AERIAL FILMMAKER
NEWS
Drone Laws in the UK get tougher as the government clamps down on rogue pilots, while Parrot ups the ante with arch rival DJI following the announcement of its revolutionary ‘new generation’ drone WORDS TERRY HOPE
UK laws toughenup
New laws announced in the UK will restrict all drones from flying above 400ft/122m and within 1km/0.6 miles of airport boundaries. The move is a response to a year-on-year increase in the report of drone incidents with aircraft – rising from 71 to 93 in 2017 – and it’s intended that the newmeasures will reduce the possibility of damage to windows and engines of planes and helicopters. From 30 November, the new laws will also require owners of drones weighing 250g or more – so pretty much anything that might have professional aspirations – to register with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and for drone pilots to take an online safety test. The changes are part of the future of mobility Grand Challenge, which was laid out in the British government’s modern Industrial Strategy, and the idea is that ensuring drones are being used
safely will pave the way for the devices to play an increasingly important role in society. In addition to these
measures, a draft Drones Bill will be published this summer, which will give police more tailored powers to intervene on the spot if drones are being used inappropriately. Drone operators will also eventually be required to use apps, so they can access the information needed to make sure any planned flight can be made safely and legally. One of those welcoming the changes is DJI, which called the changes ‘a measured approach’. “The updates strike a sensible balance between protecting public safety and bringing the benefits of drone technology to British businesses
and the public at large,” said DJI’s Christian Struwe. “The majority of drone pilots fly safely and responsibly, and governments, aviation authorities and drone manufacturers agree we need to work together to ensure all drone pilots know basic safety rules. We are therefore particularly pleased about the Department for Transport’s commitment to accessible online testing as a way of helping drone users to comply with the law.” DJI has long supported schemes for pilots to easily register with the authorities, as well as educational initiatives to ensure those flying drones know how to do so safely. The company’s belief is that registration schemes, knowledge tests to educate drone pilots and restrictions on where drones can fly are the best tools to ensure more draconian rules aren’t brought in and will ensure that drones continue to maintain their so-far admirable safety record. “Drone operators will eventually be required to use apps, so they can access the information needed to fly safely”
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