December 13, 2017
Queensland Health has launched a campaign to remind adults and children that drones must not be flown near hospitals.
Health Minister Steven Miles said drones can pose a serious risk, especially to emergency helicopters flying in and out of hospitals.
“Christmas is a really busy time for our hospitals – we’ll often have up to 500 patients arrive by helicopter over the holiday season and ensuring the pilots can get them to the critical care they need swiftly and safety is vital,” Mr Miles said.
“This campaign aims to educate drone pilots about their responsibilities and remind them not to fly within a five kilometre radius of any hospital.”
(A five kilometre radius around Kingaroy Hospital would eliminate most of Kingaroy township.)
Trevor Wilson, from QGAir, said there have been several occasions over the past few years, where aeromedical crews have seen drones flying while responding to a mission.
QGAir operates the Rescue 500 helicopter which regularly flies into Kingaroy Hospital.
“Some of our aircraft have had to take extra measures to avoid drones which have been hovering near helicopter landing pads,” Mr Wilson said.
“When it’s life or death for some of our patients, there’s no time to wait for a drone to clear the area.”
Peter Gibson, from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), said it was important to know where drones can be flown safely in Queensland.
“Follow the rules and have fun, but remember it is the responsibility of everyone flying a drone to stick to the safety rules at all times,” he said.
“The rules are simple but vitally important to keep people, aircraft and property safe from drones. The rules are enforced and fines can be up to $10,000.”
CASA warns that drones must be operated in accordance with safety regulations, in particular:
- A drone must not be operated in a way that creates a hazard to another aircraft, person or property
- A drone must not be flown higher than 120m
- Drones must be a least 30m away from other people
- The drone must always be in the operator’s line of sight (not through a device)
For more information visit CASA’s website or download the Can I Fly There app
