Drone laws strengthened in the UK

Drone operators will soon face additional restrictions on flying near airports. (HM Government)

THE UK Government will introduce laws to restrict drones from being flown above 400ft (122m) and within 0.6 miles (1km) of airfield boundaries.

The changes follow a yearon- year increase in reports of drone incidents in aviation, which amounted to 93 in 2017. The measures are expected to reduce the possibility of damage to the windows and engines of aircraft and helicopters. The changes will come into effect on July 30 as an amendment to the Air Navigation Order (ANO).

From November 30, 2019 new laws will also require owners of drones weighing 0.5lb (250g) or more to register with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and for drone pilots to take an online safety test. Operators will eventually be required to use apps to access the information needed to plan flights safely and legally.

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