CAA probes two drone close calls
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is stepping in to investigate two incidents involving drones on New Year’s Eve in Auckland. CAA acting director John Kay said after the investigation is done, the authority would take “appropriate action”.
This comes after a police Eagle helicopter narrowly avoided a crash with a drone early on New Year’s Day.
Acting district commander for Auckland City Inspector Jim Wilson said the helicopter’s crew were forced to take “immediate evasive action to avoid a serious collision”.
“The pilot and crew were left shaken after evasive action was taken.”
Police suspended operations for the rest of the shift as a precautionary measure. The chopper was inspected and crew were interviewed by detectives.
Wilson said the actions of the people flying the drone were totally irresponsible. Police would investigate thoroughly and would be working with the CAA, he said.
Another pilot has come forward claiming three drones were flying dangerously close to his helicopter on New Year’s Eve.
“Any person who flies a drone and deliberately ignores the rules creates unacceptable safety risks,” Kay said.
He said the incidents reported to have occurred on New Year’s Eve highlight the safety risks and potentially catastrophic consequences. Those consequences, he said, were simply unacceptable. “Drones are fun devices if operated safely. They are aircraft, not simply toys or cool gadgets. Anyone intending to fly a drone must know the Civil Aviation Rules and fly it safely.”
He emphasised that anyone flying a drone needs to follow five rules:
● Keep the drone in sight and fly it lower than 120m or 400ft.
● Only fly it over people or property with permission.
● Stay at least 4km away from airports and helipads.
● Stay away from other aircraft.
● Be considerate of others.
Kay said the rules existed to keep people safe, whether in the air or on the ground. “Educating people about how to fly their drones safely and raising awareness of the rules is a key focus for the authority,” he said.