Drone users urged to keep airshow skies safe

Type
Media release
Date

Recreational drone and model aircraft operators in the Gold Coast are urged to keep the skies safe this weekend by not flying drones within 8 km of Surfers Paradise as it plays host to the Pacific Airshow.

A map of the airspace restrictions for the Gold Coast airspace during the Pacific Airshow

Anybody visiting the airshow should leave their drone at home. Operators in suburbs near the exclusion zone also need to be aware that restrictions apply.

Airspace restrictions introduced for the airshow between 17 and 20 August will apply to all airspace users, including model aircraft and drones of all sizes and weights – even those that might be considered toys.

The restrictions apply from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm on August 17 and from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm on 18 to 20 August.

All drone flights within the Temporary Restricted Airspace (TRA) are banned, even those on private property such as a back yard.

The restrictions cover popular tourist and recreational spots such as Broadbeach, Main Beach, Burleigh Beach and Sea World as well as suburbs such as Biggera Waters, Southport, Sorrento and Ashmore.

In addition to the airspace restrictions, the show-centre is a populous area subject to CASA regulations prohibiting flights without prior approval.

A populous area is any location where people are living or gathered for a purpose. If your drone were to fail due to a fault, it could pose a risk to the life and safety of a person in the area.

The best way for drone users to check where they can and can’t fly is by using a CASA-verified drone safety app every time they fly.

This protects airshow participants and spectators and helps drone users to avoid heavy penalties for operating illegally.

Media contact

CASA Media
Mobile
1300 773 806
Reference number
MR4523

Online version available at: https://www.casa.gov.au//about-us/news-media-releases-and-speeches/drone-users-urged-keep-airshow-skies-safe
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