Owners will need to show they understand safety and privacy laws as government acts after dozens of near-misses with aircraftDrones will have to be registered and users forced to take a safety awareness test under new regulations announced by the UK government. Dozens of near-misses with aircraft around airports have stoked fears over the safety of drone use. Pilots have been calling for a clampdown after a series of near-collisions between drones and passenger jets, particularly on approach or take-off from major airports, including Heathrow. The aviation minister, Lord Callanan, claimed the rules would strike a balance between reaping the benefits of drones and minimising misuse. Its rules state drones must not be flown above 120 metres (400ft), out of the user’s sight, over crowds or near aircraft and airports.

Source: The Guardian July 22, 2017 04:52 UTC