Because of the recent Gatwick incident that shut down an airport in Britain, several moves are starting to take place. The drone that interfered in the airspace of the Gatwick airport reportedly shut down over 1000 flight changes – which include diversions to other airports and cancellations altogether. In total, the entire incident, which incited a witch-hunt for the perpetrators, affected nearly 150,000 passengers. Looking back, this might just be the biggest blunder in airport history, where a small drone shut down a very busy airport during the holidays.
Britain Airport Distance Changes
The current regulation on drones defines the ban on drones as 1 kilometer away from airports. However, with the rising trend of drones spotted near airports, Britain is pushing to a larger ban distance. Up to five times the current regulation – at 5 kilometers around the airport. An added ban also takes effect around runways, leaving little room for mistakes for drone owners everywhere. If you fly around an airport with the ban intact, it can be sure that you have ill intent in mind.
The aerial elevation limit of 400 feet remained unchanged, however. They are hoping that the 5-fold boundary ban on airports can do the job. Of course, it only works if people follow it. The Gatwick incident proves once again that drone owners can get away with it without a trace. After the whole fiasco, the owners of the alleged drone were long gone. This led to everyone, from airport security, local police, to even people on the internet to start a witch-hunt for the perpetrators. This witch-hunt of course led nowhere, ending with more questions than answers.
Another idea floating around is the use of anti-drone technology, such as jammers or disablers. These devices can take control of drones targeted, and would safely land on the floor to prevent any accidents. The only question now is, will any of these new ideas work against this growing trend?
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