Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the Civil Aviation Authority consultation (CAP1775), what steps he has taken to ensure that model aircraft users will not be unfairly targeted through the regulation of motorised drones.

The Government has tasked the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) with developing and operating the Unmanned Aircraft Operator Registration and Education Scheme to improve the accountability of all users of small unmanned aircraft, whether they be drones or model aircraft, and their awareness of how to fly them safely. The Government recognises the importance of supporting those participating in model aircraft flying, and the strong safety culture fostered by the majority of model aircraft flyers and clubs.

However, as set out in the Government’s drone consultation response in January 2019, any alternative approach for model flyers must be achieved without imposing undue burden on the state and the taxpayer, whilst also being efficient and enforceable, without compromising the integrity of the policy.