Gatwick Airport: Drone sightings cause delays

Robster59

Robster59

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I think it's about time Drones were licenced as they are too easily purchased and can be used by anyone, anywhere. I can see situations like this on the increase as brain-dead idiots think the law doesn't apply to them or think it's just fun to cause massive disruption.
I've nothing against drones per se as they provide some excellent footage but the potential damage that can be caused if one hits a plane is frightening and I think we are getting to a state of "when" rather than "if".

Gatwick Airport: Drone sightings cause delays

Stansted Airport: Drone 'missed landing plane by 15m'
 
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Does anyone know if shooting them out the sky would be possible?

Could a person with say a sniper rifle, hit these things when they are moving?


It must be almost impossible to catch people operating these drones, as you can do it from a long distance.
 
Whilst I agree licensing is best for the future, far too many have already got into brain-dead idiots' hands to make sure aircraft remain safe in the air - the idiots still need to be caught!
Even the small kids toy versions are a danger to aircraft!
 
Dasit said:
Does anyone know if shooting them out the sky would be possible?

Could a person with say a sniper rifle, hit these things when they are moving?


It must be almost impossible to catch people operating these drones, as you can do it from a long distance.
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My concern, at somewhere like Gatwick, is where the bullet comes down if you miss....
 
Dasit said:
Does anyone know if shooting them out the sky would be possible?

Could a person with say a sniper rifle, hit these things when they are moving?


It must be almost impossible to catch people operating these drones, as you can do it from a long distance.
Click to expand...

Shooting with a rifle surely presents even more danger, what with uncontrolled descents, not to mention the bullet itself if it missed it's target! :unsure:
 
Definitely need 'Hunter' drones....or something like a mini-EMP to kill electrics and make them drop out of the air.
 
Robster59 said:
I think it's about time Drones were licenced as they are too easily purchased and can be used by anyone, anywhere. I can see situations like this on the increase as brain-dead idiots think the law doesn't apply to them or think it's just fun to cause massive disruption.
I've nothing against drones per se as they provide some excellent footage but the potential damage that can be caused if one hits a plane is frightening and I think we are getting to a state of "when" rather than "if".

Gatwick Airport: Drone sightings cause delays

Stansted Airport: Drone 'missed landing plane by 15m'
Click to expand...

It sounds like in this case, people are maliciously flying them to disrupt air travel.

Not certain how much licensing would stop this kind of thing if people are intent on breaking what laws are already in place.

As is often the case, things that government can do, or feel the need to do to be seen to be doing something, tends to disrupt or add costs for the law abiding citizen and might make it slightly easier for police to track down perpetrators in some circumstances.
 
The problem with licensing is it has a huge impact on innocents, like people whose hobby is flying radio control planes. Historically these have been complex to build and fly and so due to the learning curve were not so easily found in the hands of idiots who abused them. Unfortunately, the advancement of technology has likely spoiled a hobby for serious aero-modellers.
 
Dibby said:
The problem with licensing is it has a huge impact on innocents, like people whose hobby is flying radio control planes. Historically these have been complex to build and fly and so due to the learning curve were not so easily found in the hands of idiots who abused them. Unfortunately, the advancement of technology has likely spoiled a hobby for serious aero-modellers.
Click to expand...

Surley the innocent won't mind the licensing issue. All amateur radio hams had to.
 
How do you police it though? I was looking a a small indoor drone for less than £20. Or an out door one for less than £80. The one being used at Gatwick is apparently a commercial drone, not a toy, so an expensive one.
 
Some people are saying battery last 20 minutes.

So why is the airport closed for 12 hours today?


Might sound like I have tinfoil hat on, but there must be something more sinister happening there today
 
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