Drone owners warned of restrictions during racing

Drone operators have been warned that flying them above restricted areas during motorcycle racing events on the Isle of Man could lead to fines of up to £10,000.

No-fly zones will be in place during all practice and race periods on the Isle of Man TT course and the Billown Circuit in the south of the island.

The Department of Enterprise (DfE) said the restrictions would apply to all drones, regardless of their weight or size.

Deputy director of civil aviation, Colin Gill, said the airspace above the TT Course was used by emergency and filming helicopters "before, during and after racing and practice sessions", and drones could "pose a serious distraction to riders".

"Marshals are instructed to report any drone sightings immediately to race control and the police, which may result in practice or racing being stopped," he added.

The ban will be in place in the vicinity of each course during events.

Isle of Man TT races: 25 May - 7 June

Classic TT & Manx Grand Prix: 16 – 28 August

Pre-TT Classic races: 22 – 24 May

Southern 100 races: 6 – 9 July

An additional no-fly zone will be in place during the Red Arrows display over Douglas Bay on 4 June, when the use of drones will be banned within 6 miles (9.7km) of the RAF jets between 19:20 BST and 20:10.

However, the DfE said drone use in the restricted areas by the Isle of Man Constabulary and the event's official media partners had been agreed "following co-ordination with race control, helicopter operators and the Civil Aviation Administration".

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