Newcastle Airport issues this warning to anyone who got a drone in their Christmas sack
“It can put lives at risk and you could be prosecuted” - the words of Newcastle Airport chiefs to anyone who may have received a drone as a Christmas present.
In a post-Christmas statement on social media, a spokesperson for the airport said: “If you have been lucky enough to get a drone for Christmas, before you take off, make sure you know the rules.
“It's illegal to fly a drone in our Flight Restriction Zone (FRZ) without permission. It can put lives at risk and you could be prosecuted.
“We don’t want anyone getting into trouble unnecessarily, so please check the regulations before you fly.”
A statement on the airport’s website, accompanied by a map of the restricted area, added: “It is illegal to fly any drone within the Flight Restriction Zone (FRZ) of a protected aerodrome, or within any other airspace restriction without permission.
“You are not permitted to fly a drone within the FRZ as indicated by the map below, at any time, unless you have permission from Air Traffic Control at the Airport.
“The map below shows the no-fly zone surrounding Newcastle Airport. It is a criminal offence to fly a drone in this area without permission, failure to adhere to this may result in a prison sentence.”
To obtain permission to fly any drone(s) within this area, a request should be made by completing a form on the airport’s website, giving 24 hours notice.