Drone attack — air watchdog looking into rise in ‘illegal’ flights

They are becoming ever more popular features in our skies — but not all of them should be there. The increasing use of drones has also piqued the interest of the Irish Aviation Authority’s enforcement division.

Typically used for aerial photos, remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) have many uses and have become more common.

However, while not all RPAS drones require a licence to fly them, some do — and the IAA has said it has contacted some people flying drones who should not be doing so.

In 2013, the IAA issued 23 permissions to operate a RPAS for commercial purposes. So far in 2014, the IAA has issued 26 such permissions.

“The IAA has power under the IAA Act 1993 as amended by the Aviation Act 2006 to prosecute breaches of legislation,” said an IAA spokesperson. “Where cases are taken at District Court level, the penalties are a fine of up to €5,000 and/or six months in prison.

“To date, the IAA has engaged with those who have violated this act and come to our attention, with each case dealt with on an individual basis. It is IAA policy not to make public details of individual cases.”

Steve Slade of SkyTec UAS Ireland Ltd, which is based in the National Maritime College of Ireland in Ringaskiddy, claimed many drones taking to the skies here were “totally illegal”.

He said drones which require licences should fly to a limit of 120m, but in some cases unlicensed drones were flying higher than this.

He questioned whether drones flying without a licence were fully insured.

SkyTec provides training so operators can gain licences to fly drones, with courses starting at less than €1,000.

The drones can be bought for as little as a few hundred euro, but can go up in price to €35,000.

Mr Slade said that he was aware of some 600 units of one popular model, a small drone called a Phantom, having been bought in Ireland last year through main distributors.