Drones—the UK legal framework

Produced in partnership with Simon Phippard LLB AKC FRAeS of Bird & Bird

Practice notes

Drones—the UK legal framework

Produced in partnership with Simon Phippard LLB AKC FRAeS of Bird & Bird

Practice notes

This Practice Note considers the key UK legal issues arising in relation to the use of unmanned aircraft or drones in a recreational and commercial context.

It covers:

•
Drones—the basics
•
The UK regulatory framework—background, context and key instruments
•
Classification of drones under the Retained Implementing Regulation and the Retained Delegated Regulation
•
Key provisions of the ANO and Retained Implementing Regulation
•
The Drone and Model Aircraft Code
•
Criminal liability
•
Civil liability under the Civil Aviation Act
•
Trespass
•
Right to impound a chattel
•
Nuisance
•
Bylaws
•
Negligence
•
Product liability
•
Harassment and stalking
•
Privacy and data protection
•
Insurance
•
Cybersecurity
•
Regulating the design and manufacture of UAS

Drones (or other unmanned aircraft) are generally divided into three broad categories. The largest unmanned aircraft, including those intended for passenger-carrying operations or long-range military applications are treated in the same way as manned aircraft. They are, therefore, subject to extensive regulation, including platform certification and registration, pilot licensing and operational

Simon Phippard, LLB AKC FRAeS

Solicitor, Bird & Bird

I am a specialist aviation and aerospace lawyer with a wide range of experience in contentious and non-contentious matters both in private practice (23 years) and in-house (7 years). I originally specialised in litigation and arbitration, handling commercial, insurance and liability disputes worldwide as solicitor and client. This included 10 years in aviation casualty work including major accidents and recourse claims. More recently, I have gained extensive experience in transactional work including commercial negotiations. I have a unique level of technical and product related knowledge on flight operations, product integrity and regulatory requirements, continuing airworthiness management and other issues affecting design, manufacture, repair and operation of all kinds of aircraft. Extensive experience in international, regional and domestic economic and technical regulation affecting aviation. Particular specialisation in unmanned aircraft and application of new technologies to aviation business.

Specialist also in anti-bribery and corruption compliance across aviation, aerospace as well as other sectors.

Jurisdiction(s):

United Kingdom

Key definition:

Civil liability definition

What does Civil liability mean?

Legal obligations that arise from private wrongs or breaches of contract which are not acts that are prevented under legislation (criminal acts or public wrongs).

��˾��ҹ��