This is the exact scenario that is where I fear where we’ll be headed in many other locations around the country.
Security services investigating illegal drone activity over Fawley refinery
ExxonMobil, which runs the huge petro-chemical complex, has confirmed that the sightings are being investigated by Hampshire police and Britain’s security services.
In a statement the company said unauthorised flights over the refinery were banned and posed a potential danger to staff.
Cover of local evening rag: "Illegal drone flights"
In the article: "… unauthorised flights over the refinery were banned"
There has never been any restriction showing on DroneAssist about Fawley Oil Refinery (I’ve often wondered why not! It is the biggest in Europe!).
Whist I’ve never flown there, I’ve looked at this location before and there was nothing to prevent overflying,
Now, a 1 month (temporary?) zone has been implemented.
Now, this is where it gets interesting …
That restriction is in Yellow, and only indicates “… where operation of your drone may raise security, privacy or safety concerns”.
So, by that, it’s STILL not illegal! (Which means it most certainly can’t have been before.)
However, this is where it gets both interesting, and contradictory. In the Area Report, it appears in RED … as a restriction.
So - what/which is it??
It can’t be both.
Google Earth map of the temporary restriction area.
Personally, I’ll be right miffed if this becomes permanent. Calshot Spit, at the SE extremity, is a place I’ve often enjoyed flying.
