Engineering news
The House of Lords' EU Committee has called for a tracking system for all drones and their users.
In its latest report, the committee said it supported the creation of an online database for commercial users of drones, but added that a system tracking all drones, including smaller Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), is necessary in the long-term to manage safety.
The committee said: "We heard compelling arguments as to why the leisure use of RPAS presents risks to the general public and other airspace users.
"Therefore, in the long term, we foresee the need for a system which can track and trace all RPAS, especially those flying below 500ft, irrespective of whether they are flown by commercial or leisure pilots.
"This will be essential not only to manage the increased traffic in the sky, but also to enforce existing and future laws governing RPAS use."
It urged the government, EU Commission and aviation industry to work with Nasa on developing a tracking system.
The committee's report, called Civilian Use of Drones in the EU, is a response to plans set out by the European Commission last year looking at how to make Europe a global leader in the drone industry.
The committee warned that the misuse of drones by non-commercial users could pose a threat to the public's confidence in the technology, and said police should be given guidance on how to apply drone safety legislation in the UK.
"Misuse of RPAS by leisure users could undermine public acceptance of this technology, potentially jeopardising the development of a commercial RPAS market," said the committee.
"In the short term, we support the UK government's plans to raise awareness of safety hazards associated with RPAS through the media and information leaflets at the point of sale.
"We endorse plans for a public consultation to gauge support for the increased civilian use of RPAS.
"In the long term, the police should have a greater role in enforcing existing legislation."
Evidence given to the inquiry agreed with the EC’s estimate that about 150,000 new jobs could be created across Europe from drone activity by the year 2050. However, the report noted that for this potential to be realised, drone safety will have to be demonstrated and gain public approval.
The report also urges the government and the EC to develop a shared manufacturing standard for drones, such as the CE marking (kite mark).