Fri, Jul 14, 2017

Canadian Drone Operators Warned Against Flight Near Wildfires

Heavy Fines And Jail Time Set For Violators

Flying a drone near a wildfire could land the operator in very hot water.

The Canadian Government has set fines as high as $25,000 (Canadian) and prison terms of up to 18 months for flying within about 5 nautical miles and at altitudes under 3,000 feet of an active wildfire, according to a report from the CBC.

In British Columbia, the penalties are even higher. The B.C. government will impose fines of as much as $100,000 for interfering with a wildfire control effort, according to the report.

So far this year, there have been no reports of drone operations near firefighting efforts in B.C., but two years ago, 13 aircraft were grounded for hours when a drone was spotted near an active fire. There were several reports of such activity last year in B.C. and Alberta, Canada.

Flight restrictions are posted as NOTAMS by Nav Canada, which are available online.

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Canadian Drone Operators Warned Against Flight Near Wildfires

Heavy Fines And Jail Time Set For Violators

FMI: Nav Canada NOTAMS

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