THEY are the must-have gifts that have been flying off the shelves.

Unmanned flying drones have gone from deadly weapons to popular Christmas presents within the space of a few years – but now warnings have been issued that using them incorrectly could lead to injuries, damage and even power cuts.

The south’s leading electricity provider says the craft could cause mayhem if misused saying crashes into power lines or substations could cause power cuts.

And the body responsible for ensuring safety in the skies over Hampshire says users face criminal prosecution if they aren’t used properly.

Once better known as weapons used by the US military in Afghanistan unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are now an increasingly popular hobby for thousands of people throughout the country.

About 30,000 have been bought by British families this year, many of them as Christmas presents.

The electrical chain Maplin says sales are up 300 per cent on last year.

But with their increasing use by amateurs has come a series of warnings to make sure they are used correctly.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has laid out a set of guidelines to ensure their safe use, which mean they cannot be used within 50m of any person, vehicle or building to ensure there is no danger to privacy or safety.

Daily Echo:

An aerial picture of the Waterside area taken by a drone

And there has also been a warning that drones and model helicopters could even cause power cuts.

Southern Electric Power Distribution (SEPD) says the gadgets are likely to cause havoc if not used properly.

SEPD is urging novice pilots to steer a course away from its substations and overhead lines.

Bev Keogh, the company’s head of operations, explains: “These model planes and drones that are on the market nowadays are really powerful and capable of flying at tremendous heights and speeds.

“If one of them were to strike a power line or crash into a substation, it could damage an important piece of equipment and cause a power cut.”

Head Agister Jonathan Gerrelli, one of the agisters employed to deal with day-to-day issues involving animals in the New Forest, said: “If they were used in close proximity to the animals then it could be a problem, for instance if someone divebombed a group of ponies then it would panic them.”

Despite the warnings – which also include rules banning the flight of drones over built-up areas – there have been a number of incidents over the past 12 months.

A drone came close to hitting an aircraft as it landed at Heathrow Airport last year.

While the plane was able to land safely, safety body the UK Airprox Board said drones posed a risk to flights and were of “considerable concern”.

And Robert Knowles, from Cumbria, was prosecuted and fined £800 by the CAA for flying his drone in restricted airspace over a nuclear submarine facility.

And with even more drones in the sky, the CAA have renewed their appeal to pilots to keep the skies above Hampshire and the UK safe.

A spokesman for the organisation said: “People who use drones need to use common sense when flying them.

“Don’t be irresponsible, don’t fly them close to the airport or other sensitive areas, take a good look around and think if you can fly it around safely where you are.

“If you can’t, then don’t fly it.”

Aerial shots give Mark’s pictures a new perspective

Daily Echo:

NOT long ago these images could have only been captured from a plane or helicopter.

But now a Hampshire photographer is using a drone to take stunning aerial photographs of the county without even leaving the ground.

Retail manager Mark Baker, the man behind these breathtaking shots of the New Forest, aims to run a commercial service once he gets the all clear from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

The 33-year-old founder of Naughty Cat Media said: “I’ve been a part-time photographer for the best part of ten years.

Daily Echo:

Fawley Oil Refinery from a drone

“After seeing an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) I decided to get one myself – it was an itch I’d wanted to scratch for some time.

“The device is very compact and fits in a small suitcase when it’s folded up. It is fully GPS and can even fly itself home if necessary.”

“I can photograph something from any angle or elevation, enabling me to view things from a
completely new perspective.

“I’ve been going to the Rhinefield area of the Forest for many years but it wasn’t until I photographed it from 100ft that I realised it contained a heart-shaped plantation, probably as the
result of human intervention.

Daily Echo:

An aerial photograph taken by Mark Baker at Ashlett Creek

“I’m having so much fun and getting such good results that I’m planning to offer a commercial service once I get permission from the CAA.”

Mark has already used the drone to take atmospheric shots of Fawley refinery on a misty day and yachts anchored on both sides of nearby Ashlett Creek.

He added: “I think Ashlett Creek is one of my favourites. From the lighting it could almost be a painting.”