Reckless Drone Pilot Fined for Flying at Extreme Heights Near RAF Base

A man in the United Kingdom has been fined and his drone equipment ordered destroyed after pleading guilty to multiple offenses involving dangerously high drone flights. Thomas Ling, 34, of Brothertoft, admitted to four charges at Boston Magistrates Court on August 28, 2024.

Extreme Altitudes Posed Serious Risk

Ling’s most egregious violation was flying his first-person view (FPV) drone at altitudes up to 12,178 feet – over 30 times the Legal limit of 400 feet. Between March 1 and June 18, 2024, he conducted 26 flights exceeding 7,000 feet near Boston, just six miles from RAF Coningsby.

Kev Taylor, Chief Drone Pilot for Lincolnshire Police, stated, “Ling’s drone was adapted so that it could be flown at such high altitudes often flying between 7000 and 12000 feet. Lincolnshire airspace is congested; we have multiple RAF bases and civilian airfields in our county.”

Disruption to Air Traffic

The risks posed by these extreme flights were so severe that the Royal Air Force, Air Ambulance, and National Police Air Service had to divert flights away from the area for several days. This disruption to critical services underscores the potential dangers of irresponsible drone use.

Multiple Violations

In addition to altitude breaches, Ling was charged with:

• Flying without an operator license ID (25 occasions)
• Flying beyond visual line of sight (26 offenses)
• Using wireless telegraphy apparatus without an OFCOM license

Penalties and Equipment Destruction

The court imposed fines and costs totaling £1,205 ($1,530) on Ling. Additionally, all seized drone equipment was ordered to be destroyed.

Taylor emphasized, “The regulations are there to ensure drones are operated safely without causing a risk to the public and airspace users. Ling has shown a repeated and blatant disregard for the legislation and the safety of both the public and airspace users in Lincolnshire.”

DroneXL’s Take

This case highlights the critical importance of responsible drone operation, especially in areas with sensitive airspace. The extreme altitudes reached by Ling’s modified drone posed a serious threat to both civilian and military aircraft. It’s a stark reminder of why drone regulations exist and the potential consequences of ignoring them.

Recent articles on DroneXL have covered the increasing use of drones by law enforcement and the ongoing development of Remote ID systems. Cases like Ling’s demonstrate why such measures are necessary to ensure the safety of our skies and the continued positive development of the Drone Industry.

What are your thoughts on this case and the penalties imposed? Share your opinion in the comments section below.