The UK’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has secured a conviction against a drone operator for operating a drone in direct contravention to sections 166 and 167 of the Air Navigation Order 2009 which prohibit the flying of drones near or around buildings at a distance closer than 50 meters. The conviction will be well received by operators of airports, airlines and pilots alike after several reported incidents of ‘near misses’ between drones and commercial aircraft this last year.
The first incident in question took place at Anfield Stadium, Liverpool, in September 2014, but the pilot, Nigel Wilson, was not arrested until after he posted a video of the flight on YouTube in October. Subsequent to his arrest it was discovered by the CAA that he had also been responsible for close-quarter videoing of major British landmarks, including Buckingham Palace, the Shard and the Houses of Parliament.
“Flying drones over congested areas or buildings can pose great risks to public safety and security and Wilson put many people in real danger. Today’s outcome should serve as a warning to anyone thinking of doing similar that they could end up in court if they ignore these regulations,” said Chief Inspector Nick Aldworth, who is the Metropolitan Police’s lead officer on the misuse of drones.
Under article 166 and 167 of the Air Navigation Order, anyone flying a drone, must:
• Keep the drone within ‘line of sight’ at all times, that is no more than 400ft vertically and 500m horizontally.
• Take responsibility for avoiding collisions with other people or objects – including aircraft.
• Not fly the drone over a congested area (streets, towns and cities).
• Not fly the drone within 50m of a person, vehicle, building or structure, or overhead large assemblies of people, such a spectators at sporting events or concerts.
• Obtain permission from the Civil Aviation Authority to use a drone for any kind of paid work or commercial activity.
