Drone users in Britain to face safety tests

LONDON - The British drone users may face safety tests and flight restriction under the newly introduced legislation to the House of Commons on Wednesday.

The new legal document requires that the users have to pass online safety tests and respect the restriction area 1 km around airport.

The new legislation, which is set to come into effect between July 30 and November 30, comes after a rise in the number of drone near-misses with aircraft.

Aviation Minister Baroness Sugg was quoted by British media as saying that the measures were needed to "protect" aircraft and their passengers.

In addition to the safety tests, people who own drones weighing 250 grams or more will have to register with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Users who fail to adhere to the flight restrictions could face unlimited fines, up to five years in prison, or both.

Chris Woodroofe, chief operating officer at London Gatwick Airport, said he welcomed the clarity that the announcement provides, adding: "it leaves no doubt that anyone flying a drone must stay well away from aircraft, airports and airfields."

Woodroofe said: "Drones open up some exciting possibilities but must be used responsibly. These clear regulations, combined with new surveillance technology, will help the police apprehend and prosecute anyone endangering the travelling public."

In addition to the new measures, a draft Drones Bill will be published this summer giving police more tailored powers to intervene on the spot if drones are being used inappropriately.

Britain has seen a significant increase in the number of commercial permissions for drones issued by the CAA last year. The number of active commercial licenses increased from 2,500 to 3,800 in 2017, a year on year growth of 52 percent.

A recently released PwC report highlighted that the uptake of drones could be worth up to $55 billion to Britain's GDP by 2030.