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Drone came within 20 metres of plane at Edinburgh Airport

Officers believe it may have been piloted from the Bathgate or Armadale areas.

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An airline pilot was forced to take evasive action after a drone came within 20 metres of his plane as he prepared to land in Edinburgh.

The Loganair flight landed safely just after 1pm on Friday but there could have been “far more serious consequences” had there been a collision, Police Scotland warned.

The plane was descending at about 4,000ft when the pilot was forced to avoid the drone.

Officers believe it may have been piloted from the Bathgate or Armadale areas.

The Loganair flight landed safely. (Logan/PA)
The Loganair flight landed safely. (Logan/PA)

Guidelines state drones are supposed to be kept “well away” from airports and landing strips, and should always be within the sight of a pilot and below 400ft to avoid any potential collisions.

Chief Inspector Barry Blair said: “The pilot was forced to take evasive action to avoid a collision whilst preparing to land the plane. Had these aircraft collided, the consequences could have been far more serious.

“We are working alongside the aviation authorities to identify the pilot of the drone and determine the full circumstances surrounding this incident.

“Drone users are reminded only to operate their crafts within the guidelines set out by the Civil Aviation Authority and should consult the legislation should they have any queries about appropriate drone use.”

(Lesley Martin/Edinburgh Airport/PA)
(Lesley Martin/Edinburgh Airport/PA)

A spokesman for Edinburgh Airport said: “People should be in no doubt of the seriousness of this issue.

“We would ask that all users understand the legislation and guidelines surrounding drone usage and behave responsibly.”

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