British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA) in the UK has predicted that more near-misses or collisions between drones and aircraft may occur this year.
The prediction was based of last year’s figures, which show an increase in such incidents by more than double as against 2015.
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Last year, a total of 69 near-misses between drones and aircraft were reported, whereas 29 such occurrences were reported in 2015.
No close collisions involving drones and aircraft were reported in 2013.
BALPA flight safety specialist Steve Landells said: “Drones can be great fun and we’re not surprised at their popularity over Christmas as people received them as presents.
“However, after a significant increase in near-misses last year, it seems not everyone who is flying them either know or care about the rules that are in place for good reason.
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By GlobalData“That’s why we’re urging anyone who has a drone to take a look at the Civil Aviation Authority’s ‘drone code’ and be proactive in educating themselves on the rules.”
The association has also urged to formulate measures that could enable police to identify and locate anyone who carelessly flies drones.
In addition, more technological solutions should be put in place due to an increasing number of drones being sold across the UK.
BALPA has also called for creating stricter regulations, which include geofencing and a system whereby the drone transmits enough data for the police to locate the operator when it is flown in a way that could endanger an aircraft.
