Drone Rules for Southenay Lane
Drone operators should exercise increased caution near Water Farm due to an active, uncertificated private heliport operating from the surface upward. Be vigilant for low-altitude helicopter traffic and sudden vertical maneuvers.
Water Farm Private Heliport Safety Advisory
This geographic sector contains a private, unlicensed and uncertificated heliport facility at Water Farm. Because the site operates outside of standard commercial airport licensing, helicopter movements are entirely unscheduled and can occur unpredictably at any time.
Rotary-wing aircraft operate here directly from the surface level upward. Their specific flight characteristics—including steep, rapid vertical climbs, low-altitude hovering, and direct approach paths—mean they frequently cross standard drone operating altitudes without warning.
When flying a drone in this vicinity, remote pilots must maintain an unbroken visual line of sight (VLOS) with their aircraft. Actively listen for rotor noise and scan the surrounding sky. You must yield absolute right-of-way immediately, unconditionally, and at a wide berth to any crewed helicopter asset in the area.