A drone is often the safest way to see a roof that’s tall, steep, large or fragile. But the airspace over London and the South East is busy. Several major airports have flight restriction zones around them, and parts of central London have their own restrictions.
This guide explains how these rules affect drone roof surveys, what we check before flying and what happens if a flight can’t go ahead. The CAA’s drone pages are the official source (CAA drones).
Flight restriction zones around airports
Protected aerodromes have a flight restriction zone (FRZ). It is made up of an Aerodrome Traffic Zone with a radius of 2 or 2.5 nautical miles, plus runway protection zones. These are 1 km wide and extend 5 km from each runway end. The zone goes up to 2,000 ft. To fly a drone inside an FRZ, you need permission from the airport or its air traffic control (CAA: aerodromes, heliports and spaceports).
In London and the South East, confirmed FRZs include:
- Heathrow
- Gatwick
- London City
- Stansted
- Luton
- Southampton
- Redhill
- London Heliport (Battersea)
Central London restricted areas
Central London has restricted areas over Hyde Park, the City of London and the Isle of Dogs. Drone flights in these areas need permission from NATS. If your building is in or near one of them, we check the restriction before planning a flight.
Prisons also have their own drone restriction zones, which have applied since January 2024.
Want a roof surveyed? We cover London and the South East, with written reports and photos from £150 including VAT. Book a survey or call 07833 053749.
How we check before flying
Before any flight, we check the location on the Drone Safety Map, which the CAA points to for checking airspace. If the roof is inside an FRZ or restricted area, we ask for permission from the right body. We can’t promise permission will be given, or how quickly. That decision is theirs.
We fly a sub-250g drone and are a CAA-registered drone operator, with a Flyer ID and Operator ID. In the open category, the maximum height is 120 m (400 ft), and the drone must be kept in sight. We also take care with privacy when flying near other people’s property. We only inspect the roof we’ve been asked to look at.
Weather on the day
Drones can’t fly safely in strong wind or heavy rain. The weather on the day decides whether a flight goes ahead. If it can’t, we inspect what can be seen safely from the ground, from windows and vantage points and from the roof space, and we can talk to you about coming back for the drone part.
If a flight isn’t possible
Sometimes permission isn’t given or the conditions aren’t right. A roof survey doesn’t depend on a drone. Much of a roof can still be inspected from the ground, from windows, from neighbouring vantage points where available and from the loft. The report says clearly what was seen and how, and which parts couldn’t be seen.
Our drone roof survey starts from £400, including VAT. Drone inspection is also included in our Premium Survey where applicable. Our guide to drone roof surveys explains what they show and miss.
Quick answers
Can you fly a drone near Heathrow or Gatwick?
Only with permission from the airport or its air traffic control if the roof is inside the flight restriction zone. We check and ask, but can’t promise it’s granted.
Does a sub-250g drone need registration?
Yes. From 1 January 2026, a Flyer ID is needed for drones of 100g or more, and an Operator ID for drones of 100g or more with a camera.
What if my roof is in the City of London?
The City has a restricted area where flights need NATS permission. We check before planning a flight and survey by other means if needed.
Related services
More advice
- Drone Roof Surveys: What They Show and Miss
- Commercial Roof Surveys: Rooflights and Sheeting
- What Does a Roof Survey Include?
- How Much Does a Roof Survey Cost?
- All advice
This guide is general information about roofs and roof surveys. It isn’t legal, insurance or structural engineering advice; for those, speak to a suitably qualified professional.