Kite licence for falconry
Download a copy of the CAA form for kite flying for falconry training:
| permission_request_kite_v3_fillable.pdf |
Applying for a kite licence
The Civil Aviation Authority requires people to apply for a licence if they wish to fly their kites above 60m / 200ft. When kite training a falcon, the kite can be flown to heights over 1000ft and so it is recommended to apply for a licence.
Unless you live in a flight path or close to an airfield, there should not be a problem with getting the permission to fly your kite. Each application is judged individually and some might have some restrictions or conditions to ensure flight safety. Your application with the CAA will allow them to notify other airspace users that you will be flying a high kite in that area at certain times.
The form is worded as if referring to a single event - just indicate the date range that you will be flying the kite and note that you will be flying on most days within this period. Licences can be issued for up to a year, but please remember to inform the CAA if you finish your kite training before the licence end date as they can then cancel the warnings for pilots that have been issued in your area. Some of the questions seem a little strange (night flying of kites and notifying the local police) - my advice would be to just answer the relevant fields. The CAA can then contact you if they have any further questions.
The CAA would ideally like 28 days notice to process your application before you begin flying your kite over 200ft, so send your application off as soon as possible and remember that you can fly your kite at heights of less than 200ft before receiving the licence.
Unless you live in a flight path or close to an airfield, there should not be a problem with getting the permission to fly your kite. Each application is judged individually and some might have some restrictions or conditions to ensure flight safety. Your application with the CAA will allow them to notify other airspace users that you will be flying a high kite in that area at certain times.
The form is worded as if referring to a single event - just indicate the date range that you will be flying the kite and note that you will be flying on most days within this period. Licences can be issued for up to a year, but please remember to inform the CAA if you finish your kite training before the licence end date as they can then cancel the warnings for pilots that have been issued in your area. Some of the questions seem a little strange (night flying of kites and notifying the local police) - my advice would be to just answer the relevant fields. The CAA can then contact you if they have any further questions.
The CAA would ideally like 28 days notice to process your application before you begin flying your kite over 200ft, so send your application off as soon as possible and remember that you can fly your kite at heights of less than 200ft before receiving the licence.
Kite training
Please feel free to contact myself with any kite training related questions, or the CAA if you would like assistance with the form or to discuss the licence. The CAA have always been very helpful with enquiries that I have made.
I kite train my falcons and will continue to do so with any new birds I purchase as it really does help to build fitness and motivation, as well as being an excellent recall method.
I kite train my falcons and will continue to do so with any new birds I purchase as it really does help to build fitness and motivation, as well as being an excellent recall method.