An irresponsible Lincolnshire drone pilot has learnt an expensive lesson after committing a series of flying-related offences.
Thomas Ling, 34, of Main Road, Brothertoft, Boston, admitted four offences contrary to The Air Navigation Order 2016 when he appeared at Boston Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, 28th August 2024.
He also admitted an offence under section 8(1) of the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006.
Ling's ANO offences were:
- Flying without a valid operator ID on 25 occasions;
- Exceeding the maximum permitted height (150 m/400 ft above ground level) on 25 occasions;
- Flying beyond visual line of sight on 26 occasions.
Magistrates heard that between 1st March and 18th June 2024 Ling flew his drone in contravention of the ANO on 26 different occasions.
The offences, which involved Ling flying at heights of up to 12,178 feet, took place in the Boston area, resulting in disruption to police and emergency services helicopter flights and fast jet flights from nearby RAF Conningsby.
Police eventually caught up with the rogue pilot and seized his drone, a fixed wing model aircraft and associated equipment.
Ling was fined £200 for each offence (£800 total) and ordered to pay £320 surcharge and £85 towards prosecution costs.
Magistrates' also made a deprivation order in respect of the seized equipment, which will now be destroyed.
Kev Taylor, Chief Drone Pilot and Safety Manager, Lincolnshire Police, said: "Drones have so many great uses, but they need to be flown responsibly and legally. The regulations are there to ensure drones are operated safely without causing a risk to the public and airspace users.
"Ling's drone was adapted so that it could be flown at such high altitudes often flying between 7,000 and 12,000 feet. Lincolnshire airspace is congested; we have multiple RAF bases and civilian airfields in our county, including the Red Arrows, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, the Air Ambulance, private and commercial aircraft operating daily.
"Ling has shown a repeated and blatant disregard for the legislation and the safety of both the public and airspace users in Lincolnshire."
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