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August 04, 2023 - 8:38 AM
Two drones spotted near the Kelowna airport within the past two weeks are causing potential danger to aircraft, police say.
Their "hazardous" flight paths took them within the 5.6 km no-fly zone near the airport, prompting a police investigation into both.
“Flying a drone in the vicinity of an airport not only poses a significant safety risk to the passengers and crew members on board all incoming and outgoing flights, but also to the members of the general public below,” Const. Mike Della-Paolera of Kelowna RCMP said in a news release.
The first was spotted in the airport's flight path north of Wood Lake around 5 p.m., July 27, according to the news release.
Another was reported yesterday, Aug. 3, within the no-fly zone. Police didn't say when or where the second one was seen.
While both incidents are under investigation, it's not clear whether they were the same drone. Police didn't say whether they are related incidents.
Along with a warning to the public that drones pose a risk to nearby aircraft, police are asking the public to report any information they may have.
“We also encourage you to call the police immediately if you notice suspicious activity or witness the dangerous operation of a drone towards persons, properties, other aircraft, or within 5.5 km of any airport," Della-Paolera said.
Transport Canada regulates the use of drones and determines the laws around their proximity to airports. More information can be found on its website here.
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