Aviation authorities are taking a stand against drone operators putting the public at risk.

While fines are being imposed - one operator was fined for flying into the path of an plane at a Taupo airfield - many say it's not enough.

New Zealand Air Line Pilots' Association technical director Rob Torenvlied told Newstalk ZB's Mike Hosking operators should be pushed to have a license.

He says the Civil Aviation Authority's lax approach to operators is dangerous and the skies are a free for all.