Drone flies near aircraft wing at Helsinki Airport, poses accidental risk

A serious incident occurred near Helsinki Airport two months ago, when a drone flew close to an aircraft wing while the aircraft was taking off, said the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency- Traficom in a press release on Thursday.

Traficom considers the occurrence a serious incident and stresses that anyone operating a drone must be aware of prohibited and restricted airspace areas.

The crew of a commercial aircraft taking off at Helsinki Airport observed a remote-controlled drone near the aircraft’s right wing on 13 May.

The aircraft was at an altitude of approximately 400 metres at the time. The estimated flight location is in the restricted UAS geographical zone established to protect Helsinki Airport, where flight is allowed at an altitude of up to 15 metres above obstacles in the immediate vicinity of obstacles.

“A higher flight altitude requires a permit issued by the air traffic service provider. The drone operator did not have a permit issued by air traffic control. A drone hitting the wing of an aircraft may cause significant damage, and the situation in question was very alarming,” said Director of Traficom Jari Pöntinen, adding that the Safety Investigation Authority have classified the incident as a serious incident.

According to EU legislation that entered into force in the beginning of 2021, drone operators must be registered, they must familiarise themselves with the regulations concerning the operation of drones and they must as a rule pass a theoretical exam to ensure flight safety.

Drone operators must also observe temporary prohibited and restricted areas that are regularly established in Finnish airspace.

There are currently more than 10,000 registered drone operators. Furthermore, the actual drone operators, or remote controllers, must familiarise themselves with the principles of flying drones and usually complete an online theoretical exam. Currently approximately 10,000 people have completed the exam.