CALGARY, Aug. 30, 2024 – Public usage of drones and laser pointers have steadily increased recently, and STARS is now raising awareness to ensure these items are used safely and responsibly, to ensure the safety of their aircrafts, crew and patients.
According to the press release, using drones and lasers near aircraft areas such as helipads, emergency scenes, and airports pose significant threats to aircraft safety. These devices have the potential to distract and disorient pilots, create a glare in the cockpit or block flight paths.
According to Frank Eigenbrood, STARS director of safety and quality, the risks of unsafe drone and laser usage can impact the crew and cause further harm to the patients STARS serves.
“We want people to enjoy using their drones and lasers, but to do so safely," said Eigenbrood. "Drones flown irresponsibly near our flight paths, can endanger our crew and our patients onboard, so we are looking to our community and our supporters to help raise awareness of these dangers and to prioritize safety over curiosity.”
Under the Aeronautics Act, legal action can be taken against an individual using a laser or a drone close to an aircraft if a situation were to escalate.
The STARS flight crew are used to facing a variety of uncontrollable challenges such as weather, harsh terrain, dense city landscapes, etc. Unlike these challenges, lasers and drones can and should be controlled and avoided to ensure that there are no added stressors throughout a mission.
“The increased use of lasers and drones, especially this summer, near our aircraft is a growing concern,” said Jason Arthur, STARS director of flight operations, “From night operations to challenging conditions, our pilots try to minimize these hazards which can disrupt critical rescue missions and put both our crew, patients and the communities we serve at risk.”
The government requires all drones between 250g and 25kg to be registered, and registered drones must be marked with their registration number. Citizens can still fly drones where they can see them at all times (below 122m), 1.9km from heliports and 5.6 km from airports and controlled airspaces, and away from emergency sites and advertised events.
STARS encourages all drone and laser operators not to use them near airports, helipads or emergency scenes for the safety of their own crew, as well as emergency patients on board.
To learn more about drone regulations and how to safely operate a laser, please visit the Transport Canada website.
