Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) consultation (CAP1775), what recent discussions he has had with the CAA on the potential introduction of (a) compulsory registration by model aircraft enthusiasts with the CAA, (b) registration fees, (c) age restrictions and (d) competency requirements.

Department for Transport Ministers and officials have regular discussions with the CAA, including on the Drone Operator Registration Scheme and competency testing requirements, which will apply from November 2019. These will apply to all those in the UK operating drones or model aircraft between 250 grams and 20 kilograms.

These are part of a package of measures to address the safety and security challenges that unmanned aircraft pose. They will help law enforcement agencies to tackle the misuse of such aircraft effectively, alongside new Police powers to be introduced in the forthcoming Drones Bill.