British aviation officials issue new code on drone use

A research study into the use of drones by the general public was published Thursday by Britain's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

It has led to the publication of a new drone code aimed at averting remote-controlled flying machines putting potential aircraft in danger.

The launch of the new Dronecode follows the first industry-wide report into user behaviour, attitudes and responsible use of drones.

Last week it was reported that a number of passenger jets had come with meters of contact with drones, including one close encounter as the airplane was flying over central London.

Tim Johnson, the CAA's policy director, said, "Consumer research on this scale into drone use has never been done before and there was a real need from the aviation and drone industries to find out more about this growing sector."

"Drones have significant potential and the new Dronecode, which forms the basis of establishing a responsible attitude toward drone flight amongst consumers, will help to protect the safety of the wider aviation industry."

Key findings in the study show the public back the use of drones for 'worthy' causes. This includes traffic monitoring and power line inspection, agriculture, emergency health services and for the transportation of donor organ transport.

More than 60 percent of the estimated 2 million drone users in Britain told researchers that "fun" is the main reason for having a drone. More than 90 percent of those surveyed said a drone code was important.

As well as general advice, it warns users not to fly drones near airports, airfields or aircraft, and always stay below 120 meters and at least 50 meters away from people and buildings.

Drone users in Britain, who break the rules face a fine and a prison sentence, officials warned. But in the recent near-mission incidents the drone fliers were not caught. Enditem