Posted by Pete B - Moderator on 19/07/2013 22:42:21:
We really do our best to try not to ignore any post here, Ian, despite what Kevin the Naysayer says.....
I'm not going to even try to give you a definitive answer, as I think the circumstances you describe are probably at the lower end of the 'risk assessment' which is described in CAP722, the CAA guidance on UAS downloadable here.
Looking at Section 4, which deals with pilot qualifications and risk factors, it is probable that what you plan to do would be 'case 0', ie low-risk, so you may find you would not need formal qualifications. However, I emphasise that I know very little about this and that it would be worth contacting the CAA to ask their advice. I'm sure they will be realistic in their response and you'll probably find them very helpful.
You might also find some answers on the FPV forums, many of whom will have a section dealing with this issue, where you may get sound factual advice. Bear in mind, though, that unfortunately there are many on those forums who clearly have nor regard for CAP722 or any other regulation concerning model-flying.....
Please let us know how your enquiries go - I'm sure there'll be some here who would like to know the result
Pete
Thank you all for your replies it really has helped and Pete I will check out the forums you mentioned at some point over the weekend and let you know what I come up with. The thought of flying a phantom high above the coast is just so amazing and I know I have a few followers of my work that would love to see some shots from up there. Obviously like Chris has mentioned above, I know my gopro won't take quite as good a pic as my nikon but it would still be pretty decent and something I could work with. I may be wrong but then there is always the video but I would just feel a lot better knowing that if someone did say to me "hey nice pic can I have a copy" or I make a great movie of my coast near sunset then I could sell them a copy without the threat of getting in trouble. I shall go hunting on and report back with what I find and in the mean time if anybody finds anything else then please fell free to share here.
Ian
