This page is intended to inform drone pilots of safety information relevant to Wycombe Air Park. For full clarification of the laws and advice concerning drone flying, please visit the CAA website or http://dronesafe.uk
General rules for drone flying
On 13 March 2019 the drone flight restriction zone around airfields changed. The government has introduced a new rule stating that the 1km restriction from the airfield boundary is replaced by a restriction using the airfield’s existing aerodrome traffic zone (ATZ), which has a radius of two nautical miles and then five kilometres by one kilometre zones starting from the point known as the ‘threshold’ at the end of each runway. Both zones extend upwards to a height of 2,000 feet above the airfield.
It is illegal to fly any drone at any time within these restricted zones unless you have permission from air traffic service at the airport or, if air traffic service is not operational, from the airport itself.
An interactive map of the UK showing each airfield’s restriction is available here.
Aircraft regularly fly below 400ft in the ATZ when approaching or departing the airfield, therefore, Wycombe Air Park activily encourages engagement with drone operators (regardless of drone mass) so that we can explain our operation to you.
Where is our Flight Restriction Zone?
Our Aerodrome Traffic Zone extends in a circle 2 nautical miles around the airfield and we have runway extensions over High Wycombe, Marlow and the Hambleden Valley.
How to request permission to operate a drone
Please email the following information to operations@bookeraviation.aero at least one week in advance. If a request to operate is received with less than one week’s notice, it may not be possible for us to issue permission.
- Name of the drone operator
- Contact phone number, including an onsite number
- Contact email
- Company details if applicable
- Date and time of requested operation
- Exact location of operation: address, postcode, coordinates (ideally in degrees, minutes, seconds rather than decimal)
- Operating radius in meters.
- If possible, a google map image of the operating area.
- Maximum height of operation AGL and AMSL in feet
- Details of Drone to be operated
- Purpose of the operation
Our Operations will review the details submitted and will be in touch regarding any further clarification or documentation required. Email reponse does not constitue permission unless clearly stated. Safety of local airspace users is our number one priority and is the basis for any decisions on allowing flight within the flight restriction zone. Permission is required regardless of the aerodrome being operational, as the airspace is active 24/7.
Admin Charges
- During operating hours £85 inc VAT subject to location.
- Out of operating hours £45 inc VAT
General Operating Rules
- Always keep your drone in sight
- Stay below agreed height
- Every time you fly your drone you must follow the manufacturers instructions
- Keep at least 150ft (50 metres) away from people and property or 500ft (150 metres) from crowds and built up areas
- You are responsible for each flight
The Drone Assist app (you can see more about this on the Dronesafe website) shows up to date safety information about airspace over the UK.
If you have any queries or need any clarification with regards to drone flying please feel free to get in touch with us on 01494 443 737. It’s highly recommended that you visit the CAA and Dronesafe websites to ensure that you’re keeping yourself and others safe.
Booker Aviation has gained its reputation over nearly fifty years as an efficient, friendly and professional flight training organisation.