Heathrow Airport pilots see two near misses over drones

In a report by Airprox Board, the events were documented as "high risk" incidents and air traffic control was notified to warn subsequent flights.

On July 25 the pilot of a B787 Aircraft reported a sighting of a drone at 7:02pm at 3,000ft above Windsor.

The Airprox Board report states: "The B787 pilot reports that they were on a departure from Heathrow, passing 3000ft in the climb, when they saw a drone."

The drone got within 20ft of the plane, however, while it was close, the pilot deemed that the drone would pass below and to the left.

The drone was described as "white" with "multiple props" but no lights. 

It is documented how the pilot notified TC South-West Deps control who passed the information to Heathrow Tower.

Another incident was reported on August 24 when the pilot of A320 reported a drone sighting at 6:34pm.

On approach to a Heathrow runway, Air Traffic Control advised of reports of a done at 1,400ft.

They had estimated that it had missed the plane's left-hand side by about 20ft maximum.

These aren't the first incidents to have taken place at Heathrow this year, with a runway being closed in April after a drone got within 3ft of a plane.

On April 8 the pilot of an Airbus A320 reported a sighting of a drone at 11:35am 3,000ft above Maidenhead.

Originally spotted on the right-hand side of the plane, Air Traffic Control asked the pilot if they were happy to continue their approach to the runway, to which the pilot approved as the drone was staying to the right of the centreline of their approach.

However, the drone later flew under the left wing, reportedly "only a few meters" from the engine.

Air Traffic Control was updated on the drone's movements and made the decision to close the runway.

Heathrow Airport is subject to "strict regulations" regarding the use of drone operations near airports to ensure the safety of aircraft and passengers.

On Heathrow Airport's website, it states: "The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has designated certain areas around airports as "no-fly zones" for drones, and it is illegal to fly a drone in these areas without permission from the airport and the CAA.

"If a drone is spotted in the vicinity of an airport, it can cause serious disruption to flight operations, as planes may have to be diverted or grounded until the drone is safely removed."

Heathrow Airport has measures in place to detect and deter drones.

Thames Valley Police and The Metropolitan Aviation Police have reaffirmed this.

They have said under the Air Navigation Order 2016 that endangering safety on an aircraft can carry up to five years in prison and operating an unmanned aircraft within a flight restriction zone without permission can lead to a fine of up to £2,500.