UK drone laws made stricter following Gatwick and Heathrow chaos.
Starting this Wednesday, March 13th, it will be illegal to fly a drone within Three miles (5km) of an airport in the UK, up from the 0.6-mile limit that’s currently in effect. The rule changes, which were first announced last month, more than quadruple the radius of each airport’s drone restricted airspace.
The new laws are in response to drone activity that effectively shut down the UK’s second largest airport Gatwick for over a day in the run-up to Christmas last year. However, despite the incident affecting over 1,000 flights and as many as 140,000 passengers, police still don’t know who was responsible.
We are lucky in Leicester to have a specialist like Leicester Drones that will give you Free advice and will demonstrate the best Drones available in today marker place.
Christian Smith also runs a drone club in Leicester. so if your interested In buying a drone and would like to try a fly and meet other drone users contact Chris for more details.
Chris with his extensive knowledge has always promoted Safe use and best practices for the Industry in Leicester. he has on a number of occasions defended the use of drones.
In UK Drones rapidly expanding to commercial, scientific, recreational, agricultural, and other applications, such as policing including searching and surveillance, product deliveries, aerial photography, news reporting ,agriculture, and drone racing.
Recreational and private use of a drone you don’t legally require to have insurance to fly one, but if you are negligent or cause damage you could be personally liable.
Most commercial drone operators must have public liability £1-3 million cover.
It was also announced that from November 30, 2019, it will be a legal requirement for all owners of drones weighing 250 grams or more to register their drone with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and complete an online safety test.
Drone pilots who fail to register or sit the tests will face fines of up to £1,000.
Increasing police powers
New legislation will give police officers the additional power to land drones and require users to produce the proper documentation. The police will have the power to search premises and seize drones — including electronic data stored within the device — where a serious offence has been committed and a warrant is secured.
The police will also be able to issue fixed-penalty notices for minor drone offences to ensure immediate and effective enforcement of vital rules. Fines of up to £100 could be given for offences such as failing to comply with a police officer when instructed to land a drone, or not showing your registration to operate a drone.
The Government is finalising a Draft Drones Bill which will give the police these powers and intends to bring this Bill forward sometime in 2019
THE DRONECODE
When you fly a drone in the UK it is your responsibility to be aware of the rules that are in place to keep everyone safe. Follow these simple steps to make sure you are flying safely and legally.
Don’t fly near airports or airfields
Remember to stay below 400ft (120m)
Observe your drone at all times
Stay 150ft (50m) away from people and property
Never fly near aircraft
Enjoy responsibly
Leicester Drones have posted the following information.
Leicester Drones advise all drone users to follow the new no-fly zones, and the drone code.
Chris have released the following statement
“From tomorrow the drone code has some changes, mainly the No Fly Zones around airports have been increased in size and well as an additional 5km area from the end of the runway. It's quite simple really - just check where you are flying and keep away from airports”
The only airport in Leicester is Gartree Road, Leicester LE2 2FG
To find out more about the Drone Club
www.leicesterdrones.com
Join the Leicester Drones Facebook Page
https://www.facebook.com/leicesterdrones/
By Craig Thorpe for Leicester Media
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