Children need to pass CAA test to legally fly drones

Regulators have said that children who receive drones for Christmas will have to sit through a driving theory-style test before they can be used. Potential pilots, of all ages, must be able to show that they can fly the devices safely and legally by passing the multi-choice quiz before getting airborne. 

 

Should anyone fly a drone without passing the test they will face fines of up to £1,000.00 under the new system launched by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Effective from the 30th November the rules will apply to both drones and model aircraft weighing between 250g and 20kg.

 

The revised rules are;

 

 Maintain sight of your drone at all times

Keep the drone below 400ft above the ground 

 Always follow the manufacturer's instructions

Keep the drone 50m's away from people and properties

Keep 150m's away from crowds and built-up areas

 Stay away from aircraft, airports and airfields

 

Anyone wanting to fly drone's outdoors will need to pass a free online test and get a flyer ID from the CAA. The examination will include 20 questions about the laws and safety measures relating to flying remote-controlled aircraft. 

 

Prospective pilots, who answer 16 questions correctly, will be granted a flyer ID, which must be renewed every three years.  The test can be taken repeatedly, however children under 13 can only register with a parent or guardian present. 

 

There is a cost of £9 per year to register as an operator. This fees is paid to the CAA and is due from those over 18 who are responsible for the drone or model aircraft. The Civil Aviation Authority expects that around 90,000 people will be required to register as operators. 

 

BALPA (The British Airline Pilots Association) said that the new rules will help to improve the safety of airspace in the UK. Pilots in British airspace reported over one hundred potentially serious incidents arising from drone usage in 2018.