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The UK's 'Dronecode' Is the Simplest Guide Yet for Drone Pilots

Drones for dummies.
Image: istanbul_image_video/Shutterstock

Increasing numbers of hobbyists are flying drones in British skies. And increasing numbers are risking collisions with commercial aircrafts.

To tackle the issues, the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has today released a drone awareness initiative dubbed the "dronecode" together with air traffic control company NATS, and the pilot's union BALPA. The code lays down the basic guidelines for flying drones safely in UK airspace, and aims to help users stay out of trouble.

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"It is imperative that people observe the rules when operating a drone. Drone users must understand that when taking to the skies they are entering one of the busiest areas of airspace in the world—a complex system that brings together all manner of aircraft including passenger aeroplanes, military jets, helicopters, gliders, light aircraft and now drones," said Tim Johnson, CAA Director of Policy, in a press statement.

The tips are straightforward, with the "dronecode" urging users to keep drones away from airports, aircrafts and airfields; to keep them in sight and at a maximum height of 400ft; and to use their common sense—otherwise face prosecution, hefty fines, or jail time.

The CAA's current initiative builds on UK regulations that include a ban on flying UAVs over or within 150 metres of a congested area, or within 50 metres (164ft) of buildings or people without authorisation.

The "dronecode" was implemented following a number of recent incidents that have involved near-misses between drones and aircrafts. In March, an Airbus A320 pilot caught sight of a hobby drone while at an altitude of 1,800ft and around five miles from the Heathrow runway. Since July 2014 to March 2015, the UK AIRPROX board, an organization promoting air safety, has counted six other similar incidents, with one rated as posing a "serious risk of collision."

"Drones can be fantastic tools and we're sure to see more and more flying in UK skies in the coming years. But with the growth comes the need to remind people of their obligations as airspace users and that safety always has to be the top priority," said Phil Binks, a drone expert at NATS, in a statement.

The CAA has also supported moves by drone manufacturers to include "geo-fencing" capabilities into their machines. This sets a limit of how high a drone can fly, and programs drones so that they can't enter specific geographical zones and airspaces.

The dronecode doesn't implement any new laws, but reminds pilots of the basics—like don't fly your drone into a plane.