UAE aviation authority gives drone warning

Drone enthusiasts are being urged to practice their hobby only in accredited clubs for safety and security reasons.

The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) said that "light air sports" enthusiasts must only operate their drones in clubs that have been approved by the authority, according to the state news agency Wam. 

The announcement is part of a new campaign organised by the GCAA to raise awareness of light air sports. 

"It is not merely a flying game, but a sport that requires mental focus and accuracy to enable users to harmonise mental commands and hand movements to fly their drone," said Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, director-general of GCAA. 

The campaign is a joint effort launched in cooperation with the Air Support Department at the Directorate General of Security Support at the General Secretariat of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, and runs for two weeks during February. 

Al Suwaidi called upon those who wish to fly drones to make sure they go through the proper training and practice programmes. Drones users were also warned against equipping their models with laser devices, cameras or other projection devices.