Landing on a beach in the UK, legal?
 

My question refers to landplanes (and helis):

My understanding is that above the high tide, you need landowner's permission (whoever that happens to be).

Below low tide (ie always under water) you obviously can't land (landplane).

So, the bit in between. I know this is Crown land (mainly or completely?) but then am unsure. I have people swearing that because it belongs "to the Queen" you can can use it without asking - and I have people saying that you do need her permission because it belongs to her.

So, anyone know?

These guys will know chapter & verse.

Is Sollas airfield a guide ? Or is it different being in Scotland ?

The AFE and Pooleys plates for Sollas each contain the same text, to the effect that the aerodrome is a public beach and PPR is not required, though pilots are recommended to contact a local PPL (the operator) for information.

No one has jurisdiction on the land between low water and high water Springs. Some agencies will try to intimidate you into believing that they have.

Is Birkdale Sands still used for aircraft? It was always depicted as an airfield on half mils years ago.

I landed on the beach at Southport for the air show a few years ago. Have also landed on the beach at Knott End, near Fleetwood.

I'm happy to be corrected by anybody legally trained, but my understanding was always that between the low and high tide marks is crown land, and unless specifically enclosed (and with some statute behind that) a public right of way.

I've certainly flown off a few beaches, and never had any difficulty over it. I have, of course, always taken great care to cause neither nuisance nor danger to anybody whilst doing so.

Solas is an uncontrolled airfield. There's no operator, but a local contact is advisable. A sheet of plywood washed up and became part buried some years ago. No PPR. It's also access to fields, so avoid traffic.

Be very wary of landing on an unchecked beach. Sand conditions change. While tundra tyres will get over soft sand, buried objects can appear, which could burst tyres.
You don't need permission for beach landings, but could be in trouble if you went near someone.

Nay Bather

Beach
https://youtu.be/YrWm-8B1ZwI



Desert
https://youtu.be/8b3PtiHIA-s

Snow
https://youtu.be/RXrCwzQzSmU

Cultivated wheat field
https://youtu.be/yYJn2fVagzQ

Between straw bales
https://youtu.be/z7RgmIgbJXU

Basically anywhere !!

Yes;yes;yes.

The intertidal zone belongs to the Crown Estate, so they are the landowner to whom a request for permission should be addressed.

There is a tiny bit of technowibble as to exactly which tidal height above chart datum constitutes high and low water as the definition is ever so slightly different between Scotland and England and is very slightly different again in Orkney and Shetland, but the general meaning is clear and there no wiggle room for a landing aircraft.

If it meets the runway requirements it should be fine.

So, in summary, nobody really knows?

Some years ago there was a post on here from Flying Lawyer, who stated that he was unable to find any legal basis for the oft quoted urban legend that permission was required from the landowner to land on any site in the UK.

Okay, so Crown Estate permission IS required?

That's contrary to some previous posts, and in line with others...

Muffin


There is no rule of the air that I know of, hence if there was such a post I agree, but you are subject to the ordinary laws of trespass.

If you can't police it, you can't control it. Who, or what exactly, will be 'feeling your collar'?


Over many, many years, on different occasions, I've either landed or dropped the hook on my boat on the foreshore between low and high water at varying locations without any interference whatsoever.


So have cockle pickers in Morecambe Bay; boy racers on Pendine Sands, and everyone who either makes a living or enjoys a recreational pursuit attached to the land in question.


Do they all apply for individual or blanket exemptions and permissions from feudal laws established after 1066 ?


For me personally, the breaking of such is sufficient inducement.

I understand all of that, but it's always best to know in advance if you are breaking the rules or not. What you do with that information (comply or ignore) is then at least an informed decision!

If it’s subject to the law of trespass then it is not illegal, but you are liable for any damage caused. That would be subject to civil proceedings if you disputed any bill you were given.

I would be very careful about landing on a beach. Some forty odd years ago an RAF Bulldog spun in and the crew took to the silk. Another Bulldog watching landed on the beach where the two crew had landed, to offer assistance. As the Bulldog was rolling to a stop , it overturned. Luckily no one was injured and assistance was at hand to help the crew. The aircraft was repaired and subsequently was returned to service. It could have been a lot different if they had been trapped and no one was around to assist.