UK Edition
Drones in near-misses with planes almost once a week as pilots warn of 'unacceptably high' crash risk
The number of reported near-misses between drones and planes is on the rise with almost one every week so far in 2016, according to new figures.
Freedom of Information requests show that there have been 49 "proximity reports" by pilots since April 2014.
Pilots have called for better safety regulation to prevent a collision as the risk remains "unacceptably high".
Drone users are advised to consult Civil Aviation Authority regulations and obtain permission from landowners before flying their devices.
But the figures show that in the first four months of 2016, there were 15 reported near-misses, more than half of total of 29 in the previous 12 months.
Civil Aviation Authority data, obtained by the i newspaper, shows that there have been 16 incidents where there was a serious risk of collision and 12 where the safety of the aircraft may have been compromised.
Steve Landells, flight safety specialist at the British Airline Pilots Association (Balpa), said: "Unless action is taken, Balpa believes the risk of collision is unacceptably high."
Rules already in place for drone users say they must be able to see the craft at all times and must not fly above 400ft (122m).
Drones fitted with cameras must not be flown within 50m (164ft) of people, vehicles or buildings, or over congested areas or large gatherings such as concerts and sports events.
In the Queen's Speech, it was announced that the Government would introduce new regulations on drones in a Modern Transport Bill.
There have been dozens of reports of near misses involving drones and airliners near airports in recent months, leading to calls for unmanned aircraft to be licensed.
Last month, a drone was believed to have collided with a British Airways flight landing at Heathrow, although it later emerged it might have been a false alarm and could have involved a plastic bag.
A study by research firm the Teal Group estimated that drone production will soar from the current level of £2.8 billion annually to £9.7 billion, totalling £65 billion in the next 10 years.
Military drone research would boost this figure to £85 billion over the decade.