Manitoba RCMP are warning drone pilots not to interfere with first responders. They say this past week RCMP officers were at the scene of a serious traffic collision when a drone was flown over the scene. That drone in the air led to STARS air ambulance being delayed because it couldn’t land.

Manitoba RCMP have yet to identify the operator but note that operating a drone in an area where police and first responders are attending could interfere with life-saving measures and can result in a fine of up to $1000.

Their message echo concerns expressed by STARS recently. STARS says the use of drones and lasers near aircraft in areas like helipads, emergency scenes or airports can pose a real threat to public safety. Not only can the devices possibly distract or disorient the pilots it can create a glare in the cockpit or block the flight path. In addition, it can cause further harm to the patients they are trying to care for.

The use of remotely piloted aircraft systems or “drones,” is regulated by Transport Canada under the Canadian Aviation Regulations. These regulations include that the drone must be operated:
– 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 fire fighters, police or first responders
– during the day and not in clouds or smoke
– within your sight at all times
– within 500 m of yourself or closer
– must be clearly marked with your name, address and phone number