Unmanned Air Vehicles
(asked on 7th November 2016) - View Source
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what legislation covers the use of drones in the UK by (1) security forces, (2) other public bodies, (3) commercial and voluntary organisations, and (4) individuals; and what assessment they have made of the need for new legislation to regulate the use of drones.
Answered by
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The Government is working closely with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and industry to adapt and strengthen UK regulations as drone use and the related technology develops.
Small drones in the UK, those weighing 20kg or less, must be flown in accordance with Articles 94, 95 and 23 of the Air Navigation Order 2016 (ANO). Drones of more than 20kg are subject to all relevant provisions of the ANO. The ANO covers the use of drones by public bodies, commercial and voluntary organisations, and individuals, as well as the police and other security services. The use of drones in UK airspace by UK Armed Forces is regulated by the Military Aviation Authority.
Drones of more than 150kg are also subject to European safety legislation, in particular, the European Aviation Safety Agency Basic Regulation 216/2008. This Regulation is currently being revised and updated.