In response to the news the Government is to consult on new measures to prevent the misuse of drones (DfT press release entitled: EXTRA POWERS TO PREVENT THE MISUSE OF DRONES) Brian Strutton, General Secretary of the British Airline Pilots’ Association said:

“That the Government is legislating on drones and consulting on further legislation is absolutely necessary.

“Drones need to be kept well away from other aircraft. BALPA has presented the case for policies which will ensure sensible separation between drones and aircraft, including helicopters, which we don’t yet have.

“A drone at 400ft, 1km away from an airport is still directly in the flight path and that is plainly not safe and yet is allowed under the new legislation.

“Therefore, BALPA will continue to argue for a drone exclusion zone around airports of 5km in the interests of safety.”