Drone users warned to check aviation laws

Photographic drone users are being urged to check the law before they take to the air.

Qualified pilot John Williams contacted the Bury Free Press after seeing Mike Brett's drone picture of Bury St Edmunds' Abbey Gardens we published last week.

He pointed out that drone users should be aware that there are Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) rules on how and were you can fly a drone.

He said: "It seems no-one has any idea of the legalities of flying drones and taking pictures and I am worried that your full page photo will encourage others."

The CAA Drone Safe guidance is available here.

It makes it clear drones should not be flown near airfields or above 400ft to protect aircraft.

But it also says unlicensed pilots must not fly within 150ft of people or property or go within 500ft of crowds or built-up areas.

It says: "Failure to fly responsibly could result in criminal prosecution".