Drone operator to escape prosecution

A drone operator involved in an accident in April which injured a Geraldton triathlete will not be prosecuted.

The Commonwealth Department of Public Prosecutions has decided prosecution was not in the public interest.

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority said in a statement today that it understood and respected the decision.

“CASA will continue to investigate operations of remotely piloted aircraft and recreational ‘drones’ where it appears safety regulations may have been breached,” the statement said.

“If there is evidence of breaches appropriate enforcement actions will be taken.

“This can include the issue of infringement notices or, in more serious cases, a recommendation for prosecution.

“Remotely piloted aircraft and recreational ‘drones’ can pose a risk to the public and aviation safety and people flying these machines must operate according to the safety regulations, in particular the requirement not to fly closer than 30 metres to people not involved in the flight.”