Development of drone technology changes the way the world operates

The United Kingdom’s second-biggest airport has been closed off for travel after drone sightingswithin the airport.

Drones are a popular consumer product because it finally brings every single kids’ dream to life, except this time it actually works.

These products have risen in popularity in a short time-span, and now drones are a high-commodity because there are numerous things that can be done with drones. You can fly it around, record video, and take action shots. 

Recent laws and regulations of drones are mandatory and need to be improved because of the risk they can exhibit when used in public. Deliberate attacks and potential accidents caused by random pieces of metal flying in the air is a health hazard in any regard, especially if there is loose law enforcement around the use of drones in daily life. A perfect example of why stricter laws on drones are necessary is displayed around Christmastime in London’s Gatwick Airport where thousands of passengers lay stranded awaiting flights to be opened up. Flights were suspended as law enforcement searched for the operator of what it called an “industrial drone.” The drones appeared to be “a deliberate attempt to disrupt flights,” said a statement from the airport, the second-busiest in the U.K. after London Heathrow. Hundreds of flights were grounded.
The incident highlights concern among air safety regulators about preventing drones from flying close to aircraft and airfields, as the devices become more popular and easily obtainable.  “It’s something that’s not been experienced in this country before,” British Transport Secretary Chris Grayling told Sky News. “We’ve known for a while that drones were a problem around the world.”

“The incident today where unauthorized drone activity impacted flight operations at Gatwick airport clearly demonstrates that [unmanned aircraft system] operators’ intent to cause disruption or harm which can create significant risks to the safety and security of the populace,” said U.S. Department of Homeland Security spokesperson McLaurine Klingler.

As highlighted by reports regarding this incident in London, many governments have become increasingly aware of the potential safety hazards drones have become. We should expect a heavy crackdown on illegal drone usage as well as an increase in regulation across the world.

Featured Image– Passengers crowded together in a packed Gatwick airport awaiting for their flight – Maine Public

by Patrick Du