UK drone users face safety tests and flight restrictions
UK drone users may have to pass online safety tests under legislation being introduced to the Commons on Wednesday.
The government also wants to prevent drones from flying above 400ft or within 1km of airport boundaries.
The changes, which are set to come into effect between 30 July and 30 November, follow a rise in the number of drone near-misses with aircrafts.
Aviation Minister Baroness Sugg said the measures were needed to “protect” aircraft and their passengers.
In addition to the safety tests, people who own drones weighing 250g or more will have to register with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Some drones, usually cheaper models, weigh less than 250g. But most – especially those with built-in cameras – weigh more.
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Users who fail to adhere to the flight restrictions could face unlimited fines, up to five years in prison, or both.
Owners of drones over 250g who do not register with the CAA or sit the safety test could be fined up to £1,000.
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There were 89 accidents involving aircraft and drones in the UK in 2017 – a 25% increase on the previous year.
A report by PricewaterhouseCoopers released this week estimated drones could add £42bn to the UK economy by 2030 – and Baroness Sugg stressed the government was keen not to stunt the growth of the sector.
She added, however, that it was important to “ensure drones are used safely and responsibly”.
Chris Woodroofe, chief operating officer at Gatwick Airport, said the changes should leave “no doubt” that drones must be kept “well away from aircraft, airports and airfields”.
The number of active commercial drone licences in the UK increased from 2,500 to 3,800 in 2017.