Parents are being warned about buying drones for their children this Christmas.
Careful consideration should be taken to decipher which drones are toys, and which are classed as aircraft.
There are strict rules around certain models of drones - including airspace and privacy restrictions.
The Irish Aviation Authority says penalties will be imposed on those who don't follow the guidelines.
Their operations director, Jim Gavin, a former Dublin GAA manager, has this advice for what drone to buy: "I have a drone that's close to half a kilo in weight.
"Obviously, if that's moving at speed and that hit's somebody it'll injure them and probably injure them seriously.
"In the context, if somebody is an adult, it might be a bigger drone and that's fine. Just get your certificate as a drone pilot and have fun!"
#WATCH The Irish Aviation Authority has launched its Drone Safely Campaign ahead of Christmas @RobOHanrahan reports ⤵️#VMNews | @IAApress | #DroneSafety pic.twitter.com/h68NLcu0Ha
— Virgin Media News (@VirginMediaNews) December 7, 2022
The Irish Aviation Authority has launched its Drone Safely Campaign ahead of Christmas, in anticipation of an influx of new drones in households.
The message is very simple: If your drone is more than 250 grams, or if it has a camera, you have to register it.
The onus is on the owner to educate themselves about the item and remember to have fun.
