Flying Drones at Heaton Park? Not This July! Heres Why:

Attention all drone enthusiasts and concert-goers! If you're planning to fly your unmanned aircraft near Heaton Park in Manchester this July, you might want to hold off. The UK government has issued new regulations, restricting drone flights over the park during a series of music concerts. Here's what you need to know:

Why the Ban? The decision to restrict drone flights isn't arbitrary. With massive crowds expected for the concerts, the Secretary of State, in collaboration with the Civil Aviation Authority and the Greater Manchester Police, has deemed it necessary for public safety and security. Drones could pose significant risks in such densely populated settings.

When and Where Does This Apply? The restrictions are in effect on specific dates: 11th, 12th, 16th, 19th, and 20th July 2025. On these days, from 11:00 AM to 11:59 PM, drones cannot fly below 1,400 feet above sea level within a 1.5 nautical mile radius centered around Heaton Park's coordinates.

Are There Exceptions? Yes, there are a couple of exceptions:

• Flights already prohibited under existing prison-related airspace restrictions remain unaffected.
• Drones that have obtained special permission from the Greater Manchester Police can operate within the restricted zone.

Time Zone Alert! Note that the times are given in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), which is one hour behind British Summer Time (BST). So, plan accordingly!

Need More Info? For those seeking further clarification or permission, the Greater Manchester Police is your go-to. Additionally, the Civil Aviation Authority has appointed Mr. David Ridley as the contact person for any airspace regulation queries.

Stay Informed Full details of these restrictions will be broadcasted via Aeronautical Information Circulars and Notices to Aviation. So, keep an eye out if you're in the aviation community.

In summary, while the concerts promise to be a fantastic experience, safety comes first. Enjoy the music and the festivities, but leave the drones at home on these key dates!