Drone rules made law to reduce threat to aircraft

The government has announced measures to tackle the dangers drones can pose to people, aircraft and airports. From 30 July, drones will be banned by law from flying above 400ft and within 1km of an airport boundary, because of fears they could damage the windows or engines of planes and other aircraft during takeoff or landing. From 30 November, pilots of drones that weigh 250g or more will have to register with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and will be required to pass a safety test online. The restrictions were previously included in the CAA's drone code and will now become law as an amendment to the Air Navigation Order, as a stopgap before a drones bill is passed. The number of near-misses between drones and aircraft has risen year on year, from six in 2014 to 93 in 2017, and the government has previously said new laws were needed to ensure drones were used safely and responsibly.