As reported in the Sidney Daily Telegraphy
Backyard drone operators to be handed guidelines after one crashed into the Harbour Bridge
Anyone purchasing a drone from a major retailer will be handed the code in a deal reached with the national Civil Aviation Safety Authority amid a surge in sales.
The move follows two separate investigations into recent crashes. A man was fined $850 after crashing his drone into the Sydney Harbour Bridge last year, while witnesses are being sought after a woman suffered head injuries after being hit by one in Western Australia.
A Westpac rescue helicopter also had a close call after nearly colliding with a drone being flown at night at 300m above Newcastle last month, while about 100 warnings have been issued by CASA for safety breaches.
Real estate agents, farmers, aviation enthusiasts and social media filmmakers are among those driving up sales. But while a licence is required for drones used for commercial operations, amateurs were often ignorant of the rules.
CASA wants users to avoid crowded places such as beaches, parks and sporting events and recommends permission be sought before drones are flown over backyards.
Around 100,000 leaflets spelling out the rules will be distributed in Harvey Norman, Hobbyco and Teds Cameras stores nationally.
Read the complete article in the Sidney Daily Telegraph…
Backyard drone operators to be handed guidelines after one crashed into the Harbour Bridge
Read a related article on UAS Vision.com…
Australian Authorities Distribute Flying Guidelines to UAS Hobbyists
Rich Hanson
AMA Government and Regulatory Affairs