Drone users: Keep it in sight every flight
Drone users are being urged to ‘keep it in sight every flight’, to reduce the risk of accidents involving overhead power lines.
Our safety experts have teamed up with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to warn drone users about the risks of flying near overhead power lines and electricity substations.
Last year, our engineers responded to more than 370 incidents where members of the public had come into contact with overhead lines while involved in various outdoor pursuits.
Eddie Cochrane, WPD Safety Adviser, said: “We have thousands of pylons and poles which carry high voltage electricity along overhead power lines and, if a drone gets too close to, or makes contact with our equipment, the consequences can be fatal."
WPD and CAA have prepared some important safety tips for flying drones:
- Always keep your drone in sight so that you can see and avoid things while flying.
- Stay below 400ft (120m) to comply with the dronecode. Stay well away from airports and other aircraft.
- Look out for electricity substations and overhead power lines. Make sure you always fly more than 50 metres from these, as well as from people and properties.
- Read and follow the drone manufacturer’s instructions to ensure the safety of your drone and people around you.
- If a drone enters a substation or comes into contact with power lines, do not attempt to retrieve it. Call WPD immediately on 105, our emergency number.
- Visit www.dronesafe.uk/drone-code for more information on drone safety.
You can find our Drone Safety page here.