IATA seeks strong law enforcement to deter irresponsible use of drones

Law enforcement authorities must play a strong role to ensure there are suitable deterrents in place for those flying recreational drones to prevent danger to passenger aircraft, the IATA said Tuesday. Risks posed by the increasing use of drones were highlighted in October when a drone hit an aircraft landing at a Canadian airport and there have been several near-misses between drones and passenger planes in Europe. “This is something we do not want to see continuing,” Rob Eagles, director of air traffic management infrastructure at IATA said. “We see a strong role for law enforcement. One of the concerns we have is the unprofessional operation of small recreational drones because people do not understand the risks they could have against manned aviation,” he said. As well as fines, the registration of drone users and technology to prevent drones from straying into unauthorised areas could lessen the risk. “There has to be an active deterrent so people understand the responsibility they bear and the risks associated with irresponsible use of small recreational drones,” he said, adding that IATA was also seeking to raise awareness and educate users.<br/>