The incident occurred during a fly-past by the RAF’s Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Hurricane at the Buxton Carnival in July 2022. The fly-past was protected at the time by a temporary airspace restriction that prohibited all other flying in the area, including drones. Images taken on the day showed the drone flying dangerously close to the Hurricane’s wing, which was being watched by an estimated 20,000 people. Officers worked to identify the drone operator, a 49-year-old man from Buxton, and confiscated his drone as part of their investigation. It was flying over Buxton at the time of the fly-by, according to analysis. Mark Bagguley, of Chatsworth Road, Fairfield, was arrested and charged with endangering an aircraft and flying out of the visual line of sight. He pleaded guilty to both charges before magistrates at Chesterfield Justice Centre yesterday and will be sentenced in February. Following the incident, the Civil Aviation Authority and police are reminding drone operators of the importance of flying legally and safely. The way the pilot flew his drone was unsafe, illegal, and totally unacceptable,” said Pc Matt Moore, Flight Safety Manager for the Derbyshire Constabulary drone team. “Anyone who uses a drone must follow the rules to ensure that they fly safely. As a police drone unit, we understand the benefits that drones can bring to society, but using a drone in this manner not only jeopardises the safety of aircraft and the public, but it also jeopardises the future use of drones. “This is for your own safety as well as the safety of those around you.” Drones must be flown safely and legally within the limits of their operating category. Operator registration, pilot competency, and maintaining separation distances from members of the public, built-up areas, and manned aviation are all part of this. All drone operators are responsible for ensuring that the drone is flown safely and legally at all times. Those found using drones to commit crimes will be investigated and may face prosecution.