More than 24,000 drone pilots trained in Ireland

More than 24,000 people have been trained as drone pilots in Ireland, the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) has said.

It has launched its Christmas “Drone Safely” campaign to urge people to register as an operator and to learn the rules before flying.

They say drone use has risen “exponentially” in recent years, and since 2021 they have registered more than 9,200 drone operators and trained more than 26,000 drone pilots.

Anyone flying a drone with a camera, which weighs more than 250g or which could hit someone with a particular force, must register as a drone operator under the law.

Enda Walsh, the IAA’S drone manager said: “Thankfully the vast majority of drone users are compliant with the regulations.

“However, with the rapid growth of drone usage, we are concerned that new pilots may not be aware of their responsibilities, which can lead to unsafe flying.”

The organisation also encourages members of the public to report unsafe drone use to them.