The Manitoba RCMP is reminding the public about drone rules after a recent incident.
Last week, officers were on the scene of a serious traffic collision, when a drone was flying over the scene. As a result, the STARS air ambulance was delayed at the scene as they could not land with the drone in the area.
While officers have been unable to identify the operator at this time, they want to remind the public that operating a drone in an area where police and first responders are could interfere with live-saving measures and a fine could be handed out up to $1,000.
There are several regulations that you must abide by should you be using a drone.
• below 90 m above the ground;
• at least 30 m away from vehicles, vessels, and the public (if your drone weighs more than 250 g up to 1 kg);
• at least 75 m away from vehicles, vessels, and the public (if your drone weighs more than 1 kg up to 35 kg);
• at least 5.5 km away from aerodromes (any airport, seaplane base, or areas where aircraft take-off and land);
• at least 1.8 km away from heliports or aerodromes used by helicopters only;
• outside of controlled or restricted airspace;
• at least 9 km away from a natural hazard or disaster area;
• away from areas where the operation could interfere with firefighters, police or first responders;
• during the day and not in clouds or smoke;
• within your sight at all times;
• within 500 m of yourself or closer; and
• must be marked with your name, address and phone number.
In a press release, the RCMP had the following to say.
“In an emergency, it is imperative that all necessary resources are able to respond,” said Corporal Ryan Cadotte of the Manitoba RCMP Remotely Piloted Aircraft System unit. “I urge all drone pilots to be responsible and ensure they know and follow all regulations under the Canadian Aviation Regulations. These regulations are in place for everyone’s safety.”
For more information on where your drone can be used and the regulations around it, head here.
