Page 21 - Eagleye Spring 2020

Drone Wars: public menace or a
new golden age for aviation?
By FS Simon Hopkins and Dempster Hamilton
There can be few emerging technologies that have been so popularly vilified. Headlines such as “The Drone Menace” and “Are these the morons that ruined Christmas?” undoubtedly sell newspapers, but as the exonerated “morons” will testify, the ramifications of such headlines can be devastating and devalues the contribution that drones are making across the world. It is now difficult to fly a drone in the UK without immediately being placed under suspicion by the public which is deterring many responsible drone pilots from following their interest.
For every responsible group there is, of course, the idiot. And today’s advances in technology provides such idiots with easy access to the sky where he/she is able to endanger the lives of others. Governments across the world are struggling in such a rapidly evolving field to find a balance between allowing lawful citizens the freedom to follow their interests whilst trying to
avoid others using emerging technology for nefarious purposes. All RAF stations now have anti-drone procedures and anyone that has recently completed IRT MOD 1 might have noticed that an Unmanned Air System brief has been added.
On 30 November 2019, the UK’s own attempt at regulating the risk posed by irresponsible drone owners, the Drone Registration and Education System (DRES), becomes law and sets conditions for anyone wishing to fly a drone weighing over 250g.
If you are not a member of one of the established model aircraft professionally recognised bodies in the UK and wish to fly a drone weighing more than 250g, you will need to pass an exam and register as an Operator at https://register-drones.caa.co.uk or risk a £1000 spot fine.
The RAF Model Aircraft Association (RAFMAA), as part of the British Model Flying Association, is one such recognised professional body. The RAFMAA serves to
assure station commanders and AOC 22 Gp that model aircraft flying can be undertaken safely. Regardless of whether you wish to join or not, RAFMAA’s members will gladly answer any questions you may have about whether or not you’re operating legally and provide both you and your station with advice and guidance on how to fly all forms of Unmanned Air Systems within the Defence Aeronautical Environment. For further information, please visit RAFMAA’s website at www.rafmaa. co.uk or drop a line to secretary@rafmaa. co.uk. Incidentally, if you’re a serviceman or servicewoman then the yearly cost of DRES and membership of the British Model Flying Association (which provides £25M 3rd party liability insurance) is free to you.
Under UK law the person in charge of a small unmanned aircraft may only fly the aircraft if reasonably satisfied that the flight can safely be made. Be sure, be safe and if in any doubt, don’t fly until you’ve sought advice.
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