UK introducing new drone rules to protect aircraft

New laws are being introduced in the UK which will restrict all drones from flying above 400 feet and within 1 kilometre of airport boundaries.

In a statement today (30 May), the Department for Transport  (DfT) said: “Following a year-on-year increase in the report of drone incidents with aircraft – with 93 in 2017 – these measures will reduce the possibility of damage to windows and engines of planes and helicopters. The changes will come into effect on 30 July 2018.”

The new laws will also require owners of drones weighing 250 grams or more to register with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and for drone pilots to take an online safety test. These requirements will come into force on 30 November 2019.

The Aviation Minister Baroness Sugg commented: “We are seeing fast growth in the numbers of drones being used, both commercially and for fun.

“Whilst we want this industry to innovate and grow, we need to protect planes, helicopters and their passengers from the increasing numbers of drones in our skies.

“These new laws will help ensure drones are used safely and responsibly.”