It is possible to use aerial photography companies from Southern Ireland to take photographs in Northern Ireland or use foreign registered aircraft.
However as always with “red tape” it is not as straight forward as one would think. If the aircraft being used to take the aerial photographs is registered in a country outside of the United Kingdom then the operator or the charterer of the aircraft must comply with Article 140 of the UK Air Navigation Order.
This is the extract from the order:
Restriction on aerial photography, aerial survey and aerial work in aircraft registered
elsewhere than in the United Kingdom140 (1) An aircraft registered in a Contracting State other than the United Kingdom, or in a
foreign country, shall not fly over the United Kingdom for the purpose of aerial
photography or aerial survey (whether or not valuable consideration is given or
promised in respect of the flight or the purpose of the flight) or for the purpose of any
other form of aerial work except with the permission of the Secretary of State granted
under this article to the operator or the charterer of the aircraft and in accordance with
any conditions to which such permission may be subject.(2) Without prejudice to article 93 or to paragraph (1), any breach by a person to whom a
permission has been granted under this article of any condition to which that
permission was subject shall constitute a contravention of this article.
It is vital that if you do employ a person to undertake aerial photography in the UK then you check the following:
Is the aircraft being used registered outside of the UK.
If it is then you should request to see the permit that has been issued by the Secretary of State for the United Kingdom and if in doubt about the validity of the permit contact the aviation department at the Secretary of State’s Office to ensure that it is still valid and has not been revoked under Section 93 of the Air Navigation Order.