Drone Filming and Photography Guidance

Find out about using drones for photography at our churches and churchyards

Guidance for drone filming and photography at the Churches Conservation Trust

The use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or drones is not permitted on or over any churches in our care without prior approval. If you would like to fly a drone over or near any churches or churchyards in the care of the Churches Conservation Trust please contact us in advance.

Any use of drones near our churches must comply with Civil Aviation Authority regulations that stipulate drones are not permitted to be flown within 50 metres of any vessel, vehicle or structure which is not under the control of the person in charge of the aircraft. The aircraft should not be flown within 50 metres of any person except during take-off or landing or within 30 metres of any person except for the person in charge of the aircraft.

To ensure the safety of the buildings in our care and visitors to our sites, any drone flying must take place when the site is closed to the public and operators must hold a drone pilot certification (a PfCO) and provide evidence of valid insurance cover.

If you are interested in drone photography/filming at our sites, please contact us at filming@thecct.org.uk.