Drones news
Aviation safety experts urge caution with a popular Christmas gift
<p><strong>Drones are tipped to be one of the most popular presents this Christmas but fledgling pilots have been delivered a stern warning about the potential dangers for new flyers.</strong></p>
<p>The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is urging people to stick to a handful of basic rules in the wake of a high-profile incident where a pro-skier narrowly avoided having a drone fall out of the sky on his head.</p>
<p>Peter Gibson from CASA said there were many hidden dangers associated with the devices.</p>
<p>"If drone becomes out of control and you hit a person you can obviously cause injuries," he said.</p>
<p>"If your drone collides with an aircraft it could cause a catastrophic accident.</p>
<p>"That's why we have safety regulations with penalties attached to them."</p>
<p>He said drones were good fun and people should not feel as though they could not have fun with them, but a few simple rules apply.</p>
<p>"Keeping well away from people, well away from aircraft and making sure you've got your drone in your sight at all times," he said.</p>
<p>The rules are contained in the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations and breaking them can attract hefty fines.</p>
<p>"The Civil Aviation Safety Authority can issue fines of up to $9,000 in serious cases," Mr Gibson said.</p>
<p>He said the authority does investigate drone use and there have been substantial fines laid in the past.</p>
<p>"The most serious one in Australia was where a drone hit a woman who was participating in a marathon race in the back of the head and cut her head," he said.</p>
<p>"That was a drone which was being flown too close to people and the operator lost control of the drone.</p>
<p>"More recently in the United Kingdom a small child actually lost an eye because a drone collided with his face."</p>
<p>Tom Waugh is a cinematographer who works with drones.</p>
<p>He said flying a drone is very different to operating a remote control car.</p>
<p>"Because it operates in another axis which is up and down, not just along the ground," he said.</p>
<p>"In terms of safety there are propellers as well which can do more damage to people."</p>
<p>He said even micro-drones can be dangerous to people, especially when flown inside.</p>
<p>"While they are simple to use once you get a handle on them, initially you can put the throttle in too much and send it into the ceiling," he said.</p>
<p>"You can see on YouTube a huge compilation of people smashing their drones on their first flight.</p>
<p>"Launching bigger drones inside because they think its good to fly it inside the first time, straight into the ceiling fan, there's $3,000 damage."</p>
<p>Mr Waugh also warned against drinking and droning.</p>
<p>"Never a good mix," he said.</p>
<p>"It is a vehicle and you are operating it so don't do it intoxicated.</p>
<p>"Just remember it is a weapon in disguise."</p>
12/25/2015
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