Dronezone created following spate of near misses with aircrafts

Anyone operating a drone must be able to see it at all times the Dronecode states. Credit: PA

A spate of near misses between drones and aircrafts has led to the creation of a website giving advice on how to operate them safely.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) will publish the revised Dronecode - its code of conduct - in a bid to make it easier to understand.

Some 58 near-misses involving drones have featured in UK Airprox Board reports over the past 12 months.

In July an Airbus A320 passenger plane had a "very near-miss" with a drone near the Shard in central London.

The pilot estimated that the drone flew within 20m of his aircraft at an altitude of 4,900ft as he approached Heathrow Airport.

While in August police investigated a "reckless near-miss" between a drone and a plane flying from Stanstead Airport to Newquay Airport.

The CAA guidance for drone users can be found at dronesafe.uk and tells users to;

  • Not to fly near airports or airfields

  • Fly below 400ft (120m) and at least 150ft (50m) away from buildings and people

  • Ensure they can see their drone at all times

  • Never fly near aircraft

  • Fly responsibly

The Dronecode is backed by the Department for Transport as well as drone manufacturers and retailers, the CAA said.

Tim Johnson, policy director at the CAA, said: "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."

Oliver Meakin, chief executive of electronics retailer Maplin, described the build up to Christmas as a "key time for drone purchases" and said the company is working with the CAA and Nats, the UK's national air traffic service, to make sure that their customers are aware of the Dronecode and "the importance of using their drone safely".