By Gary McKinnon/rdnewsNOW

Red Deer RCMP seize drone after alleged close call with STARS

Mar 31, 2017 | 5:53 AM

RED DEER –  RCMP have seized a drone from a citizen after it was reportedly being flown near the flight path of a STARS Air Ambulance helicopter as it approached Red Deer Regional Hospital Wednesday, March 29.

Mounties responded shortly before 9:30 a.m. and located the owner of the drone shortly after.

The machine was seized as part of the investigation into whether the drone was in violation of the Federal Aeronautics Act.

Transport Canada regulations regarding the operation of drones fall under the Aeronautics Act.

A newly-approved “Interim Order Respecting the Use of Model Aircraft” passed on March 13 of this year restricts the use of recreational and commercial drones in populated areas.

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“Violation of drone flight rules could put lives, aircraft and property at risk, and could result in fines of up to $3,000 for recreational use,” according to the order.

Red Deer RCMP remind the public that it is a drone operator’s responsibility to educate themselves on the rules and restrictions for operating drones.

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