IAA Issues Drone Safety Reminder Ahead of St Patrick's Day Festivities
The IAA is reminding drone operators to check airspace rules before flying over St Patrick's Day parades and events in the coming days.
With St Patrick's Day just days away, Ireland's aviation authority is urging drone operators to know their rules before they take to the skies over parades and public events.
The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) has issued a timely reminder to all drone users across the country, asking them to familiarise themselves with airspace regulations before flying over the coming days.
The IAA has outlined four key rules all operators must follow: label and upload your Operator ID; check airspace restrictions at iaa.ie/drones; keep your drone in sight at all times; and stay below 120 metres, clear of people, buildings, and crowded events.
St Patrick's Day parades and festivities may also introduce temporary restricted zones where flying without explicit permission is not permitted. The IAA is asking all operators to consult the UAS Geographical Zones map before every flight, even in areas that may appear unchanged from previous visits.
The authority has warned that unauthorised drone operations can endanger emergency response units, aircraft, and the general public.
Enda Walsh, UAS Manager at the IAA, said:
"St Patrick's Day is one of the biggest public events of the year, and with that comes the need for heightened vigilance in our skies. We're asking all drone users to check the zone before they drone, follow the national drone rules, and help us ensure the festivities remain safe for all."
Further information is available at iaa.ie/drones.
