Drones on a collision course with commercial aircraft

A COLLISION between a drone and a commercial passenger jet at Heathrow Airport has raised fears that it is almost certain to be replicated in Australia.

The real danger of drones

A collision between a drone and a British Airways jet at Heathrow Airport could easily happen in Australia, an organisation representing operators of unmanned aircraft has warned.

The A320 was not damaged in the incident that occurred as the plane was coming into land.

But General Manager of Unmanned Aircraft Services (UAS) International, Amin Hamzavian said it could easily have been disastrous.

British Airways Airbus A320 taking off from Schiphol airport

“(Had the drone struck) just a few feet from where it did, it could’ve broken the windscreen or been ingested in an engine of the aircraft,” said Mr Hamzavian.

“The hazards associated with drone operations are compounded by the fact a significant number of emerging operators have little or no exposure to the aviation industry.”

In March 2014, a Dash-8 charter plane narrowly avoided a collision with a drone at Perth Airport, and the same year another drone almost struck a rescue helicopter near Newcastle.

Incidents are expected to become more common as sales continue with skyrocket. There are already more than 50,000 drones believed to be in operation in Australia.

Mr Hamzavian predicted that would continue to skyrocket as drones became more affordable and accessible through retail stores.

Parcels are set to be delivered by drone across Melbourne in one giant leap for the post man. In scenes borrowed from science fiction, Australia Post will test the new technology. Picture: Alex Coppel

“Even the store bought ones are capable of reaching altitudes of a few thousand feet which is high enough to pose a real danger to commercial aircraft,” he said.

“Regulation just isn’t keeping up with the growth and potential uses of drones.”

As well as plans for drones to deliver parcels around Australia, surflifesaving clubs are preparing to use drones for “shark watch” and there is even scope for drones to do medical deliveries to remote communities.

Aviation law expert, Ron Bartsch, also the chairman of UAS International, said apart from the safety perspective, drones were creating issues in respect to privacy and security.

“The current privacy legislative regime was not designed with drones in mind,” said Mr Bartsch.

“In my opinion what is required is a whole of government approach to work with Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) organisations to ensure operators comply with a code of conduct that will fill the legislative hole until encompassing regulations have been developed.”

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority does impose restrictions on the operation of drones, requiring them to remain 30-metres from buildings, and 3.5 nautical miles from airports.

Operators can apply for exemptions however, and policing the regulations can be difficult.