Pilotless drones, one of this year's popular gifts has led to a stern warning from Britain's official aviation authority, the CAA.

Gone are the days when most children would be happy with a kite or a low-flying model aeroplane. Today drones can be bought for between 50 pounds(77.8 U.S. dollars) and 200 pounds, some with the ability to reach into Britain's strictly controlled air space.

The CAA, Britain's official Civil Aviation Authority, warned high-flyers they could face prosecution and a hefty fine of up to 5,000 pounds for flying their drones dangerously.

The British CAA this year successfully prosecuted two cases, with one man fined 800 pounds for flying a drone through restricted airspace over a nuclear submarine base in what was thought to be the first such prosecution anywhere in the world.

Weeks later a drone owner was fined for flying a quadcopter over a number of funfair rides at Alton Towers, a popular leisure park in Central England

The CAA cited one incident in which a drone came to within seven meters of a passenger jet as it was about to land at London's Heathrow Airport.

CAA regulations in force include a prohibition on flying remote-controlled devices over congested areas or within 50 meters (164ft) of people or buildings without official permission, with breaches resulting in the operator being taken before a criminal court.

CAA spokesman Gerry Corbett said: "Unmanned aircraft of various shapes and sizes have been popular Christmas presents this year. The technology has improved markedly over the last year. At the same time individual products, particularly those for the recreational market, have become much more affordable.

"People using multi-rotor devices, such as quadcopters, for fun have to understand they are subject to rules and the devices cannot be used indiscriminately."

Balpa, the British Airline Pilots Association, said it has already logged reports of drones being flown within meters of planes as they came in to land.

Balpa said some months ago a remote-controlled quadcopter - one of the most popular types of drone - came close to colliding with a passenger plane as it was preparing to land at Southend Airport in the southern England county of Essex.

Balpa's spokesman Steve Landells said: "We want people to enjoy drones, but it is really important that they understand the risks and know the rules. Some of the drones unwrapped on Christmas Day can reach heights of more than 600 meters (2,000 feet)."

He said drones flying close to civil aircraft can be extremely dangerous and can pose a major risk to passengers and people on the ground."

Interest in the much cheaper flying machines is likely to see more leisure drones taking to the skies above Britain. Meanwhile the CAA says it is working closely with police forces and other agencies on issues surrounding the flying of drones illegally. Endit

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