Flying drones is admittedly becoming too popular nowadays. What started as an experiment for some people was turned into a hobby by many individuals. On a published article of Matthew Wall on the BBC website he pointed out the irregularities stemming out from this hobby drones or unmanned aerial vehicles. His report stated that;
"A minority of irresponsible users has been flying them too close to aeroplanes and helicopters; wandering into restricted military airspace; spying on neighbours; disrupting sporting events; and even injuring people. It was only a matter of time before some trigger-happy vigilante shot one of the pesky privacy invaders out of the sky."
The said observation regarding drones becoming aerial nuisance was also noticed by chair of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems Association, Gary Clayton. On the same article, Clayton was quoted saying that "this is a very hot topic, operators with no training and no understanding of airspace could discredit the whole industry."
The authorities are however not blind and deaf about the situation. US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that drone sightings had increased from 238 in 2014, to 650 this year and counting. And with that the FAA wants to send a clear message to people who are operating aerial drones around airplanes and helicopters. That FAA said in a statement saying via BBC that,
"...operating drones around airplanes and helicopters is dangerous and illegal... Unauthorised operators may be subject to stiff fines and criminal charges, including possible jail time."
And since this is not just an isolated case solely found in America, UK's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) also has its own action plans and mitigating methods. In fact Richard Taylor, CAA spokesman, told the BBC that;
"The CAA has brought two successful prosecutions in relation to the illegal flying of unmanned aircraft. However, the police and CPS [Criminal Prosecution Service] now deal with incidents involving the misuse or illegal operation of drones. The CAA retains responsibility for raising the awareness of safe drone operation and the risks posed to aircraft from inappropriate and irresponsible use."
Though flying drones may be fun and helpful most of the times, the reality of it being used inaccurately and maliciously would still remain. That is why government agencies are doing their best to police not just the land for traffic violators but as well as the sky for any possible air traffic violations.
