This practice not only violates regulations concerning the use of unmanned aircraft in air transit zones but also creates a “risk situation” for the safety of individuals.
Drone Pilot Fined for Unauthorized Flights
The Civil Guard at Fuerteventura Airport, operating under the authority of the Customs and Tax Agency, has identified and penalised the pilot of a drone conducting unauthorised flights over Playa Blanca in Puerto del Rosario. This location is less than two kilometres from the northern end of the island’s airport and within the aerodrome’s Air Traffic Zone (ATZ), an area under constant air traffic control.
The interception occurred after a citizen alerted the Civil Guard about a drone flying at a low altitude, approximately 20 metres, over a group of surfers in the area, as reported in a press release by the Benemérita.
This practice, besides violating regulations concerning the use of unmanned aircraft in air transit zones, creates a “risk situation” for individuals’ safety because a potential fall of the device could result in injury.
Consequently, a patrol from the Airport Economic and Border unit of the Civil Guard was dispatched to the scene, confirming that the unmanned aircraft was operating in restricted airspace without any authorisation.
The device was a DJI Mini 2 Pro drone, weighing 249 grams.
The Civil Guard emphasised that these actions constitute a serious infringement in accordance with Article 48.3 of Law 21/2003, dated 7 July, on Air Safety, due to the failure to comply with operational limitations regarding aviation servitudes and airspace usage. It also reminds that flying drones near airports is strictly prohibited unless authorised by the State Aviation Safety Agency (AESA).
Such activities not only pose a direct risk to safety by potentially interfering with aircraft approach and take-off manoeuvres but can also lead to financial penalties ranging from €90,001 to €225,000. Additionally, it is emphasised that drone operators are obliged to be familiar with and adhere to current European and national regulations, particularly Regulation (EU) 2019/947, which governs the safe use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).
