Holidaymakers' drones endangering planes, RAF says

A frontline RAF base is dealing with reports of at least one unauthorised drone flight each month.

RAF Coningsby, in Lincolnshire, is home to two combat-ready squadrons of Typhoon jets, but officers fear drones in and around its protected airspace could endanger pilots and aircraft.

Sqn Ldr Alex Ritchie, who is in charge of safety at the station, said unauthorised flights were being tracked and details passed to the police.

He said some people were "doing it nefariously", but in other cases hobbyists and holidaymakers were breaking the rules by accident and needed educating about the risks.

"It doesn't matter whether you buy a drone from a hobby shop or whether you're a professional, you still have to follow exactly the same drone code and rules," Sqn Ldr Ritchie said.

All drone operators have to follow strict rules laid down by the Civil Aviation Authority, which include staying away from restricted airspaces.

Commercial and military airfields include a flight restriction zone to ensure planes are kept safe during take-off and landing. The RAF has also warned that flying a drone above 400ft (120m) could pose a risk to aircraft.

But officers at RAF Coningsby say the rules are regularly being ignored. They have been speaking to local holiday firms about the problem and asking them to pass on the message about safety to visitors to the area.

Ryan Laviolette was among staff from the Tattershall Lakes Country Park who were given a guided tour of the RAF base.

He described how people coming to stay at the holiday park, which is located close to the base, were bringing drones with them.

"We understand that, but we've got to respect our neighbours," he said.

"We really do appreciate what they do here at the RAF base and we need to protect them and protect ourselves."

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