The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Mid-air drone drama at airport sparks calls for tougher penalties
Hunt on for device operator after plane has near-miss as it comes in to land
Police are hunting a drone pilot who nearly took down a light aircraft over Perth Airport.
The drone flew into restricted airspace and came dangerously close to a small plane coming in to land.
The two people on board were at risk of “serious injury” said investigators.
The operator’s actions were described as “irresponsible in the extreme”.
The mid-air drama has sparked fresh calls for tougher punishments for reckless drone-flying near airfields.
Police Scotland said the plane was flying above the Murrayshall area, just after 2.30pm last Tuesday, when the “near-miss” happened. The device is described as about one to two feet in width and red or orange in colour.
Perth-based PC Scott Thomson said the aircraft touched down safely at the Scone airport – home to Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance – shortly afterwards and added: “Thankfully the aircraft was able to avoid a collision on this occasion, otherwise both people on board would have been in danger of serious injury.
“We support the safe and legal use of small unmanned aircraft. However, drone pilots are reminded they must operate within the law and guidelines set out by the Civil Aviation Authority and National Air Traffic Services.”
He said: “It is the responsibility of each pilot to make themselves aware of the appropriate legislation and be aware of the importance of responsible flying, particularly around airports, restricted airspace and congested areas.”
Perth Airport operator Graeme Frater, managing director of ACS Aviation, praised the response of the aircraft’s pilot for “undoubtedly averting a potentially very serious incident”.
He said: “We support the views of the UK Government, the Civil Aviation Authority and police that penalties should be increased for flagrant misuse of drones near airports, where they represent a very major hazard.
“We encourage anyone with information to contact the police.”
Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Alexander Stewart said: “This clearly terrified the occupants and I am delighted no harm came to them or their aircraft.”
Witnesses should call police on 101, quoting case number 1878 of June 30.
“This clearly terrified the occupants and I am delighted no harm came to them or their aircraft