Drones in record numbers caught near NZ airports this year - risking catastrophe

An organisation representing drone users admits a drone crashing into an aircraft could be catastrophic.

A record number of drones have been caught flying near airports in the last year - putting passengers at risk.

Latest statistics show 55 drones have been recorded flying closer than four kilometres to an airport this year. 

The total number of drone complaints have also shot up to more than 420 so far this year. That’s more than double the number two years ago, and a huge increase from just 10 complaints in 2013.

UAVNZ, an organisation representing drone users, says a drone crashing into an aircraft could be catastrophic.

“They are very hard parts; metal, carbon fibre, and once you start having impacts with those sorts of objects, I can imagine it can cause catastrophic problems, no doubt,” chairman Andy Grant said.

With information for drone users is easy to access, he said it’s baffling why more people aren’t following the rules.

“The authorities have been in contact with some of the larger [drone] importers coming through to see what can be done in terms of getting the safety message through,” Mr Grant said. 

Airway NZ's current radar systems can’t detect drones, explained air traffic controls manager Tim Boyle.

“And if we can't detect them, we can't actually keep them away from our aeroplanes and therefore keep people safe,” he said.

Mr Boyle said the laws are now four years old and could be improved with compulsory registration of drone owners.

The Ministry of Transport says it’s considering changes, and looking at laws overseas for inspiration.

“Our regulatory settings will need to keep up with technology so we can maximise the benefits of advanced drones, used for commercial purposes, while managing the risks associated with smaller drones used primarily for recreational purposes,” the ministry said.

On Sunday, flights in Wellington were delayed after a pilot reported spotting a drone flying just three kilometres from the runway. Police were unable to find the culprit, but the Civil Aviation Authority said it is now investigating.

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