Gander airport concerned about recreational drones

The increasing use of personal and recreational droneshas security people atGander International Airportworrying about safety.

Brian Hicks,head of safety and security at Gander Airport, saidwhile thecommercial use of drones is regulated, personal and recreational use isn't.

'Basically its a common sense approach that people need to takebecause they can inflictdamage for sure.'- Brian Hicks

Hehopes a Transport Canada review of drone usage leads to better regulationandhe'd like the focus to be on education and using drones safely.

"We did have a couple of incidents in Newfoundlandrecently and one that was fairly close to our airport within tenmiles," said Hicks."It's a serious concern and education for these drone operators is important."

Hicks said he expects to see achange in regulations within the next year or so, but people need to exercise caution and follow the current safety guidelinesthat are set out by Transport Canada.

"They recommend no flying within ninekilometresof an airport, you shouldn't fly it any higher than 90 metres," Hicks told CBC'sCentral Morning Show."Basically it's a common sense approach that people need to take because these things are a toy and they're fun to use, but they can inflict damage for sure."

Hicks said failure to comply with theserecommendations can lead to serious circumstances and even criminal charges if an accident was to occur.

"They're not really heavy, but some can be fairly large. No doubt there would be damage inflicted on the aircraft and it could really cause a serious incident with an airplane," said Hicks."It's like everything Iguess,if they don't follow the safety recommendations and if you endanger flight and you are a contributing factor to an accident you can be charged under the criminal code."

Hicks said commercial rules eliminate drone use anywhere inside Gander's town limits but any operator needs to be aware of theirsurroundingsno matter where they are.

Hicks also added that people need to careful when recording footage using their drones. Ifamateurfootage was to get used commercially in advertising, for example,itcouldputapersoninsituationwherethey'veoperatedcommerciallywithout approval.

For Hicks, the bottom line is safety. He would like tosee an education program online and a certification process for operators.

Healso said the Gander Airport is planning to meet with the Town of Gander to partner on a local awareness campaign.