Pilots welcome drone safety consultation amid rise in near misses
Pilots have welcomed a consultation by the Department for Transport on drone safety amid concerns about the growing number of near misses.
The government is launching a consultation to try to safely integrate drone technology in Britain’s skies, but at the same time recognising the huge economic benefit they can bring.
New measures under consideration include registration of new drones, new signage for no-fly zones at sensitive sites such as airports and prisons, tougher penalties for illegal flying near no-fly zones, and a drone traffic management system.
The Government is also considering whether to make drones electronically identifiable so the owner’s details can be passed to police if they are spotted breaking the law.
Steve Landells, flight safety specialist at the British Airline Pilots’ Association, said: "Drones are here to stay, and as this technology develops and becomes more important in the aviation world, it is vital they are integrated into the airspace in a safe and sensible manner.
"Pilots are concerned about the growing number of near misses and the potential for catastrophe should a collision occur.
"At the same time BALPA believes drone operators, especially hobbyists, need to be made aware of the potential dangers of irresponsible flying. We support the DfT in pressing for better education, compulsory registration and high profile prosecution for careless operators."
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.
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