Gatwick Drone Crisis Deepens: Uk Police Ready To Take Flight Against Rogue Pilots

The UK’s Gatwick Airport has recorded 368 unauthorized drone sightings within its flight restriction zone last year, prompting concerns among airport officials and aviation groups. The surge in incidents is largely attributed to inadequate enforcement of existing regulations.

British law enforcement agencies will now gain new powers to tackle the issue as authorities mark the sixth anniversary of the infamous 2018 Gatwick Drone Incident that grounded flights for 30 hours. This incident highlighted the severe risks posed by drone encounters, with a recent near-miss at Sevenoaks, Kent, where a drone came within 5 feet of an Airbus A321 passenger aircraft at 10,000 feet underscoring these concerns.

The British Airline Pilots’ Association (Balpa) reports a sharp increase in drone sightings near airports nationwide. Stuart Clarke, a Balpa flight safety advisor, warns that each incident requires full security protocols, draining substantial airport resources. “A drone that is too close might hit the airplane,” he cautions. “When the engines are going at max power, they might be sucked into the engines – it’s a risk we can’t afford to take.”

Current UK drone regulations mandate operators maintain a 3.1-mile distance from airports without explicit authorization, register with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for drones weighing over 8.8 ounces, pass a CAA competency test for heavier drones, and keep their aircraft within visual line of sight. However, these measures have proven ineffective in preventing incidents.

The proposed fixed penalty notice system would provide authorities with more immediate tools to address infractions, addressing the surge in incidents affecting not only commercial aviation but also emergency services. Graham Brown, chair of ARPAS-UK (Association of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems), advocates for enhanced point-of-sale education to prevent violations. The Department for Transport maintains its commitment to enforcement, stating that drone operators who violate regulations face “tough penalties.”

The new system is expected to strike a balance between enforcing existing regulations and supporting the growing commercial and recreational drone sector. As authorities gear up for tougher enforcement, the industry must adapt to ensure essential aviation safety requirements are met.

International cooperation on drone safety becomes increasingly important, with the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) implementing strict guidelines for drone operators in Europe. The global drone industry continues to grow, requiring authorities to navigate the challenges of balancing safety and innovation. With Gatwick’s drone incidents serving as a wake-up call, UK police are set to gain new powers to tackle the issue.