Drone Rules for Upminster
Drone pilots must exercise increased caution near Gerpins Farm due to an active, unlicensed private airstrip operating from the surface upward. Be highly alert for low-altitude light aircraft, model flyers, and sudden grass-runway traffic.
Gerpins Farm Airstrip Safety Advisory
This location encompasses the immediate lower airspace of Gerpins Farm, an uncertificated and unlicensed private airstrip located in Essex/East London, near Upminster. The site features active grass runways primarily used by light general aviation aircraft, microlights, and radio-controlled model flyers.
Because it operates as an unlicensed site, flight operations are entirely unscheduled and heavily weather-dependent, meaning traffic can surge unpredictably during any daylight hours. Since crewed aircraft operate from the surface level upward, their landing approaches, takeoffs, and localized airfield circuit patterns directly cross standard unmanned drone flight heights (0–400ft).
Remote drone operators must maintain a strict, uninterrupted visual line of sight (VLOS) with their aircraft. Actively listen for incoming engine noise and scan the local horizon. Drone pilots must yield absolute right-of-way immediately and unconditionally to any crewed aircraft or local airfield traffic operating in the area.