What happened
On December 11, 2014, an incident was reported involving the unauthorized entry of an unmanned aircraft (UAV) into the controlled zone (CTR) of Kraków Airport (EPLL). The report was initiated following the discovery of video footage on YouTube, which showed aerial filming being conducted within the airport's controlled airspace. The operator of the UAV had neither requested flight permission from the appropriate air traffic management authority nor notified the Kraków Tower (TWR EPLL) air traffic services of the intention to operate within the controlled area.
The investigation
Following the report, the PKBW and subsequent investigations successfully identified the UAV operator. During the inquiry, the operator admitted to performing filming flights within the controlled airspace. The investigation established that the operator was unaware of the legal requirement to obtain authorization from the relevant air traffic control authorities, nor did they possess sufficient knowledge regarding the regulations governing the use of unmanned aircraft in controlled airspace.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the operator's lack of awareness regarding the regulations and rules governing the use of unmanned aircraft in controlled airspace.
- The operator failed to coordinate flight intentions with the appropriate air traffic management body.
- The operator lacked the necessary knowledge of the legal framework for operating UAVs in controlled environments.