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Drone interferes with medical transport in Bonnyville

Bonnyville RCMP continue to look for the operator of a drone that interfered with a STARS Air Ambulance flight leaving the Bonnyville Hospital helipad on Dec. 7.
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It is important to note that it is against the law to fly a drone within 1.9 km of a heliport.  (stock photo)

BONNYVILLE – On Dec. 7, at around 10 a.m. a STARS Air Ambulance was departing the Bonnyville Hospital helipad en route to an Edmonton hospital when a drone was observed flying in the immediate vicinity of the aircraft, interfering with the STARS pilot's ability to safely take off.   

“The flight crew was able to navigate around the drone and safely continue the flight without further incident,” Blake Robert, a communications officer with STARS, told Lakeland Today

“This situation was extremely dangerous,” said S/Sgt. Sarah Parke in a statement from RCMP. “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.”   

Parked noted, there are several laws associated with flying a drone and anyone who operates one is responsible for understanding these laws.   

“We would also like to remind all drone pilots of the rules and regulations regarding the operation of drones – particularly when in the vicinity of other aircraft – as unsafe operation of drones can pose a serious risk to STARS patients, crews, and aircraft,” said Robert.  

“Safety is a core value at STARS and we encourage drone pilots to help ensure the safety of our aircraft by reviewing Transport Canada’s online guide for drone pilots.” 

It is important to note that it is against the law to fly a drone within 1.9 km of a heliport.   

This matter remains under investigation and the RMCP encourage anyone with knowledge of the incident to contact the Bonnyville RCMP. 

“STARS would like to thank the Bonnyville RCMP who are playing an active role with the response to this incident and subsequent investigation,” Robert added. 

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