Drone distraction threat 'may halt' 2018 Isle of Man TT races
The Isle of Man's Civil Aviation Administration has banned drones from being flown during TT races, and says practice sessions and races could be halted if they are spotted
Drone operators will face large fines if they flout the 'no-fly zone', which will be imposed across the island's famous mountain course during this year's TT races between May 26 and June 8.
Drone operation will be banned within 1000 metres of the route, whenever the roads are closed for the racing.
Only authorised drones, such as the one operated in support of the police, will be allowed to enter this airspace.
"Drones can pose a serious distraction to riders, and race marshals are informed to immediately report any drones to race control and the police which may result in the practice or race being halted," said Civil Aviation Administration director Colin Gill.
Breaching the rules could incur a fine of £2500.
"The airspace above the TT course can get busy with emergency and filming activity by helicopters before, during and after racing or practising takes place," added Gill.
"The Southern 100 course is also located within three miles distance of Isle of Man Airport within which drones should not be flown due to the dangers they could pose to an aircraft taking off or landing at the airport."
Video: How to save a massive moment in the Isle of Man TT
Isle of Man TT 2018: Harrison and Dunlop fastest in first sessions
The latest Rich Energy saga amid Superbikes team sponsorship
Controversial energy drinks company Rich Energy and owner William Storey is once again at the centre of a motorsport storm, this time with British Superbike squad OMG Racing.
Inquest finds reason for mistaken identity of TT Sidecar racer killed in crash
An inquest into the fatal Isle of Man TT Sidecar accident that claimed the life of Cesar Chanal found that the French crew were carrying each other’s dog tags.
McGuinness will happily ‘blow wind up the arse’ of TT rookie Irwin
Isle of Man TT legend John McGuinness has heaped praise on event rookie and Honda team-mate Glenn Irwin, saying he's happy to “stand here and blow wind up his arse”.
The moral complexities of the Isle of Man TT that can’t be ignored
OPINION: The 2022 Isle of Man TT was marred by the tragic deaths of five competitors, with two others still in a serious condition after accidents. Death is an accepted part of the event, which makes it easy for armchair observers to misunderstand. But questions over the event's future aren't as black and white as they may appear...
How a much-needed 'revolution' is key to a motorsport gem's future
OPINION: The Isle of Man TT is one of motorsport’s oldest events and one of its most revered. After a COVID-enforced two-year hiatus, the TT is back in 2022 and for the first time will be broadcast live, a much-needed move that will help to address some of the fundamental problems it faces
How the world's fastest road racer is helping Britain's motorcycling future
Britain has dominated motorcycle racing for three decades, but its representation at the top table is in decline. Looking to provide fresh energy and opportunity in the junior ranks, the world's fastest road racer Peter Hickman may have found a solution
The far-reaching impact of cancelling motorcycling's greatest race
The coronavirus-induced cancellation of the Isle of Man TT was unavoidable, but as thoughts turn to its return in 2021, the ramifications could be felt for a long time yet
How the IoM TT's greatest race was won
In our final feature looking back at the major motorsport moments from the 2010s, we recall a day at the 2018 Isle of Man TT that featured broken records and the making of a new star of the motorbike road racing scene
What went wrong with McGuinness's TT comeback
John McGuinness targeted scoring a podium "at least" with Norton at the Isle of Man TT, but his return to the island - in the major classes at least - could scarcely have gone worse. What next for the veteran after his most disappointing TT?
What the TT means to those who have braved it
OPINION: The Isle of Man TT is an event like few others in motorsport - and it has a reputation for being incredibly dangerous. But to those involved in the competition, it has a completely different standing
The unavoidable headache challenging TT organisers
For much of the 2019 Isle of Man TT fortnight so far, the weather has dominated the headlines as rain has forced a series of delays and cancellations. This may be frustrating to fans, but stems from the unique challenge that makes the event a motorsport gem
The importance of short-circuit racing for TT success
Isle of Man TT riders using short-circuit races to warm up for the main event is nothing new, but the success of some relative newcomers to the TT in recent years has resulted in a more seismic shift in preparations