At H. E. Services, we are committed to ensuring the safety, privacy, and enjoyment of all our visitors and staff. To comply with UK aviation laws and maintain a secure environment, drone operations are strictly regulated on our premises.

1. General Drone Use Guidelines

• Permission Requirement: All drone operations on H. E. Services property are strictly prohibited unless written permission is granted by  H. E. Services. Drone operators must submit a request for permission at least 5 working days prior to the intended flight date by emailing marketing@heservices.co.uk.
• Private Property Rights: As a private landowner, H. E. Services has the authority to impose restrictions on drone usage, and these policies are enforceable under UK law.

2. Drone Operator Licensing & Documentation

Drone operators must comply with UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) regulations, and must provide the following documentation prior to obtaining permission to fly a drone at H. E. Services:

• Flyer ID and Operator ID: For drones over 250g, the operator must hold a valid Flyer ID and Operator ID. For drones under 250g, only an Operator ID is required.
• Public Liability Insurance: Drone operators must provide proof of public liability insurance that covers drone operations, ensuring coverage for any potential damage, injury, or legal infringements.

Failure to provide these documents will result in refusal of permission to fly.

3. Flight Restrictions & Legal Compliance

Drone operators must adhere to the following legal and safety restrictions, in accordance with CAA guidelines:

• Altitude Limit: Drones must not exceed 120 meters (400 feet) above the ground.
• Line of Sight: Drones must remain within the operator’s visual line of sight (VLOS) at all times during flight.
• No Overflights of Buildings/Machinery: Drones are not permitted to hover or fly over buildings, machinery, or areas where people are present unless explicitly authorised by H. E. Services. This is to protect the safety and privacy of our staff, contractors and any on-site visitors.

Safe Distances:

• A minimum distance of 50 meters must be maintained from buildings, vehicles, and people not under the operator’s control.
• A minimum distance of 150 meters must be maintained from large gatherings (e.g., open day events or busy areas).

Machinery Safety:

• Drones must not be flown near or over moving heavy construction machinery.
• Operators must maintain a minimum safe distance of 50 meters from operational machinery.
• Drone flights must not interfere with depot or site operations or distract machinery operators. H. E. Services reserves the right to designate no-fly zones around active machinery.

4. Specific Location Restrictions

Drone operations may be subject to additional location-based restrictions.

5. Safeguarding and Safety

• Vulnerable Individuals: Drone operators must exercise caution and respect when flying near or over areas where vulnerable individuals may be present (e.g., children, individuals in care). No drone should be flown in a manner that causes distress, harm, or discomfort to visitors.
• Safeguarding Clause: “Drone operators must not film or record vulnerable individuals, including children or people in care, without explicit consent. Any use of drones for surveillance or other purposes must be legally authorised.”
• Harassment Prevention: Drones must not be flown in a way that could cause harassment, distress, or discomfort to any individual. All drone activity should be conducted with respect for the privacy and safety of visitors.

6. Enforcement and Compliance

• Immediate Termination of Drone Operations: H. E. Services reserves the right to immediately terminate any drone operation that is found to be in violation of this policy, poses a safety risk, or disrupts depot / site activities. Non-compliant drone operators will be asked to leave the premises.

• Removal from Premises: Operators failing to comply with this policy or who are found to be flying in violation of UK law may be removed from the premises and face potential legal action.

• Liability: Drone operators are fully responsible for any damage, injury, or legal infringements resulting from their drone activities at H. E. Services. Failure to comply with CAA regulations, this policy, or other applicable laws may result in legal action, including potential criminal penalties for violations.

7. Railway Proximity

Due to the presence of the railway lines near certain depots and sites, drone operators must adhere to Network Rail regulations to prevent interference with train operations and protect the safety of passengers and infrastructure. Drones must not be flown over or near any of the railway lines.

9. Review & Amendments

This policy is subject to change in accordance with updates to CAA regulations, privacy laws, and H. E. Services operational needs. All drone operators are required to review and comply with the most up-to-date policy version, which will be provided before granting permission to fly.

10. Specific Location Restrictions

Contact Information:

For enquiries or to request permission to operate a drone at H. E. Services, please contact:

• Email: marketing@heservices.co.uk
• Phone: 0208 804 2000

Important Notice:

By requesting permission to fly a drone at H. E. Services, operators confirm their understanding and acceptance of all terms outlined in this policy. Non-compliance with any part of this policy may result in immediate cessation of drone activities and removal from H. E. Services property.

Last updated: 1st May 2025