The Great Big GADC 6th Birthday and Treasure Hunt Challenge!

I was at 650 feet legally this morning, as I was flying up a hill. Compared to my position.

But still kept under 400 feet at all times or 121.9m

@group-challenges

Ximi has raised a query about flying at heights of more than 120 metres above the ground.

Under present UK law drones may not fly more than 400 feet /120 metres above a point directly below them at any time except in certain circumstances.

Look at a reputable site for further details, we have linked to a page from the ever reliable Drone Scene below which should clarify the situation and show how, with cooperation from a third party, you can legally fly over 400ft AGL in a controlled manner:

Thanks for clarifying @Challenges_Committee :slight_smile:

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Thanks John and welcome back to this year’s fun! A great use for a classic telephone box. 3 points to you :slight_smile:

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Though of course you can fly more than 120m above your takeoff point, if you’re flying up a hill for example :wink:

Or just fly higher than 120m with CAA approval

It doesn’t say that, it’s from the closest point of the earth’s surface. Not quite sure of the difference, maybe 500mtr above ground level but 10mtr away from a cliff face is acceptable. I’d be interested to know what it actually means.

To save debate we are using the definition referred to in the Drone Scene link which is from the official CAA Drone Code publication

Hmmm…the wording is “Your drone or model aircraft must never be more than 120m (400ft) from the closest point of the earth’s surface.”
It doesn’t specify if that distance is horizontal or vertical, nor whether that bit of the Earth’s surface is horizontal or vertical.
As @Crackerjack says you could be more than 120m vertically above the ground but if you’re within 120m horizontally of e.g. a cliff face then you are complying with the letter of the rule.

Just the usual CAA imprecise wording…again…

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Just find a building that you can fly over by 15m that will take it above 120m from TOAL point (next to you and the RC), with proof of their permission of course! :grin:

who said “the doctors always right?”

@group-challenges

This debate will run and run with opinions varying

For the purposes of subject 23 of this competion we take the wording shown in the Drone code diagram, reproduced here:

Never fly more than 400ft (120m) above the surface.

The operative word is above. Not 120 from. It would be an interesting case if, when prosecuted in a court of law, someone argues that “from” means horizontally from a surface - like 120 metres fromthe top of a tall structure like the Emley Moor transmitter (330 metres) in West Yorkshire.

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They also say
" 3. Fly below 120m (400ft)

Flying below the legal height limit of 120m (400ft) will reduce the risk of coming across other aircraft, which normally fly higher than this."

Which in my opinion kinda means vertical. Don’t think there is anything unclear about that?

follow D0c.Cols advice, in which case you’re good to go!!!

I suspect that number 23 is one of the ‘stinkers’ @Challenges_Committee referred to in a previous post :wink:

Telephone Box
Cholesbury Rd, Tring HP23 6PD

Time 09:36 AM
Bonus point K6
mini 3 pro

Barrie, although the video is a nice depiction of a K6 box you have not complied with the rules - no video was requested:

1. To enter an item for the Challenge you need to make a post in this thread containing the following

  • Your photo or video - entries should consist of single still images unless otherwise specified.

So we are rejecting your entry. It may actually help you because you may find a repurposed K6 like Ian and John’s examples and grab a full 3 points with a still picture taken from with drone obviously in flight

@group-challenges

Exciting times! Entries are already flooding in …

computers-miniskirts-19

The team assemble to review and score the first entry submitted!

Click the Pic™ to see the lastest LEADERBOARD News!

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I’m pleaded I took others in photo mode - please accept the one below.

Telephone Box
Cholesbury Rd, Tring HP23 6PD

Time 09:44am
full points please.

Stick a piece of rope on your drone that’s 120m long. If at any point it’s not touching the ground or water then it’s over 120m. Simple.

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Hi Barrie thanks for you new entry but unfortunately we have to reject it as its not obviously taken from a drone in flight. Do you by chance have any photos taken from a slightly higher vantage point?