Media comment from Chess Dynamics

Published 21st December 2018

All comments below to be attributed to David Eldridge, Sales Director at Chess Dynamics Ltd:

It’s clear that the sightings of drones over Gatwick Airport have exposed the frailties of the UK’s Counter Unmanned Aerial System (C-UAS) policy, which currently does not allow inhibiting of a drone. However, by looking to military technologies, there are safe and effective ways of dealing with these threats that can be adapted for the aviation sector to protect and enforce its no-fly zone; such as the Anti-UAV Defence System (AUDS), which can detect, track and inhibit drones to prevent them entering restricted airspace. The military also employ specialist equipment that can detect and locate the transmitter used for remotely controlling these unmanned drones.

We need more robust laws and enforcement that prevent unmanned drones entering restricted airspace. Although the registration and education process for flying drones is moving a step forward and will come into force next year, as drone technology becomes more accessible, the Government needs to put in place measures to protect aircraft and their passengers.