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UAS (Drone) Flying at night

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We observed several Drones (UAS's) take to the air during the fireworks display in Worthing at 2200hrs (10pm) on the 27th of July 2024. 


While UAS (drones) are difficult to track, which makes regulations practically unenforceable, it is ultimately the responsibility of all air users to ensure that the airspace remains safe to operate within. 
Let us consider the following factors: - 
  • Lack of visibility of aircraft, obstacles, terrain, people, weather, wildlife, etc. 
  • Pilots being unable to locate (digitally or visually) other aircraft nearby (including other drones) 
  • Other manned aircraft unable to detect UAS (Drones) 
  • Lack of communication between pilots and collaboration 
  • 7+ aircrafts within a 200m radius 
  • Practically impossible to tell if the aircraft is drifting away or moving over crowds. 
Flying an unmanned aircraft system at night is dangerous. 
If the aircraft has a maximum take-off mass greater than 250g, flying at night is also illegal without relevant certification or authorisation from the CAA. 
Additionally, most UAS bought off-the-shelf, do not have any system by which they can warn other manned aircraft users of their presence. 
This makes night time operations with a UAS (drone) potentially life threatening. 

Which is why Ripple Show Limited does not endorse night time flights, especially near crowded areas. 
Which is why even though it could have been good marketing for our business, we avoid operating at night. 

Please remember to always 
Fly Safe --- Fly Responsible 

Please share. 

Kind Regards 
Ank Raj - Director 

 
Ripple Show Limited 
UK Reg - 12618320 

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