Tasmania Police have issued a reminder to drone operators of the rules surrounding the use of unmanned aircraft, particularly those that restrict flying where emergency operations are under way.
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Firefighting operations rely heavily on the use of helicopters and other aircraft and any use of drones in the vicinity presents a risk to manned aviation.
Water bombing aircraft need to fly at low altitudes, a task made more difficult with the added risk of a drone strike.
Tasmania Police reminds drone users if you fly a drone they can’t fly at all.
Drones cannot be operated in a way that creates a hazard to another aircraft, person or property.
Unless approved, drones must not fly within 5.5km of an aerodrome or helicopter landing site.
During emergency operations, many landing sites are temporary and negligent drone operations run the risk of breaching this requirement.
If a drone pilot becomes aware of aircraft operating, they should immediately stop flying.
Recreational drone pilots should consult the Civil Aviation Safety Authority “Can I fly there?” app but are urged to be aware that temporary helicopter landing sites may not be displayed.
The CASA website contains guides to the rules and associated legislation at https://www.casa.gov.au/aircraft/landing-page/flying-drones-australia.
Tasmania Police ask drone users to consider the safety of pilots who are flying at risk, protecting the Tasmanian community.