Wed, Aug 02, 2017
Pilots Call For Urgent Action Following Drone Testing Results
The European Cockpit Association (ECA) calls for urgent action following the publication of the results of drone collisions tests with aircraft and helicopter carried out by independent researchers funded jointly by ECA member the British Airline Pilots’ Association, the UK Department for Transport and the UK Military Aviation Authority.
The results of the independent tests are a robust proof that drone impacts on aircraft windscreens and helicopter rotors can be catastrophic, even at relatively modest speeds with small drones.
Testing show that drones can cause more damage than a bird of equivalent mass at the same speed. Therefore it is particularly important that recreational drone users strictly follow the local rules and regulations on flying drones. No-fly zones such as the vicinity of airfields, heliports or accident sites where emergency medical helicopter services might operate and the altitude limitations for flying drones must be respected.
Johan Glantz, ECA Executive Board Director, said, “The results of the independent tests prove that there is a possibility of a catastrophic consequence from a drone colliding with an aircraft. That means this identified risk needs to be adequately mitigated with appropriate measures, such as the qualification and training for recreational drone users, additional technology installed in drones, and effective awareness campaign among the mass-market drone users.”
ECA believes the national and European authorities must now review the findings of the report as a matter of urgency and act to control this proven threat.
ECA is calling for:
- Awareness campaigns promoting a responsible use of drones;
- Robust qualification standards and training for recreational drone pilots, and licensing for professional UAS pilots;
- Compulsory registration of drones and drone users, to improve traceability, and promote adherence to existing regulations;
- Mandatory geo-fencing around airports to reduce conflict with aircraft;
- Investment in technology to allow air traffic controllers to “see” drones, to possibly predict when a conflict with a manned aircraft is possible;
- Effective enforcement of rules concerning the use of drones by properly trained and funded officials;
(Source: ECA news release. Image from file)
More News
Very High Frequency The frequency band between 30 and 300 MHz. Portions of this band, 108 to 118 MHz, are used for certain NAVAIDs; 118 to 136 MHz are used for civil air/ground voi>[...]
Aero Linx: Aviation Suppliers Association Established February 25, 1993, the Aviation Suppliers Association (ASA), based in Washington, D.C., is a not-for-profit association, repre>[...]
Have A Story That NEEDS To Be Featured On Aero-News? Here’s How To Submit A Story To Our Team Some of the greatest new stories ANN has ever covered have been submitted by our>[...]
From 2021 (YouTube Version): Colorado Campus Offers aVariety Of Aerospace Entertainment And Education Wings over the Rockies Exploration of Flight is the second location for the Wi>[...]
Also: Paramotor Champ's, Electric Ultralight, ICON BK Update, Burt Rutan at Oshkosh! The Popular Rotorcraft Association is reaching out for help in rebuilding their private runway >[...]