According to a survey by the British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA), most Brits believe there should be stricter qualifications for flying drones in urban areas, while half support prison sentences for people who fly drones that endanger aircraft.
BALPA’s ComRes survey recorded that around 40% of British adults think drone operators in urban areas should hold a licence, as well as qualifications similar to those for a piloted aircraft.
Around 20% of those sampled said people with a current commercial UK drone licence should be able to fly drones, while a third say no one should be allowed to fly drones in a metropolitan area.
BALPA general secretary Jim McAuslan said: "Drone technology is taking off and we want to make sure the country can benefit from the business and leisure opportunities that it could offer without putting flight safety at risk.
"Pilots and the public want the UK to be a ‘safe drone zone’ and these polling results show that the public backs stricter laws on training for drone pilots and punishment for endangering aircraft."
BALPA has recommended that commercial drone operators have an appropriate licence, training and insurance to cover potential damage. Operators are also required to restrict flights to below 400ft and no closer than 50m to people or property.
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By GlobalDataCommercial flights beyond the ‘line of sight’ of the operator should address security concerns, including the security of the datalink to the remotely piloted aircraft and ground station from where it is operated, BALPA said.
The pilots association also calls for installation of a reliable ‘sense and avoid’ system on the drones to avoid potential collisions.
"The UK can lead the way on safely introducing small drones and set the standard for the passenger aircraft of the future," McAuslan added.
"Pilots are also calling for the British public to be informed, involved and consulted before companies fly large, remotely piloted aircraft over their homes and alongside their passenger planes."
Earlier this year, a UK sub-committee recommended unmanned aircraft industry to come up with new technologies, and alerted regulators to take necessary measures to control the use of drones. It made certain recommendations in recognition of public concerns such as a kite mark manufacturing standard for drones.
Online retail major Amazon has reportedly discussed plans with the UK Government for trialling its Amazon Prime Air service in the country.
Image: BALPA recommends drone operators to licenced, trained and insured. Photo: courtesy of Victor Habbick / FreeDigitalPhotos.net.
