In a bid to improve flight safety, the UK government has enacted new laws that restrict drones from flying above 400ft or within 1km (0.6 miles) of airport boundaries.
These changes have been met with approval by UK citizens, with new research published by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) finding that 77% felt that more drone regulation was needed (of 2,000 UK adults surveyed). This was even echoed by the drone community themselves, with 75% in agreement (of 350+ users surveyed).
With regards to the CAA’s existing Drone Code, which provides rules and guidelines for the drone community, the survey found that awareness of the code has jumped from just over half (54% in 2016) to nearly three-quarters (71% in 2018).
Jonathan Nicholson, assistant director, corporate communications, at the UK CAA, said, “As recreational drone use becomes increasingly widespread across the UK, it is heartening to see that awareness of the Drone Code has also continued to rise – a clear sign that most drone users take their responsibility seriously.
“Drones are here to stay, not only as a recreational pastime, but as a vital tool in many industries – from agriculture to blue-light services, so increasing public trust through safe drone flying is crucial.”
Further to the legislation changes this July, the UK government has also confirmed that there will be more to come, with operators of drones weighing 250g (0.55 lb) or more being required to register with the CAA and for drone pilots to take an online safety test.
These requirements will be enforced from November 30, 2019. More information on the registration scheme will follow in 2019.