Between May 2014 and March 2015, there have been seven incidents of drones almost colliding with planes, according to The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Earlier this summer a drone flew within 100 metres of a Lufthansa flight approaching Warsaw airport, The Independent reports.

The European Union is now working on new regulations for drones, with the Civil Aviation Authority launching a “dronecode” to alert users to the dangers of flying in airspace and the collisions and accidents that could occur.

Increase in drone technology

As the rise in drone technology has increased dramatically over the past 18 months, it is clear that the number of drones flying in British airspace could pose a distinct risk.

Drones have been beneficial to authorities, being used by police forces, defence contractors as well as media firms. The likes of Amazon Prime have also been discussing, for some time, the possibility of using drones to deliver small packages by introducing Amazon Prime Air.

A partner at law firm DWF told The Independent that Amazon sells 10,000 drones a month with the industry worth estimated at over $1bn in manufacturing. The general consensus is that the technology is only going to expand.

Privacy concerns

In the UK the use of drones are permitted for commercial use as long as it is granted by the CAA. Drones can also be owned and used domestically, with no need for consent by the CAA. Clearly this does raise some concerns, not only with impact upon airspace safety but also with health and safety of people living in their flight path, not to mention privacy laws.

News stories of privacy breaches have reported drones flying around private land, outside houses or even over gardens. Users of drones will need to be aware of the risks and of course abide by the Data Protection Act.

Insurance requirements

As a drone user, third party risks will be the biggest concerns. Anyone who owns a drone will need to be covered for collision with aircraft as well as people. They should also consider protection against things such as a potential cyber-attack. In addition, if a drone is used for a business, cover such as business interruption insurance or reputational damage should something go wrong whilst the drone is in flight is worth considering.

Whilst this may sound like an additional headache for someone who uses a drone to make business life easier, or as a hobby, a good broker will be able to provide the appropriate cover and advice to protect from drone related incidents.

Source: The Independent and Insurance Age

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