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In the wake of the rapid proliferation of drones, security concerns have become a pressing issue that both the industry and governments must address collectively. In April this year, Chengdu Shuangliu Airport experienced multiple incidents involving unidentified flying objects over several days, causing numerous inbound flights to be delayed or forced to hover in the air while waiting for clearance.
These drone-related security issues are not limited to China. In July, a drone came dangerously close to a large commercial jet at London's Gateway Airport, putting the safety of 130 passengers at risk. Incidents of "black fly" — unauthorized drone flights — have occurred periodically in the past, highlighting the growing challenge of managing drone usage across the globe.
In October 2015, Nigel Wilson from Nottingham was arrested by Manchester police after using a drone to film during a match at Etihad Stadium. He was fined £1,800 (approximately ¥17,127) under the Air Navigation Order 2009 and also had to pay an additional £600 (about $5,709) in legal fees. Additionally, he was banned from purchasing, owning, or operating drones for two years and was prohibited from assisting others in drone operations.
The British Civil Aviation Pilots Association (BALPA) reported 81 drone-related flight incidents this year, compared to 71 in 2016 and 29 in 2015. So, is it truly free to fly a drone in the UK?
According to Xiao Bian, a local expert, obtaining permission is essential, as there are valid reasons to protect others' privacy and ensure public safety. The UK has received 22 complaints related to drones between January and April this year, which is three times the number reported in 2015.
These complaints mainly involve privacy violations and disturbances to commercial flights. Surprisingly, drones have even been used to smuggle illegal items like drugs and mobile phones into prisons. As a result, the UK has introduced mandatory registration for drones.
Recently, the British government announced new regulations requiring all drone owners with devices weighing more than 250 grams to register their drones. This includes popular models such as DJI’s Mavic and Spark, which exceed the weight limit. Drone users are also required to pass an exam to ensure they understand UK safety, confidentiality, and privacy laws.
Additionally, the new rules include “geo-fencing†technology, which creates no-fly zones around sensitive areas like airports and prisons. These measures aim to prevent unauthorized drone access to restricted locations.
What are the specific regulations for small drones in the UK?
1. Operators must keep the drone within visual line of sight, with a maximum altitude of 400 feet (120 meters) and a horizontal distance of no more than 500 meters.
2. Drones must not be flown above 120 meters.
3. They must stay clear of restricted areas such as airports, military zones, and other no-fly zones.
4. Dropping items from drones in crowded areas is strictly prohibited, as it can cause harm or damage. Violators may face fines of up to £2,500.
If the drone is equipped with a camera, additional rules apply:
5. Do not fly below 150 meters (i.e., above 150 meters) near outdoor gatherings such as concerts or sports events.
6. Avoid flying within 150 meters of densely populated areas.
7. Stay at least 50 meters away from people.
8. Keep a distance of 50 meters from vehicles.
The legal responsibility for each flight rests solely with the drone operator. Business drone operators must complete training courses and register their drones with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Using a drone to endanger aircraft can result in up to five years in prison. Recently, the BBC reported that the UK government plans to introduce a drone regulation bill in spring 2018.
Brian Strutton, chairman of BALPA, stated that these recommendations represent a step toward safer drone integration, but the threat of drone collisions still exists before the new rules take effect. The proposed law requires drone users to take a safety awareness test before use. It also bans the use of drones weighing more than 250 grams near airports and limits their flight height to less than 400 feet.
Law enforcement officers will have the authority to seize drones involved in criminal activities, a measure supported by pilot unions. However, some experts, like ChrisTIan Struwe from DJI, argue that certain provisions, such as height restrictions, may be difficult to enforce.
For now, the UK’s drone bill may need further refinement before its official launch. Meanwhile, the FAA in the U.S. launched a real-name registration system for small drones (between 250g and 25kg) at the end of 2015. Owners must provide their name, address, and email, with a $5 registration fee valid for three years. Over 800,000 users have registered so far.
Similarly, China’s Civil Aviation Administration officially launched a real-name registration system for drones on June 1. However, since it is not yet integrated with the public security system, users can submit false information and avoid consequences. Currently, over 45,000 drones have been registered on the platform.
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