(Image Credit: iStockPhoto/Piotr_roae)
There have been dangerously irresponsible drone operators — from the device that nearly collided with an Airbus A320 landing at Heathrow to the person who attached a semi-automatic handgun to a drone in a public park, and numerous other reckless incidents that have led to arrests and prosecutions.
To clarify safe and lawful operation, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has published the “Dronecode,” developed with NATS, the UK’s air traffic management provider, and the pilots’ union BALPA. The guidance was released to coincide with “Drone Safety Day” to help hobbyists and commercial users understand how to operate drones without risking fines, prosecution or endangering lives.
The most important rule is to avoid flying anywhere near aircraft, helicopters, airports or airfields. For recreational drones, the maximum permitted altitude is 400 feet (121.92 metres).
Another frequently overlooked restriction applies to drones equipped with cameras: they must not be flown within 164 feet (50 metres) of people, vehicles, buildings or structures. This helps protect privacy and reduces the chance of causing harm if a drone were to malfunction.
Drone users must understand that when taking to the skies they are entering one of the busiest areas of airspace in the world
Breaching these rules can result in fines and, for serious offences that create a danger to life — such as endangering aircraft — custodial sentences. In one case, a drone pilot was fined £800 and ordered to pay £3,500 in costs after flying within 50 metres of the Jubilee Bridge and above a BAE Systems nuclear submarine testing site, following prosecution by the CAA.
Tim Johnson, CAA Director of Policy, said: “We want to embrace and enable the innovation that arises from the development of drone technology, but we must ensure that this is done safely, with all airspace users in mind.”
The release of the Dronecode was prompted in part by an incident in which a small drone came within 50 feet (15 metres) of an Airbus A320 on final approach to Heathrow. The aircraft’s pilot was understandably alarmed — even bird strikes can pose a serious risk to aircraft — and the event highlighted how close drones can come to manned aviation if flown irresponsibly.
Johnson added: “Drone users must understand that when taking to the skies they are entering one of the busiest areas of airspace in the world — a complex system that brings together all manner of aircraft including passenger aeroplanes, military jets, helicopters, gliders, light aircraft and now drones.”
The CAA has also published online resources for drone operators seeking further information about how to fly safely and legally.
Do the CAA’s rules on drone operation seem reasonable to you? Share your thoughts in the comments.