Dropping ashes of loved ones by drone over land or sea

Co-op Funeralcare will give people who have lost a loved one the option to have their ashes spread by drone, which is said to be a UK first.

A big black box containing the ashes will be lifted by a large drone, such as a DJI M600, flown to a certain location, and then the ashes will be released either over land or sea.

Co-Op Funeralcare is offering Ash dispersal services in collaboration with veteran RAF helicopter pilot Christopher Mace.

After dispersing the ashes of former service members at sea while serving in the services, the 56-year-old was motivated to create his firm, Aerial Ashes.

Co-op Funeralcare's MD, Gill Stewart, commented on the launch as follows:

“Cremation has continued to grow at pace as a choice for funerals. We're always looking at new and innovative ways to help families honor their loved ones not just through the funeral service but also through uniquely personal commemorative options for their ashes. Our colleagues are dedicated to supporting the bereaved families we serve long after the funeral, and the sky really is the limit now in terms of the choices that are available.”

Mace had to get permission from the Civil Aviation Authority, which is like a Part 107 certificate in the UK, before he could use a drone to spread the ashes of loved ones.

Landowners must also give Mr. Mace permission before he can make the drops. He reportedly said that since starting his company, he has already completed 50 flights.

The majority of the drops, according to him, had been at sea, with requests for views of a beach and private woodland regions coming in first and second, respectively.

The Stokesley, North Yorks, resident Mr. Mace said:

“Drones are increasingly being viewed a means of providing essential services in our society. With investment in creating drone superhighways being looked at as this technology use grows. The use of drones to provide new options to scatter ashes is an emerging and unique way that this technology can offer a truly memorable service. Ensuring that the right permissions are sought is essential and weather conditions must be favorable, but the use of a drone alleviates much of the worry when families want to scatter ashes in otherwise hard to reach locations.”