New to Drones? Fly Safely with Altitude Angel & Coptrz

Drones are great fun, but you need to know the basics before starting your drone journey

With the price of recreational drones becoming more affordable and an increase in drone operators undertaking commercial work, we often receive questions from new drone operators asking how they can make sure they fly safely. We also have an increasing number of queries from recreational users who undertake ‘small’ jobs which, unbeknown to them, place them in the sphere of commercial operations. It may seem an unimportant clarification, but for several reasons it is an important one to make. Coverdrone covered this very nicely in a recent blog post where they highlighted the importance of being properly insured when flying a drone commercially. If you're flying a drone for commercial purposes, you need specific insurance coverage to protect against liabilities, potential damages, and legal requirements.

With many drones falling into the sub-250g category, but with significant features and functionality, so much so they are routinely used for all types of operations, it is not always possible to identify whether a drone purchase is for an inexperienced or new drone user. This is why Altitude Angel and Coptrz have teamed up to produce an ‘introduction to drones’ flyer which is being shared with every drone purchase from the Coptrz store. The info-flyer outlines the fundamentals any drone operator needs to know to give them the best start such as where to go to plan safe and legal flights, what to look out for when flying, how to request permission to fly in controlled airspace as well as where and how to access any training requirements. If you are new to drones and would like the information, the flyer can be viewed here.

Drone flight planning made simple

Altitude Angel develops drone flight planning and management platforms which enable everyone involved in the drone ecosystem to share information and create a single view of ‘lower airspace’ traffic and information. Lower airspace, for those new to the term, is the airspace most drone flights operate in – up to 400ft above ground level. Altitude Angel provide, free of charge, three drone flight solutions which can be used, depending on an operator’s preference and requirements, to plan and share drone flights. Drone Assist, dronesafetymap.com and Operator Portal help in planning flights, and, if necessary, make requesting approval from airspace managers or land owners clear and simple.

Drone Assist App  

• Check where you can fly with real-time airspace info and flight restrictions
• Fly Now - check you're safe to fly at your current location
• Digitally request approval in controlled airspace

Operator Portal

• Plan and manage flights and secure approvals for controlled airspace
• Streamline operations and administration
• Ensure compliance with a full audit trail
  

Dronesafetymap.com

• Interactive maps for safe flying areas and restricted zones
• Plan your flights accurately with this easy-to-use tool 

These solutions make planning flights, or understanding if you’re safe to fly on location, simple as well as enabling a quick and easy way of gaining approvals in areas in which it is required. As the drone industry continues to grow, Altitude Angel is working to create a unified and streamlined process for obtaining necessary approvals, making it easier for drone operators to gain permission from airspace and land access managers. Their implementation of the Approval Services platform allows digital, streamlined communications between those wanting flight approval, and those able to give it.

Flying safely

Once you know where you can fly, it’s key you know how to fly safely. And this is where Coptrz come in.   Coptrz, established in 2016, is a leading drone training and consulting business which works with some of the UK’s largest organisations and drone operating teams. They train drone operators at every level, from beginner to advanced. Training available to beginners allows them to understand the requirements and best practices as they embark on a life of drone flying. Training is crucial for all drone operators, especially those transitioning to commercial work. Proper training ensures operators are aware of legal requirements, safety protocols, and best practices, reducing the risk of accidents and legal issues. Coptrz's comprehensive training programmes equip drone users with the knowledge and skills needed to conduct commercial operations safely and efficiently.

In summary, as drones become more accessible and the use of them grows, it's vital for operators to understand the legalities and safety requirements associated with drone flying. There’s a whole world of fun to be had with drones, but to get the most enjoyment out of them, operators need to know what they’re doing. Altitude Angel and Coptrz provide essential tools and training to help both recreational and commercial drone users fly safely and responsibly. Proper flight planning and comprehensive training are key components to ensure drone operations are conducted legally and safely, protecting both the operator and the public. With the right knowledge and preparation, flying drones can be an exciting and rewarding experience.

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