Police not just 'droning on' - know the rules
By Trail Champion
Police are adivsing residents to learn the rules and know the penalties for breaking them when it comes to operating drones.
Trail RCMP Sgt. Mike Wicentowich said the machines appear to be turning into a local nuisance.
“On June 5, at 2:51 p.m., the Trail and Greater District Detachment RCMP responded to a complaint about a drone flying around a residential neighbourhood in the 1800-block of Second Avenue in Fruitvale. RCMP located the owner who advised the drone was broken and wouldn’t be bothering the neighbourhood again,” Wicentowich said in a release..
“RCMP has received similar reports of drones flying around neighbours in East Trail.
“RCMP recommended that anyone operating or considering operating a drone review the Transport Canada website for all rules and regulations. Anyone flying a drone weighing between 250 grams to 25 kilograms must be over 16-years-old (14 if supervised by someone with a licence), have a valid drone pilot licence, and have their drone marked and registered.
“While flying to keep yourself and others safe, fly your drone where you can see it at all times, below 122 metres (400 feet) in the air, away from bystanders, emergency operations, advertised events, forest fires, outdoor concerts, parades, and airports.”
Wicentowich said fines for individuals vary:
- up to $1,000 for flying without a drone pilot certificate;
- up to $1,000 for flying unregistered or unmarked drones;
- up to $1,000 for flying where you are not allowed;
- up to $3,000 for putting aircraft and people at risk.
