Success for Lincolnshire Police Drone Education event

Lincolnshire Police were delighted to welcome members of the public and guest speakers to their education and information event on drone safety and legislation.   

The event was attended by members of our communities who wish to fly drones.  The event, led by Chief Drone Pilot, Kev Taylor, aimed to educate rather than enforce; they would rather people fly drones safely and legally.   

Feedback from people who attended was significant, in that there is a real need to engage and educate.  Comments included:

• “An excellent presentation.  Great way for those new to drones to understand legalities and how a safe airspace operates.  Many thanks to Kev and guests.”
• “Was incredibly informative and reassuring.  Thank you, especially to Kev @LincsCOPter for his 1-1 engagement.”
• “I really enjoyed it.  Was great to have guest speakers from all walks of drone life.  I learnt a lot as I’m new to it all. Thanks again.”

They were also joined by Sean Hickey from Geeksvana, a nationally recognised influencer and educator in the safe use of drones.  He gave a balanced view on flying drones and provided an insight into the law surrounding the hobby. 

Kev Taylor, Chief Drone Pilot for Lincolnshire Police, gave a great presentation showcasing how the use of drones in policing keeps people safe, can identify suspects on the run, can be used for intelligence purposes and for public events, can monitor crowd dynamics, be used for counter terrorism purposes.

Squadron Leader Simon Reavill, from Royal Air Force Waddington, gave a presentation on the dangers of drones to their aircraft which use the same airspace.  He talked about the provisions in the legislation to keep everyone safe, while enabling everyone to use the airspace for their own enjoyment. 

Chris Bradbury from the British Drone Flyers Association talked about the professional use of drones and went further into drone legislation, apps that are helpful and tips of the trade when flying a drone to keep everyone safe.

The event which was held at Police Headquarters, Nettleham, attracted national interest as a useful approach in engaging drone users.  This event runs alongside training for our own officers in what is an expanding hobby and profession.

The event, held on Sunday 25 September, was possible due to the guest speakers kindly giving their time for free.

Information on flying and using drones can  be found on the Civil Air Aviation website Remotely piloted aircraft and drones | Civil Aviation Authority (caa.co.uk)

For more information on the use of police drones, follow @LincsCOPter

25 September 2022