(Photo by STARS Air Ambulance)

By Jordan Rein

drone use steadily increasing

STARS seeks public assistance in safe drone and laser usage

Sep 3, 2024 | 1:45 PM

As the public use of drones and laser pointers steadily increases, STARS officials are raising awareness to ensure these devices are used safely and responsibly for the safety of its aircraft, crew and patients.

The use of drones and lasers near aircraft in areas such as helipads, emergency scenes, or airports can pose a real threat to aircraft safety, say officials.

From potentially distracting and disorientating pilots, to creating a glare in the cockpit or blocking the flight path, officials say the risks of unsafe drone and laser usage can impact the crew and cause further harm to the patients STARS serves.

Should a situation escalate, under the Aeronautics Act, officials say legal action can be taken against an individual using a laser or a drone close to an aircraft.

“We want people to enjoy using their drones and lasers, but to do so safely,” says Frank Eigenbrood, STARS director of safety and quality. “Drones flown irresponsibly near our flight paths, can endanger our crew and our patients onboard, so we are looking to our community and our supporters to help raise awareness of these dangers and to prioritize safety over curiosity.”

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During a mission, the STARS flight crew can face a variety of challenges such as weather, harsh terrain and dense city landscapes, say officials, and although these are aspects of operating an air ambulance that can often be hard to navigate, they are uncontrollable, and sometimes unavoidable.

Unlike these challenges lasers and drones can and should be controlled and avoided; it is important to ensure that there are no added stressors throughout a mission.

“Our pilots and crew members are highly trained to handle a variety of challenges, but the increased use of lasers and drones, especially this summer, near our aircraft is a growing concern. From night operations to challenging conditions, our pilots try to minimize these hazards which can disrupt critical rescue missions and put both our crew, patients and the communities we serve at risk,” said Jason Arthur, STARS director of flight operations.

Officials say the government requires all drones between 250 g and 25 kg to be registered.

Once registered, officials say drones must be marked with their registration number.

Although STARS officials encourages all drone and laser operators not to use them near airports, helipads or emergency scenes, operators can still fly drones: where they can see it at all times (below 122 m), 1.9 km from heliports and 5.6 km from airports and controlled airspaces, and away from emergency sites and advertised events.

To learn more about drone regulations and how to safely operate a laser, please visit the Transport Canada website.