European aviation stakeholders such as pilots, airlines, helicopter operators and air traffic controllers have jointly called for a stricter regulation for drone users across the EU, citing safety issues.

The industry representatives have also urged to take several measures such as mandatory drone registration, pilot training and licensing for operator/drone, built-in performance limitations and strict supervision by the national aviation authority.

"Europe needs to act with a strong legal framework and effective enforcement.”

European Cockpit Association president Dirk Polloczek said: “Drones are such an appealing technology that many of the drone users are tempted to use them to the limits, or even beyond.

“That means to the technical, legal and safety limits. We’ve seen, for example, an increase in hacks and modifications in order to extend the drone’s flight distance. We’ve also seen drones flying around airports and runways, which are strict 'no-drone zones', and this despite warnings that this is prohibited and dangerous.

“And we’ve seen a worrying increase in near-misses between manned and unmanned aircraft. Some drone operators are moving on a thin ice, and this could harm our entire industry and its safety record. So, Europe needs to act with a strong legal framework and effective enforcement.”

The joint statement said that the European regulator is currently working on the rules to be followed by drone users.

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However, the operators are already conducting drone operations, increasing the risk of near misses between aircraft and drones.

European Cockpit Association board director Johan Glantz said: “Some drone users don’t care about the legal and safety aspects of operating drones, while others are simply unaware of what might happen if they fly, for example, too high, or too close to an aircraft."

The association currently represents more than 38,000 pilots from across Europe.