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Drone expert warns of possible air disaster

An aviation expert believes it is only a matter of time before one of the estimated 50,000 drones in circulation in Australia causes an aircraft disaster.

Ron Bartsch, Chairman of consultancy UAS International, which specialises in issues surrounding unmanned aerial vehicles, told insuranceNEWS.com.au there are so many unmanned aerial vehicles out there “it is difficult to control”.

“The problem is so many people are using drones and are completely oblivious to the hazard they may create to commercial aircraft,” he said.

Last week Aer Lingus reported a near miss with a drone more than 2000 metres above Paris, while an unmanned craft is thought to have hit a passenger plane on its descent into London Heathrow a few days earlier.

UAS International Technical Director Jim Coyne says the most critical phases of flight for planes are take-off and landing, which is where drones are likely to be encountered.

Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) spokesman Peter Gibson told insuranceNEWS.com.au Australia has “a comprehensive set of safety rules” covering drones.

“Our regulations require drones to be kept under 400 feet [122 metres] and more than 5.5km from airports,” he said. “Drones must not cause a hazard to aircraft at any time.”

However, Mr Bartsch warns there is a gaping hole in the law because the constitution remains “static” despite major technological changes.

“Where they’ve got it wrong is that they are under the false impression they can regulate drones,” he said. “If you have a G-gate on your drone, CASA’s laws do not apply.”

G-gates prevent drones flying beyond a predefined height or geographic restriction.

In September CASA will introduce laws allowing commercial operators to fly drones weighing less than 2kg without a certificate or licence.

“Apart from the safety perspective, drones are creating many issues in respect to privacy and security,” Mr Bartsch said.

“The current privacy legislative regime was not designed with drones in mind.

“What is required is a whole-of-government approach to work with remotely piloted aircraft system organisations, to ensure operators comply with a code of conduct that will fill the legislative hole until encompassing regulations have been developed.”

CASA imposes fines up to $9000 for regulation breaches, but it can be difficult to apprehend offenders because many drones have a range of up to 10km.