Sector

21 May 2018

Your say: Public consultation on drones (unmanned aircraft)

The European Commission is conducting an open public consultation relating to the possible adoption of rules applicable to drone operations.

Any changes in the rules may affect professional pest management companies that use drones as a tool within their business.

All EU citizens and organisations are invited to contribute to this consultation.

Drones can be a useful tool for professional pest management companies. Changes to the law will likely affect pest controllers who use Unmanned Aircraft.

The consultation considers:

  • Basic rules that drones as a product must meet
  • Basic rules that operators must meet
  • Benefits drones can bring
  • Approval from the aviation authority
  • Privacy, data protection, and security requirements

The results will feed into the new rules on drones and drones operations and possible future follow-up rules related to drone operations.

The questionnaire concerns the civil use of drones for public use as well as recreational and commercial activity.

Have your say 

Consultation ends: 9 July 2018

According to the European Commission, Unmanned aircraft (drones) can bring substantial benefits to the society at large and growing businesses.

In Europe, drones are being used for aerial photography, safety inspections of infrastructure, such as rail tracks, dams, bridges or power grids, disaster relief, eg to overfly flooded areas or to support firefighting, and also to support precision farming through more effective and timely application of fertilisers or pesticides. At the same time, the use of drones raises sometimes questions among a general public with regard to safety, security and privacy.

European Commission

Drones have many applications that pest management companies could use, including doing safer, quicker and more comprehensive site-surveys of difficult to access areas. 

Source: Online

Highlights View all news

10 November 2026

Latest news

New Level 3 pest management qualification gets RSPH sign off

The development of the new Level 3 Certificate in Pest Management qualification has reached a significant milestone following formal sign-off.

Read more

29 October 2026

Latest news

Shape housing policy and reduce the misery caused by pest infestations at home

Nobody deserves to live with a pest infestation. Sharing what you’ve seen in people’s homes can help BPCA secure stronger, workable protections for residents.

Read more

26 August 2026

Latest news

SOFHT announced as first strategic partner for PestAware Summit 2027

British Pest Control Association (BPCA) has announced the Society of Food Hygiene and Technology (SOFHT) as the first strategic partner for PestAware Summit 2027.

Read more
Latest View all news

10 November 2026

Latest news

New Level 3 pest management qualification gets RSPH sign off

The development of the new Level 3 Certificate in Pest Management qualification has reached a significant milestone following formal sign-off.

Read more

09 November 2026

Latest news

GET INVOLVED: Members wanted to star in short documentary

We’re looking for up to five small and medium-sized BPCA servicing member companies to feature in a short documentary that shows the people behind professional pest management.

Read more

03 November 2026

Latest news

PGM & Son launches Who Gives a Rat’s Arse? winter campaign

Press release: With rodents accounting for 48% of PGM & Son’s recorded pest activity in Herefordshire during 2025, the BPCA member has launched a public awareness campaign.

Read more