OWNERS of drones and model aircraft are being reminded by both Melksham Without Parish Council and Wiltshire Air Ambulance to brush up on the rules and think safe before flying outdoors.
All owners of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) – machines that are remotely controlled by a person on the ground, such as drones and model aircraft – must register before flying, as it is against the law to fly a drone or model aircraft that weighs more than 250g without having the required identification.
The parish council says that they are aware of people with drones and model aircraft using the Bowerhill Sports Field to fly – which is in close proximity to the Wiltshire Air Ambulance base in Semington – which has prompted questions about the rules about flying above residential houses and gardens, and in public open spaces.
Wiltshire Air Ambulance is asking drone or model aircraft owners to spare a thought for them when flying in the skies, to help to keep everyone safe.
A spokesperson for the local charity said, “We want drone users to have fun with their drones but to do so safely and legally. However, if a drone was to strike a helicopter it is likely to cause significant damage. The last thing we want is for drones to damage our helicopter so we can’t do our important lifesaving work.
“Another air ambulance in the UK had a near miss with a drone that was flying above the legal height limit in September last year. It was only through the vigilance of the front seat paramedic and the pilot that a collision was avoided.”
According to the Civil Aviation Authority’s (CAA), no matter what size drone or model aircraft you are flying, everybody must comply with ‘The Drone and Model Aircraft Code’. Rules include not flying drones above 400 feet, always keeping your drone in direct sight and not flying drones near airfields or airbases.
“Failure to do so could result in criminal prosecution,” says the Air Ambulance spokesperson.
About steps people can take to fly safely, the spokesperson added, “It’s really important that people who operate drones can see them when they are flying.
“Due to the nature of our work we often land and take off in residential areas. We spend more time below 400 feet than most other aircraft so this is another important factor for drone users to be aware of. If you are flying your drone and see our helicopter or any other aircraft, please land your drone and wait for us to land or fly away from your area.
“We are not trying to stop people flying their drones but we want them to do so responsibly and safely.”
For more details about ‘The Drone and Model Aircraft Code’, visit the CAA website: https://register-drones.caa. co.uk/drone-code
