THE DEVON Air Ambulance and the UK Civil Aviation Authority are asking drone users to make sure they keep their drones well away from helicopters and aircraft.

The message comes as the number of drone owners was expected to increase dramatically over Christmas.

Devon Air Ambulance’s two emergency helicopters often operate below the 400ft (120 metre) maximum permitted height for drone flying.

Jonathan Nicholson, assistant director of communications at the CAA, said before Christmas that an expected increase in drones being given as festive gifts was expected to make the problem worse.’With more than 400,000 registered drone owners across the UK, and more expected to be added during the festive period as people receive new drones for Christmas, we’re asking all drone users to fly safely and to especially be on the lookout for low flying helicopters.

’In many cases when flying below 400ft (120 metres) drones and helicopters have equal access to airspace but, in reality, a drone user on the ground is much more likely to see and hear an approaching helicopter. So, we ask drone users in those situations to keep their drones well away and land them if possible. They can then help to make sure that lifesaving helicopters can operate safely."

Key elements of the UK’s drone rules that users need to follow:

Never fly above 400ft (120 metres)

Always keep your drone in sight

Never fly near airfields or airports

Register with the CAA as a drone operator and take the Flyer ID test

Follow the Dronecode (https://register-drones.caa.co.uk/drone-code)

During the festive period ambulance charities throughout the UK have been operating approximately 40 helicopters ready to take to the skies every day. Devon Air Ambulance received an average of between five and six calls each day or 156 calls per month during 2021. In December alone, up until the week before Christmas, the charity was tasked to 80 missions, delivering vital pre-hospital and time-critical emergency care to 43 patients who experienced a sudden critical injury or illness within our local communities.

Simmy Akhtar, CEO of Air Ambulances UK, said: ’Air ambulance charities right across the UK have continued to provide their vital lifesaving services to those in desperate need of pre-hospital critical care throughout the pandemic and beyond. Now, during and after the festive period, drone users can do their bit to support our air ambulance charities too. All of us at home can play a part in keeping our sky safe by being mindful of the CAA’s drone regulations.’

For more information go to www.caa.co.uk/drones