With stricter drone regulations and heavier penalties coming for drones, one must be extra careful when flying. Piloting a drone on restricted areas can result in some incredibly heavy fines. Restricted areas can include (but are not limited to) airports, airfields, and emergency zones.
Flying a drone in these areas creates a lot of problems for everyone involved. Aircrafts cannot pass through them without risking collision, which can result in damages and even deaths. Emergency units (and their aerial support) cannot fully work in areas where a civilian drone is present. The reason is the same – the risk for collision is simply too high. This creates delays of takeoffs in airports, as well as diverting incoming flights to nearby airports. In emergency areas, since their air support cannot pass until the drone threat is taken care of, progress may be prevented. This can lead to more casualties and damages to the operation in general.
Tasmanian Fire Drone Arrest
A man in Southern Tasmania landed on hot water this week after his drone disrupted operations at the recent fires in the Bruny Island area. The drone prevented aerial support during the crucial moments of the firefighting, which may have caused a prolonged incident.
With the area’s firefighters missing their water-spraying helicopters, the fire dragged on and caused further damage. This is an important factor, as the man may now face up to 5 years imprisonment because of his actions. Usually, when drones interfere in emergency situations, fees and fines of up to $10,000 can occur. With this particular case however, the damage caused by the fires have been incredibly catastrophic. A simple delay prevented a more efficient firefighting operation. One can also view this as authorities showing an example to prevent future drone owners from following suit. An incredibly lengthy jail sentence – for flying a drone, no less – can provide a deterrent to future incidents.
