Drones are still popular presents and with Christmas just around the corner, they will probably be underneath numerous people’s trees this festive season.

They may seem like a fun, harmless toy, but they can actually pose a risk and a range of issues to the aviation industry, with the owners being legally responsible and could face prosecution if breaching Civil Aviation Authority regulations.

To ensure recipients of drones don’t fall on the wrong side of the law, Manchester Airport has all the information people need to know before taking to the skies this Christmas.

Rad Taylor, operations director at Manchester Airport said: “Drones continue to increase in popularity but what people aren’t aware of are the risks they can cause to airport operations across the UK.

“If they pass into our airspace (and permission is needed for this) they can cause issues which may result in delays for our airlines and passengers.

“When you fly a drone in the UK it is your responsibility to be aware of the rules that are in place to keep everyone safe and if breached you can find yourself on the wrong side of the law.

“It is for this reason that we have created a handy guide for anyone getting a drone from Santa this Christmas.”

People should follow these simple steps to make sure they fly safe, and legally:

• Make sure you can see your drone at all times and don’t fly higher than 400 feet.
• Always keep your drone away from aircraft, helicopters, airports and airfields.
• Use your common sense and fly safely; you could be prosecuted if you don’t.

Drones fitted with cameras must not be flown within 50 metres of people, vehicles, buildings or structures or over congested areas or large gatherings such as concerts and sports events.

The CAA has also created a useful video and a leaflet for anyone flying a drone: