Each year, even with countless warnings, people are told to not fly a drone over the TT course during the races, yet someone always does.
This is your warning to not use a drone to film the TT or Billown Circuit practices and races over the course of the TT.
There is potential prosecution and fines for those that infringe a ‘no drone zone’.
No Drone Zone
People are asked to observe the following drone ‘no-fly’ zones which will be in place in 2025 and apply to all drones, regardless of their size and weight:
- For the TT fortnight, from May 26 until the end of June 8: Drones must not be flown within any of the airspace bounded by an area approximately 1,000 metres outside the course while the roads are closed for practice/qualifying or race sessions (see map below). The restrictions take effect from one hour before the TT Course closure time of each day until the final road opening.
- For the Red Arrows display on June 5 from 7:20pm until 8:10pm: Drones must not be flown over or within six miles of Douglas.
The Billown Circuit is located within the Airport’s existing ‘no-fly’ zone for drones.
It’s Not Hard
Deputy Director of Civil Aviation, Colin Gill, said: “The airspace above the TT course is used by emergency and filming helicopters before, during and after racing and practising taking place.
“The Billown Circuit is also located within the five-kilometre airspace restriction for the Isle of Man Airport, within which drones should not be flown due to the dangers they could pose to an aircraft taking off or landing at the airport.
“There will also be a Red Arrows display in Douglas Bay on 5 June at 19:30, during which any drone flight in the vicinity could cause danger.”
Serious Distraction
Colin added: “Drones can also pose a serious distraction to riders. Marshals are informed to immediately report any drones to race control and the police, which may result in the practice or race being halted.
“Whilst the Isle of Man’s racing festivals are a fantastic display, we request that all drone operators respect the “no-fly” zones while they are in place to ensure the safety of participants and that the events remain a safe and enjoyable spectacle of racing.”
Breach of the restriction is an offence punishable on conviction by a fine of up to £10,000.
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