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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 several days of unidentified flying objects, causing numerous inbound flights to be delayed or forced to hover in the air while waiting for clearance. These incidents highlight the growing risks associated with drone usage.
Drone-related security issues are not confined to China. In July, a drone narrowly avoided colliding with a large jetliner at London’s Gateway Airport, endangering the lives of 130 passengers. Incidents of unauthorized drone flights—often referred to as “black fly†events—have been reported globally, making it clear that managing drone activity is a challenge faced by countries around the world.
Back in October 2015, Nigel Wilson from Nottingham was arrested 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 had to pay an additional £600 (about $5,709) in fees. Moreover, he was banned from purchasing, owning, or operating drones for two years and was prohibited from assisting others in drone use.
The British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA) reported 81 drone-related flight incidents this year, compared to 71 in 2016 and 29 in 2015. With such statistics, it's clear that drone regulation is becoming increasingly important. So, is it legal to fly a drone in the UK?
According to Xiao Bian, it's necessary to apply for permission, as there are valid reasons to protect privacy and ensure public safety. The UK has received 22 drone-related complaints between January and April this year, which is three times more than in 2015. These complaints mainly involve privacy violations and interference with commercial flights. Surprisingly, drones have also been used to smuggle prohibited items like drugs and mobile phones into prisons.
To manage this, the UK now requires drone registration. A new policy mandates that all drones weighing over 250 grams must be registered. This includes models like DJI’s Mavic and Spark, which exceed this weight limit. Additionally, drone users must pass a safety test to understand UK regulations on safety, privacy, and confidentiality.
New regulations also include “geo-fencing,†which creates no-fly zones around sensitive areas like airports and prisons. These measures aim to prevent accidents and protect critical infrastructure.
What are the UK’s rules for small drones? Here are some key points:
1. Drones must be flown 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. Do not fly above 120 meters.
3. Stay away from restricted areas, including airports, military zones, and other sensitive locations.
4. Do not use drones to drop items in crowds or densely populated areas, as this can cause harm or damage. Violators may face fines of up to £2,500.
If your drone has a camera, additional rules apply:
5. Avoid flying below 150 meters (approximately 492 feet) near outdoor gatherings, such as concerts or sports events.
6. Keep a distance of at least 150 meters from densely populated areas.
7. Maintain a minimum distance of 50 meters from people.
8. Avoid flying within 50 meters of vehicles.
The operator is legally responsible for each flight. Commercial operators must complete training and register their drones with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Using a drone to endanger aircraft could result in a five-year prison sentence.
Recently, the UK government announced plans to introduce a new drone regulation bill in spring 2018. According to BALPA Chairman Brian Strutton, these proposals are a step toward safer integration of drones, but the threat of collisions still exists before the new rules take effect.
The proposed law would require drone users to pass a safety awareness test and prohibit the use of drones over 250 grams near airports, limiting flight height to under 400 feet. Law enforcement officers would also have the authority to seize drones involved in criminal activities.
Some industry experts, like Christian Struwe of DJI, have expressed concerns about certain provisions, arguing that some restrictions—such as height limits—may be difficult to enforce effectively.
For now, the UK’s drone legislation is expected to undergo further refinement before being officially implemented.
As early as late 2015, the FAA in the U.S. launched a real-name registration system for small drones (between 250g and 25kg). Drone owners were required to provide personal details and pay a $5 fee, valid for three years. Over 800,000 registrations were completed under this system.
Similarly, the Civil Aviation Administration of China introduced a real-name registration system for drones on June 1. However, since it is not yet integrated with the public security system, users can easily submit false information. As of now, over 45,000 drones have been registered in China.
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