The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said drone users need to check airspace before flying and only do so where it is "safe and legal" to operate.
The CAA reminder came after a man pleaded guilty at a court in Chesterfield on January 9 to endangering an aircraft and operating a drone out of the visual line of sight.
“Flying a drone and endangering an aircraft in this way is totally unacceptable," said Jonathan Nicholson, CAA assistant director. "Drone users have an obligation to understand and follow the rules. While flying a drone can be great fun, it also comes with significant responsibilities," he added.
As well as warning of the potentially negative impact of illicit drone-flying, the CAA in a separate statement said it was canvassing the UK public for opinions on what environment-related information should be provided to people purchasing flight tickets.