Drone interferes with the STARS’ pilot in Bonnyville

The police in Bonnyville are looking for the operator of a drone that recently affected a STARS’ Air Ambulance.

Staff Sgt. Sarah Parke from the Bonnyville RCMP says on December 7, at 10:00 a.m., a STARS Air Ambulance was departing the Bonnyville hospital helipad on route to an Edmonton area hospital when a drone appeared and interfered with the STARS’ pilots ability to safely take off.

“The pilot managed to navigate around the drone and successfully leave the area without further interference from the drone,” Staff Sgt. Parke said.

Staff Sgt. Parke says this situation was extremely dangerous and the Bonnyville RCMP would like the remind the public, or inform those who were not aware, that flying a drone comes with great responsibility and accountability.

“There are several laws associated with flying a drone and anyone who operates one is responsible for understanding these laws,” Staff Sgt. Parke said. “For example, it’s an offence to fly a drone within 1.9 km of a heliport.”

Lakeland Connect has observed this drone in the past which regularly takes flight late at night near the Bonnyville Hospital.

This matter is still under investigation and the RMCP encourages anyone with knowledge of it to contact the Bonnyville RCMP.