Near-collisions lead to new drone safety code
A code to improve the safety of drones has been developed by the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority after a number of near-misses with aircraft.
The initiative comes a year after a near-collision between a drone and an Airbus A320 as it came into land at London Heathrow.
The pilot of the passenger plane saw a small black object fly over the wing just 20ft away.
The incident was classed as Category A incident, which means the risk of collision was high. The operator of the drone was never traced.
The CAA said it was just one of a number of recent incidents involving drones and aircraft.
In some cases, drone users appeared to be flying the devices as high as 2,000ft above ground level, way above the height limit of 400ft, and in areas where large aircraft are present.
The code has been developed in conjunction with NATS and the pilots’ union BALPA.
"We want to embrace and enable the innovation that arises from the development of drone technology, but we must ensure that this is done safely, with all airspace users in mind," said Tim Johnson, CAA director of policy.
"It is imperative that people observe the rules when operating a drone.
"Drone users must understand that when taking to the skies they are entering one of the busiest areas of airspace in the world – a complex system that brings together all manner of aircraft including passenger aeroplanes, military jets, helicopters, gliders, light aircraft and now drones.
"When doing so, they must be aware of the rules and regulations for flying drones that are designed to keep all air users safe."
A dedicated online resource gives users access to advice on safe drone operation.
The CAA has also welcomed moves by drone manufacturers to build in ‘geo-fencing’ capabilities into their products.
This stops drones from being flown into pre-programmed areas, such as airport control zones, and can also set a limit on how high a device can fly.
More information on drone safety is available from www.caa.co.uk/droneaware.
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports
Singapore to forbid entry to undesirable travelers with new no-boarding directive
Euromonitor International unveils world’s top 100 city destinations for 2025