Halifax District RCMP would like to speak with the operator of a drone that was in the vicinity of the Halifax Stanfield International Airport property.
Just after 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, RCMP responded to a complaint that a pilot had observed a drone outside of the airport property while taking off from the airport’s secondary runway. Upon arrival, RCMP observed the drone flying in the vicinity of the airport. Extensive patrols were made, however, the drone and the operator were not located.
RCMP cannot stress enough the dangers involved with such actions. “Not only are you potentially jeopardizing the safety of all passengers and crew on flights, you are breaking the law,” says S/Sgt. Anthony Pompeo, Watch Commander – Halifax District RCMP.
Transport Canada’s rules for recreational drone users stipulate the following:
· may fly 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 operation could interfere with police or first responders
· during the day and not in clouds
· within your sight at all times
· within 500 m of yourself or closer
· only if clearly marked with your name, address, and telephone number
Using a drone in a reckless and negligent manner could lead to penalties under the Aeronautics Act and Criminal Code, which could result in fines and jail time. To report a drone incident: http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/civilaviation/opssvs/report-drone-incident.html
The RCMP continues to investigate and would ask that ask that anyone with information about this incident contact Halifax District RCMP at 902-490-5020. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you can also contact Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or text TIP202 + your message to ‘CRIMES’ (274637) or submit tips by Secure Web Tips atwww.crimestoppers.ns.ca. Calls to Crime Stoppers are not taped or traced and if police make an arrest and lay charges based on a tip, callers qualify for a cash award.
.
Source: Media Release / File photo