Drone Daredevil Fined After Flying 12,000 Feet Over RAF Base
Thomas Ling, 34, from Brothertoft, has been slapped with fines and ordered to destroy all his drone kit after pleading guilty to multiple air navigation offences. The court heard Ling’s reckless drone flights put lives at risk and forced emergency flights to divert, sparking a major probe by Lincolnshire Police.
Sky-High Drone Stunts Threaten Air Safety
Flying drones is a popular pastime, but rules are strict. Operators must keep drones within visual line of sight and below 400 feet. This prevents dangerous collisions with planes that usually fly much higher. Ling ignored these laws spectacularly.
He was caught flying his drone up to a staggering 12,178 feet on 26 occasions from March to June 2024, far above the legal limit. His stunts caused the Royal Air Force, Air Ambulance, and National Police Air Service to divert flights. RAF Coningsby, just six miles from where Ling was flying, was particularly at risk.
Charges Stack Up: What Ling Did Wrong
- 25 offences flying without an operator licence ID
- 25 offences exceeding 400 feet height limit
- 26 offences flying beyond visual line of sight
- 1 offence using wireless telegraphy apparatus without an OFCOM licence
Police seized Ling’s drone gear — including a first-person view drone and two radio-controlled aircraft — before court ordered their destruction.
Police Warn: Flying Drones Recklessly Endangers Lives
“Drones must be flown responsibly and legally,” said Kev Taylor, Lincolnshire Police’s Chief Drone Pilot and Safety Manager. “Ling’s drone was modified to fly between 7,000 and 12,000 feet, risking safety in Lincolnshire’s busy airspace. We have RAF bases, the Red Arrows, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, Air Ambulance, and numerous commercial flights all sharing the skies.”
“Ling showed blatant disregard for public safety and aviation laws. This sentencing is a powerful reminder: breach drone regulations and you face serious consequences.”
Ling was hit with fines and costs totalling £1,205. His foolhardy high-flying antics caused chaos and danger, proving once again that when it comes to drones, the rules are there for a reason.
