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Drones banned within 5km of airports and
runways
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Extension to ‘no-fly zone’ to come into force
today
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Aviation Minister meeting with drone
manufacturers
New legislation to extend the ‘no-fly’ zone around airports comes
into force today (March 13). It is now illegal to fly a drone
within 5km of an airport, with major penalties for those who
break the law.
The government has acted to bring the law change in ahead of a
new Drones Bill which will give police significantly increased
powers to deal with those using drones illegally. Penalties for
breaking the law on misusing drones range from fines to life
imprisonment if the device is intentionally used to cause
violence.
Drone users can only fly within the restriction zones if they
have the correct permission from air traffic control or the
airport.
On March 20, the Aviation Minister will meet with global leading
drone manufacturers to discuss how to tackle criminal drone use.
They are expected to discuss a range of topics including
counter-drone technology and software – such as ‘geofencing’ –
that could be built into drones at the point of manufacture.
Transport Secretary said:
“The UK has been consistently at the forefront of legislation to
tackle drone misuse.
“All drone users should be aware that flying a drone within 5km
of an airport or over 400ft is a serious criminal act, one which
could put lives at risk and risks penalties ranging from
significant fines to a life sentence.
“I urge people to report any suspicious drone activity
to local police or Crimestoppers UK on 0800 555 111.”
Aviation Minister , said:
“Flying drones illegally puts others at risk both in the air and
on the ground, so it’s vital they are used safely.
“The majority of people using drones want to do so responsibly,
so we have expanded a national campaign to ensure they know the
rules – and the penalties.”
The new Drones Bill, which is currently being drafted, will give
new powers to the police to clamp down on those misusing drones
and other small unmanned aircraft - including the power to access
electronic data stored on a drone with a warrant. It will also
include stop and search powers for drone users near aerodromes.
The Home Office is also reviewing the UK’s approach to countering
the malicious use of drones, and will consider how best to
protect the full range of the UK’s critical national
infrastructure – including testing and evaluating technology to
counter drones.
~ Ends ~
NOTES TO EDITORS
- It is now against the law to fly a drone above 400ft or
within 5km of an airport. If you recklessly or negligently
endanger an aircraft with a drone it is a criminal offence and
you could go to prison for up to five years.
- And the intentional use of a device to commit an act of
violence at an airport which could cause death, serious personal
injury or endanger safe operations could result in life in
prison, under the Aviation and Maritime Security Act.
- The new exclusion zones have been increased to the current
Air Traffic Zone (ATZ) around airports (approximately a 5km
radius circle), with additional extensions from runway ends. A
interactive map can be found at dronesafe.uk/restrictions.
- It is against the law to fly a drone near an airport or
airfield. Report suspicious drone activity to your local police
or call Crimestoppers UK on 0800 555 111.
- From 30 November 2019, operators of drones between 250g and
20kg will be required to register and drone pilots take an online
competency test. This will improve accountability of drone use
and ensure the UK’s skies are safer from irresponsible flyers.
- Drones with an operating mass of more than 20 kg are subject
to the whole of the UK Aviation regulations (as listed within the
UK Air Navigation Order - ANO).
- The CAA's ‘dronecode’ provides advice on how to fly your
drone safely and follow the rules at all times. More information
on the rules for drone users can be found at www.dronesafe.uk
