Fly your drones safely this Christmas, CAA chief pleads to avoid air ambulance collisions

Aviation chiefs have urged people to fly drones safely to protect low-flying air ambulances, which are expected to make around 1,000 lifesaving missions during the festive period. Jonathan Nicholson, the assistant director of communications, at the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), asked drone users to fly safely and remain alert for low-flying air ambulances. With thousands of drones expected to be given as presents this Christmas, Mr Nicholson said: 'With more than 400,000 registered drone owners across the UK, and more expected to be added during the festive period as people receive new drones for Christmas, we're asking all drone users to fly safely and to especially be on the lookout for low-flying helicopters. There have been close to 500 close calls between drones and aircraft in the past ten years, with up to 125 in a single year. Air ambulances often fly below the 400ft maximum height for drone flying.