Fears 'must-have' Christmas drones could come with fines for dangerous flying

PEOPLE given drones for Christmas have been warned they could face prosecution for flying them dangerously.

Drone at Christmas treePA

Drones, like this quadcopter, have been popular Christmas presents this year

The remote-controlled mini air-craft have been one of this year’s must-have gifts, prompting the Civil Aviation Authority to high-light strict rules after a number of near-misses.

Fears that they could pose a danger were heightened earlier this month after investigators revealed a drone came within 20ft of a passenger plane as it was about to land at Heathrow.

Regulations in force include a ban on flying remote-controlled devices over congested areas or within 50 metres of people or buildings without official permission.

Breaches can result in the opera- tor being taken to court and fined up to £5,000.

The CAA said anyone flying drones illegally can be prosecuted and its officials are working closely with police and other agencies.

Gerry Corbett, the CAA’s unmanned aircraft specialist, said: “We know that unmanned aircraft of various shapes and sizes have been popular Christmas presents.

“The technology has improved over the last year or so, while individual products, particularly those for the recreational market, have become much more affordable.

“However, people using multi rotor devices, such as quadcopters, for fun have to understand that they are subject to rules and cannot be used indiscriminately.

“Unmanned aerial technology is still in its infancy and offers huge recreational and commercial potential.

“But it is vital that users understand the safety rules, so the industry can develop safely and profitably.”

We know that unmanned aircraft of various shapes and sizes have been popular Christmas presents

Gerry Corbett

The British Airline Pilots Association (Balpa) said it has received reports of several examples of drones being flown within yards of planes as they came in to land.

In May, a remote-controlled quadcopter – one of the most popular types of drone – came close to colliding with a passenger plane as it was preparing to land at South-end airport, in Essex.

Balpa’s flight safety specialist Steve Landells said: “Some drones being unwrapped on Christmas Day can reach heights of more than 2,000ft. We want people to fly drones responsibly and safely to avoid causing damage, avoid being prosecuted and, most importantly, avoid endangering others.”

The CAA has successfully prose- cuted two cases relating to unmanned aircraft this year.

In April, a man was fined £800 for flying a drone through restricted airspace over a nuclear submarine base – thought to be the first such prosecution in the world.

Then in May, a man was fined for flying a quadcopter over several rides at Alton Towers, Staffs. Small drones range in price from less than £50 to several hundred pounds. 

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