The dos and don’ts of drone flying laid out in campaign
A NEW campaign has been launched by the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) too raise awareness with drone users of the safe and responsible operation of drones.
Drone use is increasing at a rapid rate in Ireland and the new campaign aims to highlight to all drone users that they must abide by the law and operate their drones in a safe and responsible manner.
The Small Unmanned Aircraft (Drones) and Rockets Order (December 2015) currently governs the use of drones in Ireland. This order requires all drones weighing over 1kg to be registered with the IAA.
Drones weighing less than 1kg are limited to operating at a height restriction of 50 feet, unless registered.
It is neither safe nor legal to operate a drone near airports or within restricted areas surrounding airfields and aerodromes.
Ben Nugent of Newcastle Airfield acknowledges that drones flying too close can present a real threat to aircrafts.
‘Fortunately we have never had a random drone coming into our space. Once there was a drone reported near the railway line over the radio but it wasn’t really close enough to affect us.
‘Certainly drones could be dangerous. They are small and travel very fast so they are difficult to see. You have an aircraft flying at 100 mph and it collides with a drone going 40 mph then you are talking about a 140 mph flip.’
Since the introduction of the Small Unmanned Aircraft (Drones) and Rockets Order in December 2015, the IAA has registered over 8,000 drones and model aircraft.
It is also illegal to operate a drone near prisons such as Shelton Abbey in Arklow or in military-controlled airspace.
Other illegal moves include flights of 400ft (120m) above ground level or 50ft (15m) in certain airspace; flights farther than 300 metres from the controller or outside a controller’s direct line of sight; Within 30 metres of any person, vessel, vehicle or structure not under your direct control; over an assembly of more than 12 people (e.g. concerts, sporting events, group gatherings, parades) or in a negligent or reckless manner so as to endanger life or cause damage to the property of others.
Ralph James, IAA Director of Safety regulation said; ‘Ultimately, drone users must understand that they are legally responsible for the safe conduct of each drone flight, so the onus is on the drone user to inform themselves of the rules and regulations surrounding drone use before they take to the skies. Compliance with regulations will ensure that drone users operate their drones in a safer manner. We also strongly encourage people to take a drone user course.’