Airline pilots say they are “encouraged” by government plans to ensure drones are registered and users will have to sit safety awareness tests.
Owners of drones weighing 250 grams or more will have to register details of their drones to improve accountability and encourage owners to act responsibly.
The move follows safety research that concluded drones could damage the windscreens of helicopters.
A new drone safety awareness test means owners will have to prove that they understand UK safety, security and privacy regulations.
The government also plans to bring forward and expand the use of ‘geo-fencing’ in the UK that acts like an invisible shield around buildings or sensitive areas.
The technology, which works on GPS coordinates, is built into the drone and stops it from entering zones such as prison or airport space.
Aviation minister Lord Callanan said: “Our measures prioritise protecting the public while maximising the full potential of drones. Increasingly, drones are proving vital for inspecting transport infrastructure for repair or aiding police and fire services in search and rescue operations, even helping to save lives.
“But like all technology, drones too can be misused. By registering drones, introducing safety awareness tests to educate users we can reduce the inadvertent breaching of airspace restrictions to protect the public.”
British Airline Pilots’ Association general secretary Brian Strutton said: “Pilots have been warning about the rise in the number of cases of drones being flown irresponsibly close to aircraft and airports for some time.
“This report clearly shows that readily-available drones which can be flown by anyone can shatter or go straight through an aircraft windshield or shatter a helicopter rotor. And those impacts would have catastrophic consequences.
“We will wait to see the details, but we are encouraged that the government has taken on board calls for a registration and licensing scheme for drones and drone users.
“This will help ensure users understand and follow safety rules, and help the police trace drones if needed.
“We hope that urgent government action will now follow to control this proven threat before there is a disaster and lives are lost.”