Drone Flying Rules on the Isles of Scilly — AONB & St Mary's Airport Restrictions (2026)

Key Rules for Flying a Drone on the Isles of Scilly

The Isles of Scilly are an archipelago of around 140 islands and islets lying 45 kilometres southwest of Land's End. Only five are inhabited, and the total land area is just 16 square kilometres. This compact geography makes drone flying here more constrained than almost anywhere else in the United Kingdom.

Standard UK CAA regulations apply across the Isles of Scilly. As of 2026, you need a Flyer ID if your drone weighs 100 grams or more, and an Operator ID (£10.33 per year) if it weighs 250 grams or more. Your Operator ID must be visibly displayed on the aircraft. The maximum altitude is 120 metres (400 feet), and you must maintain Visual Line of Sight at all times.

The Council of the Isles of Scilly actively manages drone activity across the islands. They require all drone operators to be aware of airport restrictions, wildlife sensitivities, and the impact of drone noise on residents and visitors in this tranquil environment. The council strongly encourages operators to contact them before flying, particularly during peak tourist season from May to September.

Airspace & Flight Restrictions

St Mary's Airport FRZ

St Mary's Airport (EGHE) is the main gateway to the islands, handling fixed-wing flights from Land's End, Newquay, and Exeter. The airport has a legally binding Flight Restriction Zone comprising an Aerodrome Traffic Zone with a radius of 2 nautical miles, extending from ground level to 2,000 feet above aerodrome elevation. Runway Protection Zones extend 5 kilometres from each runway threshold at a width of 1 kilometre.

Given the small size of St Mary's island — roughly 3.5 kilometres across at its widest — the FRZ covers a very substantial portion of the island. Many locations that appear suitable for flying on the ground are actually inside restricted airspace. Always verify your position against the NATS Drone Assist app before launching.

To fly within the FRZ, you must contact St Mary's ATC on 01720 424335 before your planned flight. Permission is not automatic and may be refused during busy traffic periods.

Tresco Heliport

Tresco island has a heliport serving regular helicopter services from Penzance. This creates an additional restriction zone and helicopter approach routes that cross between the islands. The heliport operates frequent services, particularly during summer, and helicopter traffic at low altitude is a constant consideration.

Inter-Island Air Traffic

Fixed-wing and helicopter services operate between the islands at low altitude throughout the day. Even if you are on an island without its own airfield, aircraft may pass overhead at heights well within drone operating altitude. This makes the NATS Drone Assist app and advance contact with ATC essential rather than optional.

AONB & Wildlife Considerations

The entire Isles of Scilly archipelago is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and much of the coastline and uninhabited islands are also covered by SSSI designations. The islands support internationally important populations of seabirds, including storm petrels, Manx shearwaters, and various species of tern.

While AONB status does not create an automatic ban on drone flying, it signals that the landscape and its wildlife are considered nationally important. Drone operators should avoid flying near nesting colonies, particularly from April through August. Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it is an offence to intentionally or recklessly disturb Schedule 1 species at or near their nests.

The Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust manages several of the uninhabited islands as nature reserves. Landing on or launching drones from these islands may require separate permission from the Trust. Even flying over them at low altitude during breeding season can constitute a disturbance offence if it causes birds to leave their nests.

Best Spots & Tips for Drone Flying

The dramatic turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and rocky coastlines of the Isles of Scilly are extremely photogenic from the air. With careful planning, responsible drone photography is achievable.

• Southern coast of St Mary's: Areas south of the airport may fall outside the FRZ boundary, but verify with the Drone Assist app. Porth Hellick and Pelistry Bay offer excellent coastal scenery.
• St Agnes and Gugh: The most southerly inhabited island, potentially offering more airspace freedom than St Mary's. Check for wildlife restrictions and confirm you are clear of approach routes.
• Bryher western coast: Dramatic Atlantic-facing cliffs and Hell Bay provide stunning backdrops. Wind exposure can be severe on this side of the archipelago.
• Early morning flights: Before the first commercial flights of the day, airspace may be quieter. Always confirm with ATC regardless.

Wind is a major factor on the Isles of Scilly. The islands are fully exposed to Atlantic weather systems, and conditions can change within minutes. Salt spray at coastal locations can damage drone electronics, so maintain a safe distance from breaking waves and rinse your equipment after flying.

What Happens If You Break the Rules

Flying within St Mary's Airport FRZ without permission is a criminal offence carrying fines of up to £2,500. The Isles of Scilly have a resident police presence and the compact community means unauthorised drone activity is likely to be noticed and reported promptly.

Disturbing protected wildlife carries separate penalties under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. For Schedule 1 species, fines can be unlimited upon conviction. The Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust monitors its reserves and will report suspected disturbance to the police and Natural England.

The Council of the Isles of Scilly has publicly stated its commitment to managing drone use responsibly across the islands. Irresponsible flying risks not only legal consequences but also contributes to pressure for stricter local bylaws that could affect all future drone operators.

Your Pre-Flight Checklist for the Isles of Scilly

1. Check your registration: Confirm your Flyer ID and Operator ID are current and your Operator ID is displayed on the drone.
2. Check the airspace: Use NATS Drone Assist to verify your exact position relative to St Mary's Airport FRZ and Tresco Heliport restrictions.
3. Contact ATC: Call St Mary's ATC on 01720 424335 with your planned location, time, and altitude, even if you believe you are outside the FRZ.
4. Check for wildlife: Identify any SSSI boundaries or Wildlife Trust reserves near your chosen location. Avoid nesting colonies entirely from April to August.
5. Check the weather: Atlantic winds can exceed drone operating limits without warning. Monitor the Met Office marine forecast for the area.
6. Inform the council: The Council of the Isles of Scilly appreciates advance notification of drone activity, particularly in populated areas.
7. Protect your equipment: Salt spray and sudden wind gusts are the primary risks. Set conservative failsafe parameters before launching.