Gatwick Airport Issues Drone Safety Advisory Before Christmas Period

The chief executive of Gatwick Airport is urging individuals who receive drones for Christmas to review the regulations before operating them. This appeal marks the sixth anniversary of an incident where the airport’s operations were halted due to a drone sighting over the runway. This year, 368 unauthorized drone sightings have been recorded within the flight restriction zone (FRZ) in West Sussex between January 1 and December 13, 2024. The National Police Chiefs’ Council has informed the BBC that plans are in progress to empower police officers to issue fixed penalty notices to anyone misusing a drone. Mark Johnston, the airport’s chief operating officer, stated that investigating reported drone sightings causes operational disruption and represents a “drain on resources.” He noted that there is “usually no malice” behind these occurrences. “The impact is huge and safety is our number one priority. We can’t take any chances,” he affirmed. The airport is advising drone pilots: “When you fly a drone, it’s your responsibility to be aware of the rules that are in place. “This will allow you to ensure that everyone stays safe. “It’s a criminal act to break what is classed as a no-fly zone, as lives can be put at risk and you could be prosecuted.” The British Airline Pilots’ Association (Balpa) has expressed its desire for all drone owners to register their devices with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and to familiarize themselves with the CAA’s drone code. Stuart Clarke, a flight safety advisor for Balpa, mentioned that pilots are increasingly reporting the presence of drones near airports across the country. He commented: “Drones and aircraft don’t mix at all. “A drone that is too close might hit the airplane, and when the engines are going at max power, they might be sucked into the engines, and that really can’t afford to happen.” “Drone operators are aviators, please go and read the rules, educate yourself and we can all fly safely alongside each other,” he urged. A spokesperson for the CAA stated: “Anyone operating a drone must do so responsibly and follow our drone code, which is designed to keep all airspace users safe.” They also mentioned that individuals who violate these regulations could incur unlimited fines and a prison sentence. (Source: Civil Aviation Authority) In 2018, Gatwick Airport experienced a shutdown lasting nearly 30 hours, with all take-offs and landings halted following a suspected drone sighting. This incident led to the disruption of approximately 1,000 flights, creating significant disorder for 140,000 affected travellers. Sussex Police confirmed the conclusion of their “extensive investigation,” with no prosecutions made. In January of the current year, a pilot reported a suspected drone coming within 1.5m (5ft) of a passenger Airbus A321, which was flying at an altitude of nearly 3,000m (10,000ft) over Sevenoaks in Kent. Earlier in the year, an individual was penalized with a fine for operating his drone at an excessive altitude, which necessitated the Royal Air Force to reroute flights close to Boston, Lincolnshire. During May 2023, twelve incoming flights were redirected to alternative airports after a suspected drone was observed near the airfield. Last year, a pilot reported that a drone approached the British Airways Boeing 787 he was operating over Windsor in Berkshire. Pilots for Wiltshire Air Ambulance have issued a warning regarding an increase in drone activity over accident scenes. In one specific incident in Bath, they narrowly averted a collision with a drone while attempting to land. Graham Brown, who chairs ARPAS-UK, the UK drone association, suggested that additional information ought to be provided at the point of sale. He stated: “We’ve got to educate people, so they know what they shouldn’t be doing. “If we’re going to try and stop this it’s got to be stopped at cause.” A spokesperson for the Department for Transport commented: “It is important drone operators act within the rules to keep our skies safe. “We continue to work with the industry and police to ensure those who break the law can face tough penalties.”