UK drone users face safety tests and flight restrictions
I think drones offer the potential for fascinating service options to rural communities. The regulations referred to in this article nonetheless have in my minds eye been too long coming. It tells us:
UK drone users may have to pass online safety tests under legislation being introduced to the Commons on Wednesday.
Restrictions around airport boundaries have also been clarified stopping any drone flying within 1km of them.
The changes, which are set to come into effect between July 2018 and November 2019, 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.
Before, the regulations had applied to aircraft that weigh 20kg or less.
All drones will also be banned from flying above 400ft (121.9m), a rule which had been mentioned previously in the CAA’s Drone Code but will now be enshrined in law.