AFTER government tests showed a small drone could smash a helicopter's windscreen new restrictions have been put in place around airports and local airfields, including Cotswold Airport.

Recent tests conducted by the government showed that drones pose a potentially deadly threat to other aircraft.

Tests found that a 400g drone could smash a helicopter’s windscreen. A 2kg drone could do “critical damage” to a passenger jet’s windscreen.

In line with the new rules Cotswold Airport has introduced a 5km 'no fly-zone' for all types of drone, model aircraft and any kind of powered flying toy.

An additional restriction is in place around the airspace approaching the runway areas. Both restricted areas extend from ground level up to a height of 2,000 ft.

It is illegal to fly any drone at any time within these areas unless permission has been given by Cotswold Airport air traffic control or the airport authority.

New regulations come after drones spotted near Gatwick Airport led to flight operations being shut down for more than a day in December.

The number of incidents involving drones and other aircraft has grown dramatically, from zero in 2013 to 93 in 2017, just four years later.

According to the British Airline Pilots Association between January and November last year, there had been 117 incidents.

For more information, please email ops@cotswoldairport.com or visit dronesafe.uk