Civil Aviation Authority launches new website with revised guidelines to fly drones

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) have launched a dedicated website, which contains a revised and updated version of Dronecode to help people fly drones safely and responsibly, in partnership with UK air traffic control body NATS.

Dronecode is a set of guidelines, which outline the procedures of drone flying within the law in the UK. The rules, posted on the new Dronesafe.uk website, are based on the suggestions from leading aviation players, drone retailers and manufacturers and the Department of Transport.

The new guidelines are based on a few key finding that state 61% people agree that drones would be useful for traffic monitoring and power line inspection and about 58% agree with the fact that drones would be useful for agriculture. And, 56% state drones could be used for emergency health services.

The CAA says drone owners and those who are planning to buy one during the Christmas shopping season must be familiar with following rules in the Dronecode;

• Don't fly near airports or airfields
• Remember to stay below 400ft (120m) and at least 150ft (50m) away from buildings and people
• Observe your drone at all times
• Never fly near aircraft
• Enjoy responsibly

Tim Johnson, Policy Director at the CAA in a statement on CAA website said: "Drones have significant potential and the new Dronecode, which forms the basis of establishing a responsible attitude toward drone flight amongst consumers, will help to protect the safety of the wider aviation industry.

"It will also help those expected to use drones to improve current operations, from farming to traffic, from healthcare to logistics. Ultimately, people must use their drones safely, and responsibly," Johnson said.

The CAA says the new Dronecode is for consumer drone use and for them who are using a drone commercially. Those who don't follow the rules could be prosecuted and even go to prison.

Andrew Sage, at the air traffic control provider NATS, said: "Drones are an incredible, inspiring technology but it's vital that people are using them safely. With the number of reported drone incidents on the rise, it's important that people understand their legal obligations and fly safe, having fun whilst ensuring other users of the UK's airspace aren't put at risk. We hope that dronesafe.uk will help to achieve this."