UK: Trio of UAV incidents reported over London

Three cases of close encounters between unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and airliners heading for London Heathrow Airport were recorded in three consecutive days in July, according to the UK Airprox Board. Reports filed by flightdeck crew said that, in one case, the UAV came within two metres vertically and 20 metres horizontally of the aircraft. The drone operator was not traced in any of the three cases. The growing problem of UAVs coming into conflict with airliners is set out in the latest reports from the Board. A small staff compiles airprox reports, which are then graded monthly by a group of around 20 volunteer experts, including air traffic controllers and pilots, in terms of potential risk to the aircraft. The problem of aircraft experiencing a major equipment failure on approach to Heathrow has worried security and safety experts for years, as the prevailing westerly wind means that aircraft generally approach over the densely inhabited centre of London. The risk of UAVs being sucked into a turbofan has added to concerns. <br/>