Arresting news for drone owners!

We all saw the chaos at Gatwick before Christmas, when drones flown too close to the runways caused massive delays to thousands of people.

Predictably, the government are now cracking down: The law was already clear in the Air Navigation Order 2016, but new guidelines allow that those who break the rules could face unlimited fines, up to five years in prison, or both.

If fact, given the danger which drones now pose in the vicinity of airports, there is pressure for even longer prison sentences.

The new rules, in force from 13 March 2019, state that

· Drones should not be flown above 400 feet (120m);

· They should not be flown within 150 feet (50m) of people or their property;

· They must be at least 1km away from airports and aircraft.

Moreover, drones which weight more than 250g will now have to be registered with the Civil Aviation Authority, and may not be owned by those under 18 years of age.

So, enjoy your drone flying, above all be a safe flyer, and call me in case of legal difficulty!