Thinking of getting a drone for Christmas? Make sure you operate them safely and legally, police ask. The number of drones is increasing with more and more people using them for commercial or leisure purposes, and police ask people to make sure they follow Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) rules.
Rules state drones cannot be used to drop articles or animals and the operator should be reasonably satisfied that the flight can be made safely, making sure they have unaided visual contact throughout the flight. They are not to be used over or within 150 metres of a congested area or, if a camera is fitted, over an open air assembly of more than 1,000 people. They should also be flown at a height of no more than 400 feet, unless they have permission from the appropriate air traffic control unit.
They are not to be operated within 50m of a vehicle, vessel or structure, or within 50m of any person. Unless it is taking off or landing, which is then reduced to 30m.
Supt Pat Casserly, of West Yorkshire Police‘s Protective Services department, said: “Technology such as drones offer great opportunities for work and leisure activities. However, with that freedom comes an equal amount of responsibility. The legislation is not there to spoil fun, but to protect the safety of other people, animals and property.
“It is really important that purchasers and users of drones learn what they can and cannot do with them, as ignorance of the law is no defence.”
For more on using drones safely and legally, visit the CAA website at www.caa.co.uk.
