Drone users to be fined for non-registration
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Drone users will face fines of up to £1000 if they fly their device without passing an online theory test or registering as an operator, regulators have warned.
Children and adults wanting to fly the gadgets from Saturday, November 30 will have to take the test to show they can do so safely and legally.
Those who fail or do not register as a drone operator by that date will face a fine of up £1000 under new regulations from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
The registration scheme opened this week and applies to anyone responsible for a drone or unmanned aircraft such as a model plane weighing at least 250g.
Anyone now flying a drone weighing more than 250g must take the online test.
Registrants will be given a unique ID which must be displayed on their devices.
The process will cost £9 and must be renewed each year.
In the theory test there are 20 multiple choice questions, with applicants needing 16 correct answers to pass and it can be taken as many times as required.
Drone users must visit register-drones.caa.co.uk to access the new system.
The CAA’s new platform will also be used to help return lost drones to their owners.
Anyone losing a drone is advised to post their details on the Drones Reunited platform, while anyone who finds one is encouraged to check if it has a registration number and enter the details online.
CAA assistant director of communications Jonathan Nicholson said: “The service is about giving something back to the community, helping responsible drone owners and operators to be reunited with lost drones and continue flying.
“Our aim is for the Drones Reunited platform to become an essential service for the drone community – the first port of call for anyone who has lost or found a drone.”
