17 April 2016

AIRSPACE

Pilot believes the object was a drone

An aircraft on approach at Heathrow Airport today is believed to have been struck by a drone. The pilot reported that the windscreen of the Airbus 320 had been hit by an object which he thought looked like a drone.

The British Airways flight from Geneva had 137 crew and passengers aboard. After the aircraft landed safely, it was closely inspected and reported to have not suffered any damage. It is said to be the first event of its kind in the UK and the rules clearly state that drones are permitted to fly up to 400ft (122m) but forbidden anywhere near buildings and crowds of people.

At the beginning of the year the CAA and Air Transport Association had talks following several incidents in 2015 involving drones and aircraft and admitted that drones were a serious threat and specific regulations should be enforced before a serious accident occurs.

Police investigations are underway with the guilty culprits facing anything up to 5 years imprisonment.

Photo credits and full report from the BBC website