Airborne conflicts with drones
What this relates to:
Undesirable encounters between drones and aircraft in the air. Specifically:
- Collision between a drone and a flying aircraft
- Close encounters between a drone and a flying aircraft
- Presence of a flying drone in the vicinity of an aerodrome
Example:
Aerial photographs of an aerodrome are cool! Two teenagers fly their drone over the aerodrome. Without authorisation. Air traffic control notices the drone. It delays the take-off of an aircraft to prevent a collision between drone and aircraft.
Remarks on the 2024 figures:
With 68 potential conflict situations reported to the FOCA (56 in Switzerland and/or foreign airspace controlled by Skyguide), 2024 remained in the same order of magnitude as the last two years and very close to the pre-COVID average of 2017–2019 (66.32 in total, 54 in Switzerland and foreign airspace controlled by Skyguide). The number of reported potential conflicts with helicopters (10 in 2024) has also remained in the same order of magnitude since 2022 and oscillates slightly above the pre-COVID average.
One collision between a leisure drone (< 250g) and a manned general aviation aircraft was reported, with minor damage to the plane. The drone was destroyed.
The number of registered pilots of drones and/or model aircraft increased from 67,838 at the end of 2023 to 94,403 in mid-December 2024. Although the number of registered pilots is not the same as the number of active pilots or the number of flights with drones, it is most likely that drone flights have been increasing over the years. In that context, the fact that the number of potential conflicts with manned aviation seems to be stable is rather positive and could indicate growing awareness and knowledge among the general public of the rules when flying drones.
However, there are still reports of drones flying near helicopters, sometimes during rescue operations, which shows that at least some members of the public lack awareness of the very high risk that a collision can entail. This is particularly the case with helicopters, which are more vulnerable in the event of a collision (see guest article: Small drone, big danger – How a drone delays a Rega mission).
It is important to note that it is generally prohibited to operate drones in the open category beyond the visual line of sight (BVLOS). This type of flight is more dangerous, as the surroundings of the drone cannot be monitored adequately and is therefore subject to authorisation by the FOCA.
In conclusion, while most reported incidents had at most negligible consequences, a collision between a drone and a manned aircraft can have serious consequences. It is important that drone pilots know and comply with the relevant safety rules, in particular with the flight restrictions, and that they continuously monitor the airspace surrounding their drone in order to stay well clear of any manned aircraft. General aviation pilots must remain aware that amongst other hazards, small drones fly below minimum VFR height above ground.
