9 April 2019

Infringement issued after man flies drone at Mount Ainslie

| Lachlan Roberts
Join the conversation
2
Quadrocopters silhouette against the background of the sunset. Flying drones in the evening sky.

Drones are not allowed to be flown at Mount Ainslie because it is too close to the airport. File photo.

Authorities are reminding the community to keep out of controlled airspace after a man was issued an infringement for flying a drone at Mount Ainslie lookout.

After a member of the public reported a drone being flown illegally in the area, AFP officers attended the scene and interviewed a 28-year-old New South Wales man, who was on a brief visit to Canberra and did not realise he was flying in a restricted area.

The AFP referred the matter to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) who found there was no impact to airport operations on this occasion.

The man received an infringement and counselling notice was issued.

AFP Airport Police Commander Canberra Simon Henry stressed the seriousness of the incident, particularly given how close Mount Ainslie is to the airport.

“Our goal is to get passengers in and out of Canberra airport quickly and safely,” Superintendent Henry said.

“Flying drones in controlled airspace puts the safety of both Canberrans and our visitors at risk, and can lead to significant delays for travellers.

“It is your responsibility to know where you can and can’t fly, so please become familiar with the information and tools available to you.”

CASA spokesperson Peter Gibson said the drone safety rules protect people in the air and on the ground.

“The drone safety rules are simple and easy to follow – they’re designed to avoid hazards with other aircraft, people or property,” Mr Gibson said.

“This infringement should remind people not to fly drones within 5.5km from airports such as Canberra. It’s dangerous, and there can be serious consequences.”

Mr Gibson said CASA has produced a smartphone app illustrating where drones are not allowed to be flown. The Can I fly there? drone safety app reflects the standard operating conditions for those flying their drone recreationally or commercially.

For more on the rules around recreational drone use, click here.

Join the conversation

2
All Comments
  • All Comments
  • Website Comments
LatestOldest

“This infringement should remind people not to fly drones within 5.5km from airports such as Canberra. It’s dangerous, and there can be serious consequences.”

How will issuing an infringement to somebody visiting Canberra really remind people ? This post on RA is doing a better job of that.

I think they might be better off doing the same thing they did in the 60’s and 70’s, i.e. put up a sign where you aren’t allowed to do something then its abundantly clear when you are doing something out of the ordinary.

I guess though that drone owners are made aware of the smartphone app when they purchase drones at JB Hifi and the like ? Without any other preamble or forewarning, I would probably have tried flying my drone up there too if I had one.

Daily Digest

Want the best Canberra news delivered daily? Every day we package the most popular Riotact stories and send them straight to your inbox. Sign-up now for trusted local news that will never be behind a paywall.

By submitting your email address you are agreeing to Region Group's terms and conditions and privacy policy.