IRRESPONSIBLE drone pilots could potentially ground water bombers attempting to fight bushfires this summer.
With drone flying becoming increasingly popular in the South West and across the country, authorities have urged people to learn the rules and responsibilities.
Bunbury Bushfire Brigade captain Terri Kowal said all fire-fighting aircrafts such as helicopters and planes would be grounded if a drone was spotted above the fire.
“This is definitely something we’re worried about – if someone is flying a drone around it takes away our entire ability to fight fires from above,” she said.
“We lose our eyes and it affects the people on the ground and puts them in danger as well.”
The most recent firefighting season in the US and Canada was marred by a dozen incidents involving drones, two of which forced authorities to ground firefighting aircraft.
“This is definitely something we’re worried about – if someone is flying a drone around it takes away our entire ability to fight fires from above,”
- Bunbury Bushfire Brigade captain Terri Kowal
A Civil Aviation Safety Authority spokesperson has warned that a fine of up to $9,000 could be issued to those flying drones within the area of a bushfire.
“A collision between a drone and a fire-fighting plane or helicopter could lead to a catastrophic accident – if a drone is seen in the vicinity of a bushfire and is believed to have put aircraft or fire-fighters at risk the Civil Aviation Safety Authority can investigate.”
While Australia has the second-largest number of drone sales in the world, only about 300 operators are registered with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
In recent years, drones have become much more affordable as the price of a basic device has dropped from about $500 to less than $100.
“Common sense should prevail, but unfortunately common sense is not too common these days.”
- Bunbury drone owner Ash Pearce
The rapid embrace of these devices is also putting surveillance and privacy laws to the test.
Bunbury drone owner Ash Pearce said responsibility of drone-use rested with the pilot.
“It’s completely up to the person using the drone to make sure they do it responsibly,” he said.
“Common sense should prevail, but unfortunately common sense is not too common these days.”
Lomax Media managing director Dean Lomax, who uses two drones for commercial reasons, said drone pilots needed to follow correct procedures before using their device.
“People need to go through the correct training procedures and make sure they’re using their drones safely and legally,” he said.
“If one person slips up and is caught using their drone illegally then it tightens the straps on all of us.
“We (Lomax Media) are invested quite heavily in our drones so if the laws are tightened it could affect the way we do business.”
A full list of laws on drone use can be found at rpastraining.com.au
