While flying our paragliders a new threat has emerged - drones have become affordable and popular.

This has the consequences that their owners may not necessarily be
1) familiar with air-laws and
2) their own responsibilities.

Locally we have not - yet - suffered from drone activities, this may not last.

The CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) have welcomed drones but would like all its members (that includes us) to be aware and educate drone owners; so should you encounter a drone and its pilot - politely let them know about our flying activities and find out about their awareness of the DRONECODE.

For our part be aware that drones can be flown privately or commercially - the latter requiring CAA permission; each commercial drone operator who has been granted CAA permission will have a CAA document granting the permission and setting out conditions for its use.

If you have any concerns about drones being used,
either from a safety or privacy perspective;
- contact the police on 101.

* Note to glider pilots:
- while our take-offs and landing-zones are technically 'airfields'
- we do not use them with sufficient regularity to impose them on drone users;
- so a little leniency is required from our part.

Should a drone operate where you are to land - while still holding our priority -
caution and responsibility should be shared!

Further information:
- www.dronesafe.uk
- www.caa.co.uk/Consumers/Unmanned-aircraft-and-drones/