Drones for Christmas gift warning

CASA says parents must teach their kids about drone safety after the presents are unwrapped as they can pose serious risks to people, property and aircraft if not flown safely.

Fines of up to $10,000 can be imposed for breaches of the drone safety regulations.

CASA’s Director of Aviation Safety Shane Carmody, says teaching kids to stay safe in the skies with a drone is easy.

“The key drone rules are really simple – stay more than 30 metres from people at all times, never fly within 5.5 kilometres of major airports, never put aircraft at risk, keep your drone in your sight at all times and stay below 120 metres,” he said.

“CASA wants everyone to have fun with their drones but we need to make sure the safety rules are followed.

“Parents and carers have a responsibility to teach their kids about drone safety and to supervise flights until it is clear the kids know how to fly safely.

“Don’t put others at risk this Christmas by just giving a drone and forgetting about safety.  Drones and safety go hand-in-hand.”

Local drone enthusiast, Bill Yeomans said drone users around Young should be aware that if an accident occurs, the pilot is responsible.

Mr Yeomans suggested parents should spend $40 and buy a good set of propeller guards.

“A majority of drones are not sold with this safety device,” he said.

Get all the safety information at drone flyer.com.au and download the Can I Fly There? drone safety app.