Ex-pilot voices fears after near-miss over Teesdale

A FORMER commercial pilot has highlighted the potential dangers of flying drones and has called for stricter regulations following a near miss with a passenger jet above Teesdale.

A suspected drone came within 200ft of an A319 twin-engine jet travelling at 18,000ft, 11 kilometres north of the town, during a flight on February 2. The incident was reported by the UK Airprox Board as one of the most serious it investigates.

The report said: “A moving object/aircraft caught the attention of the captain, heading almost directly overhead the aircraft in the opposite direction. The object/aircraft passed at high speed, very quickly, only being in view for approximately two seconds.

“It passed overhead, in line with engine two (right engine), estimated to be about 200ft above the aircraft.”

The captain initially thought it was a military fast jet but after making enquires realised there was only one aircraft about 20,000ft above their level. The captain was asked by air traffic control if it could have been a drone and replied “yes”.

Ex-pilot Tom Vlaming’s career spanned 40 years which included 35 years of commercial flying.

Originally from Amsterdam, the 71-year-old is now retired and living in Romaldkirk. He thinks that the growing popularity of drones requires more governance.

He said: “They are dangerous. It is very nice if you can get nice pictures but people forget that it is a lethal tool.

“The more sophisticated equipment has been spotted higher than that which is really scary. Some drones can go up to 30,000 feet.

“It could have definitely had an effect on the plane if it had hit the engine or a wing and caused some damage. 200ft is pretty close. When the engine is running it is the suction that can direct the track of the drone.”

Flying drones at such high altitudes in freezing temperatures is also putting people’s lives at risk, according to Mr Vlaming.

He said: “Unlike drones, aircraft have anti-icing systems which blow hot air to prevent ice from forming on surfaces, such as the leading edge of the wings, which could disturb the lift of the aircraft.

He said: “If the drone ices up the propellers won’t work anymore. It can then drop which is when it becomes dangerous as it could hit another flight. It would puncture a hole in the skin of an aircraft.”

This would cause a loss in cabin pressure and the aircraft would have to drop to a safe altitude.

Mr Vlaming called for the licensing of drones.

He said: “I think people should have a licence – the same as you do to drive a car.

“If the battery runs out and the operator is somewhere far away, is the operator still in control if it? You don’t know where it might drop.”

Drone users are required to follow the official UK Dronecode published by the Civil Aviation Authority.

According to the code, drones must stay below 400ft, be at least 150ft away from people and properties and at least 500ft from crowds and built up areas. The drone must always be kept in sight of the user. It is their legal responsibility to ensure it is being flown safely. If a drone endangers the safety of an aircraft, it is a criminal offence.

A Civil Aviation Authority spokesperson said: “We strongly urge anyone flying a drone to keep at least two miles away from major airports and follow the drone code.”