UK Imposes Fines, Destruction Order

A drone pilot flew his drone at altitudes over 12,000 feet on numerous occasions in the Boston, England, area that flights by the Royal Air Force, National Police Air Service, and an air ambulance had to divert to deconflict the airspace.

Police said the drone pilot often flew his UAS between 7,000 and over 12,000 feet and displayed “blatant disregard” for the rules governing unmanned aircraft.

As a result the pilot, Thomas Ling, of Brothertoft, pleaded guilty in the Boston Magistrate Court and was fined more than £1,200, or about USD $1,600. In addition, his drone was ordered to be destroyed. Police in Lincolnshire stated Ling’s actions created a high risk to the safety of other pilots and residents on the ground.

As in the U.S., regulations by Britain’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) state that drones must remain within visual contact by the pilot to prevent collisions with structures or other aircraft, and also are limited to a maximum altitude of 400 feet. The area where Ling was flying his drone is close to RAF Coningsby, where Typhoon aircraft and also the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight are based.

Kev Taylor, chief drone pilot and safety manager for the Lincolnshire Police said, "Ling's drone was adapted so that it could be flown at such high altitudes, often flying between 7,000 and 12,000 feet. Ling has shown a repeated and blatant disregard for the legislation and the safety of both the public and airspace users in Lincolnshire.”

FMI:  www.caa.co.uk/