A code to improve the safety of drones has been developed by the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority after a number of near-misses with aircraft.
The initiative comes a year after a near-collision between a drone and an Airbus A320 as it came into land at London Heathrow.
The pilot of the passenger plane saw a small black object fly over the wing just 20ft away.
The incident was classed as Category A incident, which means the risk of collision was high. The operator of the drone was never traced.
The CAA said it was just one of a number of recent incidents involving drones and aircraft.
In some cases, drone users appeared to be flying the devices as high as 2,000ft above ground level, way above the height limit of 400ft, and in areas where large aircraft are present.
The code has been developed in conjunction with NATS and the pilots’ union BALPA.
"We want to embrace and enable the innovation that arises from the development of drone technology, but we must ensure that this is done safely, with all airspace users in mind," said Tim Johnson, CAA director of policy.
"It is imperative that people observe the rules when operating a drone.
"Drone users must understand that when taking to the skies they are entering one of the busiest areas of airspace in the world – a complex system that brings together all manner of aircraft including passenger aeroplanes, military jets, helicopters, gliders, light aircraft and now drones.
"When doing so, they must be aware of the rules and regulations for flying drones that are designed to keep all air users safe."
A dedicated online resource gives users access to advice on safe drone operation.
The CAA has also welcomed moves by drone manufacturers to build in ‘geo-fencing’ capabilities into their products.
This stops drones from being flown into pre-programmed areas, such as airport control zones, and can also set a limit on how high a device can fly.
More information on drone safety is available from www.caa.co.uk/droneaware.
