None, unless there happened to be any persons, vehicles, man made structures or, at a long stretch, vessels within 500 feet. Unless of course there is a 'hard to uncover' rule governing the operation of aircraft above such 'reserves'? I should imagine that in the case of engine failure and subsequent damage to any protected parts should spark an inquiry as to the pilot's actions. Interesting question though - I remember when I was younger walking along the promenade at Hunstanton, a chappie flying his motor powered paraglider at about 10' above the beach, about the same distance from the promenade with lots of rubber necked tourists gawking at him like myself! I should imagine that would perhaps attract the attention of the CAA more than aforementioned example!
A little less conversation, a little more aviation...
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Bracknell, UK
Posts: 414
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lister Noble
Some nature/bird reserves have min height marked on chart-eg Minsmere 2000'
True, but wasn't there a scandal a few years back when it transpired that a popular nudist area had been mysteriously marked on the half-mil map as a Nature Reserve with a similar 2000 foot min height? - it transpired that there were several devoted Naturists in the CAA Cartography Department, but the whole thing was hushed up after they threatened to make the Stokenchurch mast disappear, Cosa Nostra style.
Microlights, at an estimated 10' across the sea within UK territorial limits, flies over a submarine sumerged 100 feet under the surface what law(s) have they broken?
IDK ,probably he would get a talking to, off the naval "intelligence" community for flying too close to a secret military installation or some such rubbish
'Tis possible rule 5 does not apply in this scenario - depends on how remote said location is!
Unfortunately Rule 5 doesn't include an exemption clause for remote locations! The 500 foot rule always applies in UK unless taking off or landing or where an exemption has been obtained (and paid for) from the CAA.
As far as I am aware, Rule 5 bears no direct link to the prohibition of flying below 500' agl. To be specific, the rule states that an aircraft shall not fly within 500' of any person, vehicle, man made structure or vessel - or words to that effect. That is my understanding? And I relate it to this topic as in such an area as is mentioned, I should think it quite possible that there are locations within which none of the above are to be found. Of course we SHOULD take the rule to mean anywhere below 500' agl (unless taking off or landing) as one cannot be sure that no people are hiding behind trees/in caves/hidden from view etc! My interpretation and open ended answer to the original question is, I don't believe we can be sure as to whether it was legal or illegal. Please do not misunderstand me - I always err on the side of safety and am merely attempting to address a technicality!
Unfortunately Rule 5 doesn't include an exemption clause for remote locations! The 500 foot rule always applies in UK unless taking off or landing or where an exemption has been obtained (and paid for) from the CAA.
I think you'll find it applies to a UK registered aircraft wherever it is.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Halfbaked_Boy
My interpretation and open ended answer to the original question is, I don't believe we can be sure as to whether it was legal or illegal.
When glad rag clarified the situation as the microlight going overhead I think we can say that, as described, it was probably in contravention of Rule 5.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Final 3 Greens
Microlights, at an estimated 10' across the sea within UK territorial limits, flies over a submarine sumerged 100 feet under the surface what law(s) have they broken?
Final, you're looking at Rule 6 (b). Rule 5 (3) (b) is headed The 500 feet rule and says 'Except with the written permission of the CAA, an aircraft shall not be flown closer than 500 feet to any person, vessel, vehicle or structure.'
In your scenario, assuming there's nothing pertinent that you're not telling us, I cannot see why any of the exemptions in Rule 6 would apply.
Dunno why, but I like these thought games. Maybe I should have been a lawyer......I'm sure I would have made more money!
Except that at 10' asl, the pilot could not possibly see the submarine and therefore did not intend to overfly it.
Maybe, but rule 5 (3) (b) says:
Quote:
(b) The 500 feet rule Except with the written permission of the CAA, an aircraft shall not be flown closer than 500 feet to any person, vessel, vehicle or structure.
There's nothing about intention here. So you are in breach of the law if you are within 500 feet of a submarine or a caver, whether you know they're there or not. And saying you're on a 0.0000000000000001 degree approach to land doesn't excuse you. The exception for landing is 6 (a) (ii):
Quote:
(ii) Any aircraft shall be exempt from the 500 feet rule when landing and taking-off in accordance with normal aviation practice or air-taxiing.
Note "normal aviation practice" and not "playing games with the law".
Interesting these mind games, what?
Last edited by FREDAcheck : 13th October 2008 at 19:50. Reason: spelling
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