Flying Near Emergency Areas - Protected Areas

Prior to launching your drone, it is imperative to consider both human safety and the surrounding environment.

Flying Near Emergencies:

During emergency operations, refrain from flying your drone. This practice is essential to prevent endangering response teams both in the air and on the ground. Filming emergencies, such as fires, might seem tempting, but doing so can impede emergency services and breach drone safety regulations. By flying in such situations, you hinder the operation of firefighting and rescue aircraft.

Flying in Populous Areas:

Avoid flying your drone in populous regions where people live or gather. In case of drone failure and descent, it poses a threat to individuals' lives, safety, or property. Locations like crowded beaches, busy roads, sports events, concerts, and weddings fall under populous areas. Flying over people, regardless of altitude, is prohibited.

Flying Near Airports:

Controlled airports with air traffic control towers entail strict flying regulations due to high air traffic. Drones weighing over 250 g must not fly over departure or approach paths, movement areas, or within 5.5 km from a point along the centerline of a runway for a controlled airport. For drones weighing 250 g or less, they can be flown within 5.5 km from a point along a runway centerline, but must avoid flight over movement areas, departure or approach paths, and causing collision risks to aircraft.

Flying in National Parks and Forest Reserves:

Australia's vast national parks, covering millions of hectares, necessitate adhering to rules for drone usage to protect wildlife and visitors. Many parks and reserves require permits for drone flights, including commercial forestry areas. Research your state or territory laws before flying and check for any applicable local laws for launching and landing drones on council land.

Flying Near Marine and Wildlife:

Some states and territories have environmental laws governing drone flights to safeguard wildlife. Check local regulations before flying. For instance, New South Wales prohibits flying drones within 100 m of marine mammals, while South Australia mandates a minimum distance of 300 m from marine mammals. Be cautious when flying near eagles, hawks, and falcons, as they might perceive your drone as a threat.

Observing these guidelines ensures responsible and safe drone operation, safeguarding both people and the environment.

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Reference: CASA - Emergencies and public spaces