CAA to investigate close calls with drones
The Civil Aviation Authority will investigate two reported close call incidents with drones that happened in Auckland on New Year’s Eve, including one with the police’s Eagle helicopter.
The near-collision involving the police Eagle happened while the chopper was travelling over Spaghetti Junction shortly after midnight.
While flying at just under 427 metres (1400 feet), the Eagle’s pilot had to take immediate action to avoid a crash with the drone, which Auckland City acting district commander Inspector Jim Wilson said came within five to 10 metres of the helicopter.
A helicopter operator who was filming the midnight fireworks display reported the second incident, which happened while the chopper he was in was hovering over the busy CBD.
Acting director of Civil Aviation John Kay said the incidents could have had ‘‘catastrophic consequences – and those consequences are simply unacceptable’’. The rules around drones were there to keep people safe and anyone who deliberately flouted the rules created ‘‘unacceptable safety risks,’’ Kay said
‘‘We are investigating the incidents reported, and we will take appropriate action.’’
Drones are not allowed to be flown in the central city.
Police are also investigating the near-miss with the Eagle helicopter and said officers believed two other unauthorised drones were in the vicinity at the time of the incident.
Earlier, Wilson said the operators of the drone that nearly crashed with the Eagle helicopter had been ‘‘totally irresponsible’’.
‘‘This could easily have ended in a tragedy and it is a worrying reminder of the dangers of flying drones near other aircraft.’’
Following the near-miss, Eagle operations were halted while the helicopter was checked over and the flight crew was interviewed by detectives.
The Eagle was fully operational again on Tuesday morning, and was not damaged, Wilson said.
On Wednesday, Detective Sergeant Kathy Bostock said inquiries into the incident were ongoing.
Air New Zealand has called for harsher restrictions on drone operators following a number of near-misses between drones and aircraft in 2018.
Airways, the company which operates air traffic control at Auckland Airport, said at least one drone a week was spotted flying illegally through controlled airspace in New Zealand.
Chief executive Graeme Sumner said drone operators did not have to be registered, which made it difficult to track down those who broke the rules.
‘‘Depending on the size of the drone, collision with an aircraft could be catastrophic, especially with smaller aircrafts and light aircrafts like helicopters,’’ New Zealand Air Line Pilots’ Association president Tim Robinson said. ‘‘They can bring those aircrafts down if it’s a direct hit.’’
The Government is looking at tighter drone regulations, similar to Europe, which include registration, geo-transmitters and licences for drones over 250 grams.