Calls to ramp up rules for flying drones

Hobby drones could cause catastrophic accidents if rules for flying them aren't tightened, a government senator warns.

Catastrophic accidents could be a reality without rule tightening on hobby drones, a government senator warns.

Coalition senator Barry O'Sullivan fears amateurs could fly drones into passenger jets or crop dusters.

"These people have got these pieces of tin with no training, no proficiency; up they go," he told ABC Radio.

Key crossbench senator Nick Xenophon is also backing new regulations.

"You can not buy a mobile phone in Australia without providing your driver's licence, without providing ID," he said.

"But you can just buy a drone, no need for identification, and you can fly it in the path of a commercial aircraft."