From the 30th of July new laws came into force about the flying of drones restricting the flight to under 400 feet or 120m
It is also against the law to fly a drone within 1km of an airport or airfield boundary.
As part of the Air Navigation Order those breaching these restrictions “will face penalties of up to £2,500 and could also be charged with recklessly or negligently acting in a manner likely to endanger an aircraft or any person in an aircraft, which can carry a penalty of up to 5 years imprisonment.”
More information can be found here: Drone Safe
The UK Government is also running a consultation on the use of drones.
Proposals suggested:
- police issuing fixed penalty notices to those disregarding drone rules
- using new counter-drone technology to protect public events and critical national infrastructure and stop contraband reaching prisons
- introducing minimum age restrictions for drone owners in addition to the new tests they will need to take
- proposals for regulating and mandating the use of ‘apps’ on which pilots would file flight plans ahead of take-off
The drone industry in the UK is highly successful and drones have many beneficial uses – including inspecting areas instead of sending in helicopters and to assist in search and rescue operations.
The consultation closes on 17th September 2018 follow the link to find more or to take part: Drone legislation: use, restrictions and enforcement
Additional Information: Using Drones In Scotland
Reporter: Fiona Grahame