Man charged after drone allegedly enters rescue helicopter’s airspace in NSW

Picture: DJI Store

A 46-year-old man has been charged after allegedly flying a drone into the airspace of a rescue helicopter responding to a medical emergency in the Hunter Region of New South Wales.

According to a report by News24, the incident happened around 1am last Sunday, when the helicopter was flying approximately 1,000 feet above Charlestown.

Police allege that the drone entered the helicopter’s airspace while the aircraft was travelling to the emergency.

Police later launched an investigation into the incident. On Monday afternoon, officers executed a search warrant at a property on Newcastle Road in Wallsend, where they seized a drone.

Police also allege that approximately 1kg of cannabis was found at the property.

The man has been charged with seven offences, including five aviation-related charges.

He was also charged with two drug-related offences involving possession and supply of a prohibited drug.

The man was granted conditional bail and is due to appear at Newcastle Local Court on September 24.

Why this matters for drone pilots

The incident highlights one of the risks of operating drones around populated areas and aircraft.

Rescue helicopters can be dispatched to emergencies with little warning, and a drone operating in the wrong area can create a serious safety risk for both the aircraft and its crew.

For Australian drone pilots, following CASA rules and maintaining visual line of sight are fundamental requirements when operating a drone.

Source: News24 report on the alleged drone incident in Charlestown, NSW.