Drone Bill may ban children from owning larger aircraft

Children could be banned from owning drones weighing more than 250g (0.55lb) under a new proposal from the Department for Transport.

They would only be allowed to fly devices heavier than that if they were owned and registered by an adult.

It is the latest in a series of proposals designed to crack down on snooping fears and near-collisions with manned aircraft.

If approved, it could form part of a draft Drone Bill.

A consultation on the proposals is now underway, with the Bill due to be published later this year.

An associated report suggests the age limit should be set at 18 years, since many insurance policies are not accessible to those younger.

That would still be three years below the minimum age applicants must be to be granted an aeroplane or helicopter airline pilots licence.

The consultation does, however, suggest that under-18s could operate a drone's flight controls if they are being supervised by an older individual.

Crash threat

The UK government has already passed legislation that bans drones from flying at heights above 400ft (122m) and within 1km (0.6 miles) of airport boundaries. Pilots flouting the rules face unlimited fines or up to five years in prison as of 30 July.

The number of aircraft incidents involving drones has risen sharply in the past few years, with a 25% increase reported in 2017. Research funded by the DfT indicated that a drone weighing 400g could smash a helicopter windscreen.

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Other measures that are still up for debate include online safety tests and mandatory registration of devices weighing over 250g with the Civil Aviation Authority. The DfT is also exploring technologies that can protect public events, national infrastructure and prisons from unwanted drone disturbances.

In addition, there are proposals to give police the power to confiscate drones and issue on-the-spot fines to irresponsible pilots.

Aviation Minister Baroness Sugg said that "there are challenges we must overcome" to prevent the nuisances posed by drones from outweighing their potential benefits.

"That's why we've already introduced safety measures like a height limit, and rules around airports, and today we are consulting on how we go further, including extra police powers and a minimum age requirement," she added.

However, the Association of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems has expressed reservations.

"We've got to promote the safe and responsible use of drones, but children are the future of the drone world, so it's also important they can have access to drones and use them," said Gavin Wishart.

"What the government should also be looking at is promoting the safe use of drones by bringing in areas where people can fly them safely, as it can be difficult to find areas in the UK because of things like air space restrictions and the number of people around.

"The drone industry is expected to be a large part of the economy going forward so you don't want to stop kids from exploring that."

The world's bestselling drone manufacturer was more positive in its response.

"DJI supports measures to deal properly with the small number of people who intentionally misuse this technology," said Christian Struwe, its European public policy chief.

Chinese manufacturer DJI said it believed the new law would "nurture the drone industry"

"Governments, aviation authorities and drone manufacturers are working together to help ensure drone pilots understand rules and regulations, and this cooperative spirit is making the UK safe for drone operations."

The director of a drone training school network also welcomed the consultation.

"Drones may look nice but they can go out of control," said The Aerial Academy's Jonathan Carter.

"It's good to see more clarification and they're sensible changes."