Executive summary
Last year the Department for Transport (DfT) published its response to the consultation ‘Unlocking the UK’s high tech economy: consultation on the use of drones in the UK’ which set out proposals to develop the UK’s policy and regulatory framework for drones. As now, our approach was to address the challenges without restricting opportunity, to ensure the UK remained competitive in this developing market sector, whilst maintaining high standards.
In the UK, drones are used by a wide variety of industries and public sector services. The police, fire service and search and rescue use drones in emergency situations, providing vital support in critical situations. Farmers use them to inspect crop growth, and maximise their output. They are also used in a wide variety of harsh and difficult environments, and reduce the risks associated with this work. There are possibilities for business and the public sector to create new high tech jobs and boost the UK economy in ways which could not have been conceived a few years ago.
On 30th May 2018 the Government laid new legislation in the Houses of Parliament, amending the Air Navigation Order 2016, to introduce:
A height restriction of 400ft for all small drones;
A 1km restriction on all small drone flights around protected aerodromes;
A registration scheme for operators of small drones of a mass between 250g and 20kg inclusive; and
Competence requirements for remote pilots of small drones of a mass between 250g and 20kg inclusive.
Exemptions can be made for innovative, commercial use of drones above 400ft or within 1km of a protected aerodrome boundary if the CAA deems it appropriate and safe to do so.
These new measures, alongside an upcoming draft Drones Bill, are the first step in setting the UK on a path to be a global leader in the drones market, tackling misuse to build public confidence in drone technology and encourage positive, innovative drone use in the UK.
This consultation covers:
Next steps following the amendments made to the Air Navigation Order 2016 by the Air Navigation (Amendment) Order 2018 (the 2018 AThe possible content of a draft Drones Bill:
The proposed use of a flight information and notification system (FINS) or systems (FINSs) prior to and/or whilst flying certain types of drone or for certain types of users, and how this could or should be regulated;
Police powers relating to drones and fixed penalty notices;
Looking further forward:
How counter-drone technology could be used as a means of addressing the potential threat malicious misuse of drones can pose; and
The estimated growth in numbers of commercial drones in the UK over future years.
The views gathered in this consultation will influence the future steps Government takes. Aviation is a reserved matter (i.e. the subject matter has not been devolved to the devolved parliaments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland). As such, aviation legislation, including drone-specific legislation, is the responsibility of the UK Parliament. It is anticipated that any legislation resulting from this consultation will extend to the whole UK.
The Government will keep this under review and continue to engage with the devolved administrations as policy proposals develop and any proposed legislation is drafted.mendment Order):
The proposed age limit for small drone operators
Whether the airport restriction coming into force on 30th July 2018 is sufficient,
and if not, what kind of further extension should be considered;
The possible content of a draft Drones Bill:
The proposed use of a flight information and notification system (FINS) or systems (FINSs) prior to and/or whilst flying certain types of drone or for certain types of users, and how this could or should be regulated;
Police powers relating to drones and fixed penalty notices;
Looking further forward:
How counter-drone technology could be used as a means of addressing the potential threat malicious misuse of drones can pose; and
The estimated growth in numbers of commercial drones in the UK over future years.
The views gathered in this consultation will influence the future steps Government takes. Aviation is a reserved matter (i.e. the subject matter has not been devolved to the devolved parliaments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland). As such, aviation legislation, including drone-specific legislation, is the responsibility of the UK Parliament. It is anticipated that any legislation resulting from this consultation will extend to the whole UK.
The Government will keep this under review and continue to engage with the devolved administrations as policy proposals develop and any proposed legislation is drafted.
