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The operation of Drones and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) on, from, or above land owned or managed by Salford City Council is not permitted without prior written authorisation. This guidance outlines the requirements for all drone and UAS pilots including recreational, hobbyist, commercial, professional and media operators wishing to request permission to operate within Salford. It must be read in conjunction with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Drone and Model Aircraft Code and the applicable UK regulatory framework on the Civil Aviation Authority website.
The council currently permits the use of drones and UAS on areas of council owned land that are open to the public to those who have obtained prior permission. Permission is required as there may be some location exceptions due to safety concerns.
Each application is assessed on the documentation provided, impact on other site users and risk.
You must request permission to operate a drone/UAS from land or premises occupied or managed by Salford City Council.
To fly a drone/UAS on or above council land, you will need to submit a formal request to pilot a drone via email.
Alongside the form, are required to provide:
Flyer ID (mandatory from 100g under CAA rules)
Operator ID
Details of the drone/UAS, including weight, class marking and photographic evidence
A site specific risk assessment
Public liability insurance (minimum £5 million)
A flight plan, including proposed launch/landing points, mapping, and timings
Applications may be declined where risks cannot be adequately mitigated.
The Civil Aviation Authority will provide you with a flyer and Operator ID once registered with them. Find out more on the Civil Aviation Authority flying drones and model aircraft webpage.
It is recommended that you have public liability insurance to cover any accident that may occur when you are flying the drone/UAS. It is unlikely that your household insurance policy would provide cover for drone/UAS use and you will therefore need to seek separate insurance cover. The British Model Flying Association provides insurance for its members, find out more on the British Model Flying Association insurance webpage.
All pilots are legally responsible for the safe conduct of each flight and must comply with the CAA’s Drone and Model Aircraft Code. Key requirements include:
Maximum height: 120m
Maximum horizontal distance: 500m, unless specific CAA authorisation exists
Visual line of sight must be maintained at all times
Flights must not occur in adverse weather or where risks are increased
Night flights must utilise flashing green lighting, as required by the CAA from 2026
Operators must avoid endangering the public, property, or other aircraft
The updated framework prioritises lighter, class marked drones and places greater restrictions on legacy and heavier platforms.
The CAA has revised the Open Category terminology to improve clarity:
A1 – Over People
A2 – Near People
A3 – Far from People
The pilot must not recklessly or negligently cause or permit an aircraft to endanger any person or property. The pilot must have the necessary insurance in place in the event of an accident, personal injury, or damage to property.
Remote ID is a digital identification system that allows your drone to broadcast who is flying and where it is flying. It works like an electronic number plate.
From 1 January 2026, most drones with UK class markings (such as UK1, UK2, UK3, UK5 and UK6) must transmit Remote ID information during flight.
From 2028, this requirement will also apply to most older (“legacy”) drones weighing 100g or more with a camera.
Pilots must ensure Remote ID is switched on whenever it is required to operate legally.
Drone/UAS use can cause significant disturbance impacts on wildlife. This is particularly pertinent where the habitats are of notable value for wintering and breeding waders (these birds perceive the drone as a bird of prey). The risk to wildlife will be carefully managed upon application. This may be more prevalent in bird breeding season (February to August).
Locations with significant risks (trainlines, overhead power cables, livestock, aviation proximity) are restricted from any drone/UAS use.
Open Category drones are not restricted by fixed distances from “built up areas” but restrictions will depend on class marking and operating subcategory (A1/A2/A3)
The 150m operating rule still applies to legacy “unclassified” drones operating in A3
A Flyer ID is required from 100g for any drone with a camera or any drone in categories where CAA registration applies
Commercial operators must provide:
Flyer ID and Operator ID
Evidence of competence (e.g., A2 Certificate of Competency or GVC)
Class mark details
Relevant CAA Operational Authorisations
Insurance compliant with EC 785/2004
Site specific risk assessments
Operational plans, including mapping
Commercial activities are subject to additional scrutiny due to elevated risk profiles and potential public impact.
Contact details of the person responsible for paying the invoice will be required (name, postal and email address and telephone number).
Training activities will not be authorised unless all participants are already qualified and hold the necessary CAA credentials. Council land may not be used for initial or basic flight instruction.
Where a drone is equipped with imaging capabilities, operators must comply with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. Consent must be obtained where individuals may be identifiable.
Requests must be submitted to: parks@salford.gov.uk
Applicants must include:
Proposed location, date, and time
Flyer ID and Operator ID
Insurance documentation
Drone/UAS description, including class marking and if it is a legacy (unmarked drone)
Flight plan and risk assessment
Applications will be assessed in relation to public safety, wildlife protection, site sensitivity, and potential disturbance.