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Yet moar consequences of Brexit
3 years ago
General
So, obviously Brexit happened. That's just in the past now. Some of the consequences were inevitable. Some are totally optional and just dumb that we're subject to them. I'm going to discuss one of the optional consequences that most people aren't aware of.
So in the UK I'm a licenced UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) pilot under A1/A3 and A2 open subcategories, as well as having a Specific Category licence for recreational flying. The Open Category and its subcategories, as well as the Specific Category and Certified Category are all inherited regulations for unmanned aviation from the EU which we still have, though we've introduced some minor adjustments to them for flying in the EU - like not requiring a UAV pilot licence to fly a drone under 250g (which I think is a mistake). In the EU (as well as Switzerland and Norway), all member states are members of EASA, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, and so having a drone pilots' licence in one member state is a licence to fly a drone in any member state.
When the UK left the EU we also left EASA which meant we no longer have the same airspace access when operating in the EU. However, EASA has a provision for third countries to apply for recognition of their regulations as compatible with EASA and so UAV licences from that country would be valid in the EU. The UK's regulations are essentially compatible, but EASA has said the UK hasn't even bothered applying.
So where does this leave me? Well, I had to go and take the same test in an EU member state (thanks Ireland for making it easy to do it in English) and get my EU licence. It was literally the same test as the UK one in the content being examined on. However, this is only for the A1/A3 Open subcategories. I will have to pay more to obtain my A2 licence in the EU - and probably attend in-person training for it as well. I will also have to see down the line whether I can get an equivalent Specific Category licence for the EU. This is all quite expensive as the operator registration was 30 euros and another 30 euros for the pilot licence - and this is just for the most basic licence - A1/A3.
Still not heard of any plans for our government to apply to EASA for recognition of our licences though.
So in the UK I'm a licenced UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) pilot under A1/A3 and A2 open subcategories, as well as having a Specific Category licence for recreational flying. The Open Category and its subcategories, as well as the Specific Category and Certified Category are all inherited regulations for unmanned aviation from the EU which we still have, though we've introduced some minor adjustments to them for flying in the EU - like not requiring a UAV pilot licence to fly a drone under 250g (which I think is a mistake). In the EU (as well as Switzerland and Norway), all member states are members of EASA, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, and so having a drone pilots' licence in one member state is a licence to fly a drone in any member state.
When the UK left the EU we also left EASA which meant we no longer have the same airspace access when operating in the EU. However, EASA has a provision for third countries to apply for recognition of their regulations as compatible with EASA and so UAV licences from that country would be valid in the EU. The UK's regulations are essentially compatible, but EASA has said the UK hasn't even bothered applying.
So where does this leave me? Well, I had to go and take the same test in an EU member state (thanks Ireland for making it easy to do it in English) and get my EU licence. It was literally the same test as the UK one in the content being examined on. However, this is only for the A1/A3 Open subcategories. I will have to pay more to obtain my A2 licence in the EU - and probably attend in-person training for it as well. I will also have to see down the line whether I can get an equivalent Specific Category licence for the EU. This is all quite expensive as the operator registration was 30 euros and another 30 euros for the pilot licence - and this is just for the most basic licence - A1/A3.
Still not heard of any plans for our government to apply to EASA for recognition of our licences though.
CollieNate
!collienate
It’s MORE NOT “MOAR” (MORE) DAMNIT WHY DO YOU FTRAKS ALWAYS MISSPELL IT
DorjeTheStego
~dorjethestego
OP
Thank you for your contribution.
