FlightShows operates drone light shows across the UK and Europe.
Our activities are carefully planned, appropriately notified and managed with respect for everyone else using the airspace.
We understand that seeing a large NOTAM around a drone operation can be frustrating, particularly when you are trying to plan a flight through the area. The important thing to know is that a published NOTAM window does not necessarily mean our drones will be airborne throughout that entire period.
Please contact us. We would much rather speak with you and find a practical solution than leave you assuming the airspace is unavailable.
Contact our Airspace Management team
For questions about a FlightShows NOTAM or an active operation, our Airspace Management line is available 24 hours a day.
Telephone:
+44 20 3151 6891
Choose Option 3
Email:
airspacemanagement@flightshows.com
When contacting us, it is helpful to provide:
- The location or NOTAM reference
- Your intended route
- The approximate time you need to pass through the area
- Your aircraft type or nature of operation
- A contact number for the person operating the flight
A NOTAM does not always mean continuous flying
Our activities must be notified for a defined period so that other airspace users have clear information and sufficient warning.
However, a drone show itself may only occupy a small part of that published window. The wider period can include setup, testing, operational checks, weather contingencies and time allowed for safe coordination.
This means there may be opportunities for other aircraft to pass through before, after or between periods of drone activity.
Please do not assume that the whole area is continuously occupied. Contact us and we will confirm what is happening at the time.
We will work with you where we can
Every request has to be considered against the live operational picture, aviation permissions and the safety of people on the ground and in the air.
Where it is safe and operationally possible, we will work with other airspace users to find a practical solution. That could include:
- Confirming that our drones are not currently airborne
- Coordinating a suitable time for you to pass through
- Holding or delaying our activity for a short period
- Liaising directly with the relevant ATSU
- Providing updated operational information to support your planning
There may be occasions when we cannot accommodate a request, particularly once a live display has begun or where doing so would create a safety risk. When that happens, we will explain the situation clearly and help identify the safest available option.
If a military, emergency, medical or other time-critical flight needs access, please call us immediately. Where circumstances allow, even a short pause or delay to our operation may be enough to resolve the conflict safely.
Respect for shared airspace
FlightShows does not treat a NOTAM as a reason to ignore everyone else.
We plan our operations with awareness of nearby aerodromes, air traffic services, emergency operators, military activity, general aviation and other drone users. Where required, we coordinate with the relevant authorities and local aviation stakeholders before a show takes place.
Our aim is always to:
- Provide clear information
- Remain contactable
- Minimise unnecessary disruption
- Coordinate rather than obstruct
- Protect the safety of all airspace users
We believe responsible drone operations depend on communication, cooperation and a proper understanding of the wider aviation environment.
FAQ
- Are FlightShows drones airborne for the whole NOTAM period?Usually not. The NOTAM period may include preparation, testing, weather allowances and operational buffers. The actual flying period may be considerably shorter. Call our Airspace Management line and we can tell you whether the operation is active and whether coordination may be possible. Telephone: +44 20 3151 6891 Choose Option 3
- Can I fly through an area covered by a FlightShows NOTAM?Possibly, but please speak to us first. Our priority is keeping you, your passengers and everyone involved in our operation safe. A NOTAM does not always mean our drones are airborne for the entire published period, but you should never assume the area is clear simply because you cannot see them.
- Can FlightShows delay a drone operation to allow another aircraft through?Sometimes. Where it is safe, permitted and operationally practical, we may be able to hold or delay our activity briefly to accommodate another airspace user. This must always be coordinated directly with our operational team. Call our Airspace Management line and we can tell you whether the operation is active and whether coordination may be possible. Telephone: +44 20 3151 6891 Choose Option 3
- Who should I contact outside normal office hours?Our Airspace Management telephone line is available 24 hours a day for queries relating to our NOTAMs and active operations. Call +44 20 3151 6891 and choose Option 3.
Need to fly through one of our notified areas?
Please get in touch.
A quick conversation may be all that is needed to establish whether our operation is active and agree a safe way forward. We are here to share the airspace responsibly and to help everyone use it safely.
020 3151 6891 (Option 3)
airspacemanagement@flightshows.com