The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) is reminding drone owners to get training and be aware of the rules of flying, especially since many people are expected to receive drones as Christmas presents.
Drones weighing over 250g or equipped with a camera must be registered and trained with the IAA as per legal requirements.
The IAA conducted training for over 17,500 drone pilots since 2021, with a 25pc increase in trained pilots in 2023.
The “Drone Safely This Christmas” campaign, in collaboration with the IAA, An Garda Síochána, and Dublin City Council, aims to highlight the rules and risks associated with flying drones.
- Drones are not toys and can cause serious consequences if they collide with a person, animal, aircraft, or object.
- It is the responsibility of drone owners to fly their drones safely, as the reckless or inappropriate use of drones may result in prosecution.
- Flying a drone within five kilometres of an airport can lead to a maximum penalty of seven years in prison, and law enforcement has the authority to seize drones involved in offenses.
