Festive safety fears as 1.5m new drones take to skies

SAFETY officials have raised concerns over a predicted surge in drones given as Christmas gifts, warning that many families may be clueless about laws governing their use.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said drones had become one of the most wanted gifts this year and 1.5million more could enter British airspace over the festive period.

The increase would bump up the estimated amount of drones in the UK to 3.5million, according to retailers’ latest figures. Of those planning to buy a drone at Christmas, more than a quarter (27 per cent) were unaware of the rules governing their use.

Drone users must fly them responsibly and follow a simple set of directions laid out in the CAA’S Dronecode. Anyone found guilty of endangering an aircraft with a drone could end up in prison.

Pilots can fly a drone without a licence unless it is being used for commercial purposes, but there are strict restrictions on height and location. They must stay below 400ft and always remain 150ft away from people or buildings.

“Retailers are claiming that drones are going to be hugely popular this year but households are not aware of the rules and could be putting themselves and other people at risk,” said Jonathan Nicholson, assistant director of communications at the CAA.

“Anyone can buy a drone in a high street shop and by the time the battery is charged, you could be flying it outside. They might be great fun but they come with great responsibility and if you are a parent or grandparent buying a drone this Christmas, buy one from a quality retailer that gives you the right advice and guidance.”

Drone pilots were also warned about inadvertently intruding on the privacy of others. “There are concerns about where and who you might be filming if the drone has a camera,” Mr Nicholson said.

Several aircraft pilots have reported near-misses with drones around British airports. One “put 130 lives at risk” after it flew close to an aeroplane approaching Gatwick airport.

The incident, which happened in July this year, did not result in injury or damage.

“As one of the most popular purchases this Christmas, it is vital that we continue to provide the best possible advice and guidance for our customers, to ensure they can enjoy flying their new purchases safely,” said Andrew Uden, a technical director at Maplin, the electronic goods retailer.