CONTEXT

Ireland’s airspace is busy. In Cork alone we have air ambulances, Coast Guard helicopters, training aircraft from the flight academy, not to mention commercial flights in and out of Cork Airport. Flying a drone without permission in controlled airspace puts all of that at risk. That’s why we take licensing, training and clearances seriously, because safety comes first, for both people and businesses.

Why we take permissions so seriously

We love flying drones. They’re one of the most exciting creative tools in our kit. But before we put a drone in the sky, we make sure everything is safe and legal. That means checking airspace maps, applying for permission from the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) and, in many cases, speaking directly to AirNav Ireland and the air traffic control tower in Cork.

For example, Cork city and its surrounds fall under Cork Airport’s controlled airspace. If we’re capturing aerial shots of Cork City Hall, Páirc Uí Chaoimh, or along the River Lee, we don’t just launch and hope for the best. We submit applications, file risk assessments, and liaise with ATC so they know exactly what we’re doing. It keeps everyone safe, us, our clients, and the aircraft sharing that same sky.

It might sound over the top to some, but that’s the difference between a licensed drone operator and someone who just bought a drone online and decided to “give it a lash.” And here’s the truth: if your business hires someone unlicensed and something goes wrong, the responsibility can land back on you.

How we operate on the ground (and in the air)

Every shoot starts with planning. We check weather conditions, study the IAA UAS Geographical Zones map, and write up risk assessments. If controlled airspace clearance is needed, we handle the paperwork and permissions. On the day of a drone shoot, we always operate as a two-person crew. One of us is focused entirely on flying, while the other acts as a dedicated spotter on the ground. The spotter’s job is to monitor the surroundings, keep an eye out for people or obstacles that might approach during take-off and landing, and flag any potential issues before they become a problem. This two-person workflow makes our operations smoother, safer, and fully compliant with IAA drone regulations in Ireland.

It’s not about adding red tape for the sake of it, it’s about making sure our shoots run smoothly, legally, and without any unwanted surprises. That means our clients get stunning aerial footage without worrying about compliance or safety.

Our drone of choice: the DJI Inspire 2

We’ve flown many drones over the years, but our go-to for professional work is the DJI Inspire 2. It’s a serious bit of kit:

• Dual-battery system (if one battery fails, the other kicks in).
• Fast and powerful (up to ~94 km/h) so it can handle Ireland’s unpredictable winds.
• Interchangeable lenses that allow us to compress a shot for drama, or go wide for sweeping landscapes.
• Stable and weather-resistant, making it reliable on shoots from Cork city to the cliffs of Kerry.

Having the right drone matters, especially when you’re shooting in challenging conditions along the Irish coast or in controlled urban environments.

Choosing a drone operator in Ireland

If you’re working with a video production company in Cork, Dublin, Kerry, or anywhere in Ireland, it’s worth asking a simple question: are you licensed and IAA compliant?

It doesn’t matter if it’s for wedding drone footage in Kerry, aerial filming for a TV ad in Dublin, or real estate drone photography in Cork — the rules apply to everyone. You want operators who are trained, insured, and capable of working in controlled airspace without putting your project (or reputation) at risk.

Final Thoughts

For us, drones are about more than just cool shots (though we’ll admit, we love those too). They’re about telling a story from a new perspective, in a way that feels cinematic and fresh. But just as important is doing it right: safely, legally, and professionally.

We’ve been licensed drone operators in Ireland for over five years, flying hundreds of safe, incident-free flights across Cork, Dublin, Kerry, Munster and nationwide. With drones like the Inspire 2 in our kit and years of experience liaising with ATC and the IAA, our clients know their aerial footage is in safe hands.

Because at the end of the day, drones are an incredible creative tool, but only when they’re flown responsibly.

Need aerial footage that’s cinematic, safe, and fully licensed?

At 528 Creative, we handle the permissions, planning, and flying so you get stunning drone shots without the stress. From Cork to Kerry, Dublin to nationwide projects, let’s capture your vision from above. Get in touch today.