Drones a danger to Cairns Airport
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority urges people to avoid using drones in restricted air space. FIND OUT WHY
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SEVERAL aircraft have had to divert from the flight plan into Cairns Airport after drones were detected in restricted air space according to a joint announcement from the Australian Federal Police and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
On June 28, the AFP said in partnership with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), Airservices Australia and Cairns Airport, they had detected an increased number of drones being operated in controlled airspace near Cairns Airport.
It is understood that while Cairns Airport has reported no close calls, there have been several instances of flights which have had to divert their approach and loop around their airfield has caused flight delays.
CASA acting manager Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems Operations, Heath Macdonald, 31,
said there had been a big increase in the number of drone reports in restricted air space.
“Over the last two years there has been an increase of 32 per cent of detection which concerns CASA,” he said.
“This is why we are running the public awareness campaign and the word out where you can and cannot fly a drone.
Mr Macdonald also reminded Cairns residents and visitors that the no-fly zone includes many popular destinations including the Esplanade and the CBD.
AFP Protection Operations Response Team, Sergeant Benjamin MacKlin said with school holidays, locals and visitors need to be aware of the drone safety rules, which included a ban on drones been used within 5.5km of an airport.
“The July school holidays is our peak tourist season and operating drones in controlled airspace puts the safety of both Cairns locals and visitors at risk,” he said.
As part of an ongoing national drone safety education campaign, CASA is raising awareness
and understanding of safe flying around Cairns by working with the local council and Cairns
Airport.
An AFP spokesman said fines for operating drones near airports ranged from $1100 on-the-spot to serious infringements up to $11,000 involving criminal prosecution.
SkyTrans Group chief executive Alan Milne said the Cairns-based airline which operates throughout FNQ including the Torres Strait and Cape York was aware of an increase in drones used by people who were probably unaware of the damage they could cause.
“Our safety management system has a reporting mechanism that our pilots use for incidents or near misses,” he said.
“This includes drones or even a small party balloon.”
Mr Milne said he had heard of instances where someone operating a drone on the Cairns Esplanade had impacted on flights approaching from the south of the northern runway.
“Drones are definitely a risk,” he said.
“They are something our risk monitor and safety systems manage for any trends.”
Cairns Airport Aviation Manager David Nye said anyone who use a done should be aware of the risks and responsibilities.
“Cairns Airport is aware of the increase in drone activity in proximity to the airport,” he said.
“We welcome this CASA/AFP campaign to highlight the requirements to fly drones safely and legally in the area.”
An Airservices Australia spokesman agreed.
“Airservices supports safe drone operations and encourages all drone operators to familiarise themselves with CASA’s drone safety rules via Know Your Drone | Civil Aviation Safety Authority.”
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