A new awareness campaign aimed at drone users was launched at Cork Airport recently. The airport is taking a lead role with a proactive approach to promoting responsible drone usage.
The campaign follows a number of incidents involving drones and aircraft on approach or departure from aerodromes across Europe. The occurrences of these types of incidences have increased in recent years. In response to these, the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) introduced regulations in 2015.
In conjunction with the IAA, the body responsible for safety regulation and air traffic control, Cork Airport has placed signage around the airport perimeter at various approach locations to runways. The ‘No Drone Zone’ signage was designed by the airport and the IAA.
Ciaran Carton, General Manager Operations at Cork Airport, said: “While we have not had any issues with drones to date, we have decided to take a proactive approach and educate drone users and the wider community on responsible drone usage. Cork Airport is the first Irish airport to launch a campaign like this one and a similar approach is likely to be adopted in other airports.”
It is the responsibility of drone users to ensure the safety of the public when flying drones. It is also their responsibility to familiarise themselves with the regulations. There are a number of limitations on where users can fly their drones. All of this information can be found at www.iaa.ie.
A good example of how drones can be used effectively and creatively is a recent collaboration by AirCam Ireland, Cork Airport and the IAA. Under strict safety conditions, AirCam Ireland captured some fantastic drone footage of Cork Airport at sunrise as part of a promotional video for the airport. The video can be viewed here.
