Australian commercial pilots raised objections to the government’s new drone laws, saying there is a much larger risk of a mid-air collision.
The government’s easing of restrictions now allows small drones to fly in public spaces without the need to seek permission from authorities.
They will still not be permitted to fly within 5.5 km of an airport or within 30 metres of buildings.
Qantas chief pilot Richard Tobiano says the relaxed rules will attract many more unskilled hobbyists which will make it much harder to control.
"Against this context, it would be opportune for the airline industry to confirm best-practice processes in managing the ramifications of an incident ahead of time," Tobiano said in a submission to a senate committee.
"As with lasers and model rockets, this regime should involve education of – and strategic and tactical coordination between state and federal law enforcement agencies, local government and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority."
"Critically, it must also include a comprehensive suite of offence provisions and penalties to ensure general and specific deterrence," he added.
Virgin Australia’s pilot John Lyons says uncontrolled use of drones could cause fatal consequences.
"Launching a drone close to an airport, particularly in proximity to an uncontrolled aerodrome, exposes aircraft (which are often jet powered) to the risk of collision which could result in substantial damage, loss of control and potentially, loss of life," he said.
"Collision with an UAV could be considerably more dangerous than striking a bird.""
