Medevac Helicopter Has Closer Encounter With Drone

Recently, a Medevac helicopter reported to air traffic control at the London International Airport that it had come into close contact with a Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) in the area above Dundas Street at Thames Street. The Medevac helicopter was flying at about 1200 feet above ground. The London International Airport reported this incident to police and has also filed a report with Nav Canada.

The LPS would like to remind the public of some do’s and Don’ts while flying their drones.

Do:

• Fly your drone during daylight and in good weather (not in clouds or fog).

• Keep your drone in sight, where you can see it with your own eyes – not only through an on-board camera, monitor or smartphone.

• Make sure your drone is safe for flight before take-off. Ask yourself, for example, are the batteries fully charged? Is it too cold to fly?

• Know if you need to apply for a Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC).

• Respect the privacy of others – avoid flying over private property or taking photos or videos without permission.

Don’t:

• Fly closer than nine km from any aerodrome (i.e. airport, heliport, helipad or seaplane base, etc.)

• Fly higher than 90 metres (300 feet) above the ground

• Fly closer than 150 metres (500 feet) from people, animals, buildings, structures, or vehicles

• Fly in populated areas or near large groups of people, including sporting events, concerts, festivals, and firework shows

• Fly near moving vehicles, highways, bridges, busy streets, or anywhere you could endanger or distract drivers

• Fly within restricted and controlled airspace, including near or over military bases, prisons, and forest fires

• Fly anywhere you may interfere with first responders

LPS reminds you to use common sense, respect others privacy and always make safety a priority.

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