Drone sector welcomes new safety regulations

The first of a series of new laws to regulate both commercial and hobby drone flyers is about to go live at the end of July!

Early in 2018, the UK Government announced it was amending the 2016 Air Navigation Order to control drone use and improve safety.

Under the new legislation, from July 30th drones are not permitted to fly above 400 feet. They are also not allowed to fly within 1km of airport boundaries.

This first part of the new regulations is to reduce the potential for drones to interfere with aircraft.

These new rules clearly affect all forms of drones, including those used for commercial research, photography and measurement.

Other new measures in the amendments will also impact on anyone who flies drones as a hobby, as well as commercial ventures. According to the new law, by November 2019 if you own a drone weighing 250gm or over you must register it with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

This new legislation also demands that all drone pilots complete online safety testing, to prove their competence and control.

Reaction to the new rules

The changes to the 2016 Air Navigation Order were proposed as a result of a controversial report into collisions between drones and manned aircraft. Many believe that the level of the problem has been exaggerated, not least by the media.

However, reputable drone companies have welcomed the new rules. Anything that improves the reputation and safety record of drone technology is a positive move. Commercial companies – particularly those using new surveillance technology - are becoming increasingly in demand. Adherence to the requirements of the new legislation are considered to be another way of showing how accountable, conscientious and well managed they are. 

Checking compliance will also provide another quality measure for anyone commissioning commercial drone projects. 

Hobby drone operators who are concerned about the increased regulation can take some comfort in the offers of help. For example, the Department of Transport has vowed to support model aircraft clubs to meet the new laws as smoothly as possible.

Noncompliance – fines and prison

Those drone flyers who ignore the new legislation could face criminal charges. Flying too high or too near airports will be viewed as negligent or even reckless, in terms of putting the safety of aircraft and passengers at risk.

The penalty is an unlimited fine or up to five years in prison.

Failure to register a drone within the weight limits or to complete online tests could result in fines of up to a thousand pounds.

When the Government announced the new restrictions on drone use, Minister for Aviation Baroness Sugg, said: “We are seeing fast growth in the numbers of drones being used, both commercially and for fun. Whilst we want this industry to innovate and grow, we need to protect planes, helicopters and their passengers from the increasing numbers of drones in our skies. These new laws will help ensure drones are used safely and responsibly.”

It certainly is a sector that is flying high in terms of business potential and value, even if it has now had its "wings clipped" with the new height limit.

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