‘Sinister’ drone use near Oamaru Airport

Timaru’s airport is free of the illegal drone flying tactics causing problems at the Oamaru aviation facility.

The problems at the Oamaru Airport, about seven kilometres south of Glenavy off State Highway 1, resulted in a recent meeting involving farmer representatives, New Zealand Airline Academy members, Heliventures staff, aero club and hangar users because of concerns of drones being flown in the vicinity.

Waitaki District Council staff were told at the meeting of illegal night flying by a drone from 8pm till midnight, sometimes for several nights in succession.

Residents spoke of drones that had been flown over private property ... hovering outside their living room windows ‘‘watching me do dishes’’ said one.

The Timaru District Council says no such problems have been reported around the Richard Pearse Airport at Levels.

TDC spokesman Stephen Doran said there had been no complaints about drones flying too close to aircraft, or encroaching on its space.

‘‘We have not recorded any incidents of that happening.

‘‘Because the airport is out in the country it is unlikely to have drones flying out there.’’

A Timaru police spokeswoman said they also had not received reports of drones affecting air space at the airport.

However, near the Oamaru Airport, drones had been observed flying over McPherson and Ferry roads, and the operator followed towards Seven Mile.

One resident described it as ‘‘a very big drone with powerful lights’’.

‘‘My pony was like, what’s that?’’ ‘‘Calves were pushing through fences in fear and the group feel there can be no other motive than a criminal one.’’

Described as ‘‘sinister’ and ‘‘malicious’’ without required notification and approval any night flying is illegal.

‘‘There’s no way they should be in your cowshed, or outside your living room window two nights in a row,’’ said a local farmer.

The Waitaki District Council said, in a press release, that the drones being used are the large professional type that you need a license to operate but the council is not aware of any registered user.

Trainee pilots at NZAA, based at the Oamaru Airport, had reported drones flying very close to trainee pilots on night flights. Drones are not permitted to be flown within four kilometres of an airport or at night.

Oamaru Airport manager Andries du Plooy advised people encountering problems with drones in the area to ‘‘take a photo or get a video of the drone and if possible the operator and report it as best you can’’.

‘‘The invasion of privacy is unacceptable and the best thing to do at this stage is to report any suspicious drone activity to the Civil Aviation Authority and to the Police, especially if you feel threatened,’’ Du Plooy said.

Sergeant Blair Wilkinson said they had been contacted by several people who were concerned about drone activity in rural areas.

‘‘We aren’t aware of any subsequent thefts but encourage people to contact us if they see any suspicious behaviour including drones, and where possible note the rego number of any vehicle, but avoid confrontation.’’

Corey Price, drone specialist at the CAA said any invasion of privacy is a matter for police and those observing illegal drone activity should in the first instance call Police who will support the CAA and gather evidence for any eventual prosecution.