‘This could have been the difference between life and death!’ Man who flew drones so high near Boston home the RAF and ambucopter had to find alternative routes tells court he is ‘genuinely sorry’
A man who was flying his drones so high the RAF and ambucopter were forced to restrict their travel in the area was told his actions ‘could have been the difference between life and death’.
Thomas Ling took up the hobby after being diagnosed with a heart condition, but got ‘carried away’ with his new pastime, a court was told.
It was an error of judgement that saw the 34-year-old - who was flying his drones at more than 12,000 feet, 30-times higher than the legal limit of 400 feet - fined more than £1,200 and forced to forfeit his equipment.
Prosecutor Jade Salter told Boston Magistrates’ Court these actions had implications for the RAF, as well as the Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance and police helicopters.
“Police were made aware of the information that he had made multiple flights above the 12,000 feet limit,” she explained on Wednesday (August 28).
“He made 25 flights above the 400 feet limit and the drone must remain in his line of sight.
“This posed a danger to the RAF as they had to put a notice out to restrict flying around the area. It caused significant disruption.”
Ling had been flying the drones near his home on Main Road, Brothertoft, near Boston.
Defending Ling, Lewis Troughton said his client had taken up flying drones after being diagnosed with a heart condition that meant he could no longer pursue his previous hobbies.
“My client had not read all the rules and regulations,” he explained.
“As someone who had to read all the rules and regulations last night I can sympathise. It’s not an easy read.
“He got a little bit carried away and had no idea he had interrupted anyone in any way.”
Mr Troughton read out a statement by Ling in which he said he was ‘genuinely and extremely sorry’ for his actions and that flying drones had aided his ‘mental health and wellbeing’ at a difficult time.
Chair of the bench Julie Nuttell told the defendant that ‘ignorance is not an excuse’.
“Although unaware of the problem, you have caused a lot of disruption for the RAF, police helicopter and Air Ambulance,” she added.
“This could have been the difference between life and death for people.”
Ling - who now claims benefits following his diagnosis - pleaded guilty to 26 offences of flying without an operator licence ID, 25 offences of exceeding the max height of 400 feet, 26 offences of flying beyond visual line of sight and one offence of installing or using wireless telegraphy apparatus without a license granted by OFCOM - all between March 1 and June 18 of this year.
He was fined £800 and ordered to pay a £320 surcharge and £85 costs.
Magistrates also ordered the forfeiture and destruction of the drones.
Speaking after the hearing, Kev Taylor, chief drone pilot and safety manager at Lincolnshire Police, said: "Drones have so many great uses, but they need to be flown responsibly and legally. The regulations are there to ensure drones are operated safely without causing a risk to the public and airspace users.
"Ling's drone was adapted so that it could be flown at such high altitudes often flying between 7000 and 12000 feet. Lincolnshire airspace is congested; we have multiple RAF bases and civilian airfields in our county, including the Red Arrows, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, the Air Ambulance, private and commercial aircraft operating daily.
"Ling has shown a repeated and blatant disregard for the legislation and the safety of both the public and airspace users in Lincolnshire."
