'Spy in the Sky' flying CCTV platforms
 

I've just been reading about the trials of remote controlled miniature helicopters acting as CCTV platforms for the police here.

http://static.sky.com/images/pictures/1538319.jpg

The report says that they will operate at around 1,500 ft which could pose some interesting challenges for us all in seeing and avoiding them.

I wonder what the operational procedures might be for these machines. Will the police have to notify ATC where they are flying them (especially over a city like London where (S)VFR traffic will be flying at just the same levels) or will areas of airspace be permanently restricted just in case the police want to operate there?

Will they have their own Mode S transponders, and will the spread of these and other UAVs be used to justify the imposition of Mode S on all airspace where they might conceivably operate?

For the type of aircraft suggested, I honestly think they are a long way away from utilising them, UAVs are far more likely, can be controlled far more efficiantly and can carry out the type of surveillance work currently done by helicopters without too much difficulty.
The remote controlled device you alude to cannot carry anything like the equipment required by the Police, whereas a helicoptor or UAV can.

As things stand, UAVs currently cost about the same per hour as helicopters, to my knowledge they are only operated by military organisations or on behalf of, and any costs involved to impliment them within the civillian sphere would have to met by the civi' organasations involved - ultimately the taxpayer.

I've no doubt that UAVs for Police surveillance work aren't all that far away, but until then, it will be helicopters and fixed wing.

http://www.merseyside.police.uk/html...05b-police.htm

They seem to be already using them......

The device pictured in the first post is going into service on a trial basis with Merseyside police today.

Hen Ddraig

Time to spare, go by air

CAP722 only allows the use of limited UAV's outside designated airspace up to 400ft.
Other UAV's must have a system for sensing and avoiding other airspace users and, at the moment, this will only work if ALL users have Mode S - this is the main motivator for Mode S IMHO.

R/C heli
 

Rule number 1 - always put your name and address on the model !
Rule number 2 - don't let it get too far downwind (this is the reason for rule No 1 ) !!
Looks to me like it may struggle on a "typical" British flying day.
:)