Pilots welcome new anti-drone measures at UK airports
UK pilots have welcomed new measures introduced by the government aimed at preventing drones from causing a repeat of last month’s disruption at Gatwick airport.
Transport secretary Chris Grayling (left)announced yesterday that airport exclusion zones will be extended to about 5km (three miles) from the current 1km, with additional extensions at the end of runways.
Drone operators can be fined or even jailed if they fly a drone within these zones.
Also, operators of drones weighting between 250g and 20kg will have to register and take an online drone pilot competency test from November 30.
Police officers will also be given new powers to deal with drone pilots who break the law.
The new measures come after Gatwick was forced to cancel 1,000 flights just before Christmas due to repeated drone sightings close to the airport. Police have still not been able to track down the operator of the device.
Two people were arrested over the disruption and questioned in custody for 36 hours but they were released without charge.
Grayling said ‘some smart and innovative use of new technology’ was now being used by airports, but he wouldn’t give further details for ‘security reasons’.
Speaking in Parliament yesterday, he added: "I am clear the government is taking action to ensure that passengers have confidence their journeys will not be disrupted in future, aircraft can safely use our key transport hubs and criminals misusing drones can be brought to justice."
The British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA), which~has been calling for the restriction zone around airports to be increased to 5km for some time, welcomed the announcement, although it pointed out that the drone operator who caused the recent disruption at Gatwick had broken existing laws by flying the device within 1km of the airport.
BALPA general secretary Brian Strutton, said: "The safety of the travelling public and aircraft crew should always come first.
"We were encouraged last year when the Government announced that it was introducing new laws, including the restriction zone and mandatory registration, but we were disappointed they didn’t go far enough, and could put drones in direct conflict with commercial aircraft. The Government’s announcement~today is a win for flight safety.
"BALPA is not anti-drone, but they absolutely need to be integrated into the airspace in a safe and sensible manner.
"Today’s announcement that the Home Office will trial new counter-drone measures is also key to ensuring the kind of threat we saw at Gatwick can be safely tackled.
"BALPA co-sponsored drone impact testing with the DfT and we would be happy to be involved with testing new technology to ensure drones are flown safely and responsibly.
"We also welcome extra police powers to deal with irresponsible and dangerous drone use, including the power to force drone users to land their aircraft and show their documentation.
"However, we would have liked to have seen plans for drone registration, due to come into force in November, accelerated."
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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