty much fly anywhere . Just take off from any publicly accessible space near what you want to film and fly over. A quick check on the Drone Map first of course !

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Here’s an example, just took off from a small gravelled area on the road side for this shot…

HarringworthVia
HarringworthVia1920×1440 278 KB

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I would happily take a Lito X1, but like another commented on the forum here, don’t give up just yet

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This all sounds a bit drastic. I live and fly in Cambridgeshire and have never had any trouble there. The only time I was told I could not take off was on Mid-Suffolk land where there were some chaps doing maintenance in a country park - but if I went the other side of a hedge and flew from there it was all OK.
I suggest you check Drone Map, comply with CAA rules and wait for someone to say something. You don’t have to have an argument, just be polite. Above all, enjoy the hobby.

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@jmsmith Hi Justin :waving_hand: As said before by @Westbury i aslo think you quitting far to soon into this fantastic hobby.As you said you only want to fly 100% legal and within the boundaries that a given to us there are areas that you are permitted to fly in your area.
Yes local councils can have this approach where they can legally say they don’t want drones permitted in their parks and open spaces, But the reality is they do not control the air space this is owned and managed by the CAA. Have you looked at TheDroneMap.com ?? There are areas where you are permitted to fly your drone.

Please don’t give up and sell your drone only to realise later that you made a mistake.If you require any more information or guidance please don’t hesitate to ask anyone on the forum as there are plenty of members with knowledge information.:wink::+1:

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@jmsmith I completely understand where you’re coming from, and you’re certainly not the only one feeling this way.

The CAA flight rules are actually fairly straightforward, but it’s the mix of landowner permissions, local bylaws and people’s perceptions of drones that often make the hobby feel much harder than it needs to be.

That said, don’t be too quick to give up. There are still legal places to fly—private land with permission, some model flying clubs, and locations where no local restrictions apply. It can take a bit of research, but they do exist.

It would be a shame to see you leave the hobby because of the uncertainty rather than the flying itself. Hopefully you can find somewhere suitable and get that enjoyment back before deciding to part with the Lito X1. Best of luck whatever you decide.

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