A drone came within 500 feet of an aircraft departing Nanaimo airport on Monday, April 19. (FreePik/Transport Canada)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

close call

Drone flight results in near miss for plane leaving Nanaimo airport

Apr 24, 2021 | 11:34 AM

NANAIMO — RCMP and Transport Canada are investigating after a drone came dangerously close to a plane departing Nanaimo airport.

The pilot of a single engine Cessna 208B reported a drone flying approximately 500 feet below them around 5:45 p.m. on Monday, April 19 as they left Nanaimo for Vancouver.

The plane was traveling at 2,500 feet in altitude at the time with the drone coming well within the minimum vertical separation between aircraft.

“All drone pilots, whether commercial or recreational, are responsible to fly their drone safely, in accordance with the rules, and to ensure that their drone is not flown in a manner that is reckless or negligent, negatively affects aviation safety or the safety of Canadians,” Simon Rivet, manager of media relations for Transport Canada, said.

Different rules apply for drone operators, depending on the size of their remote aircraft.

roster shakeup

Nanaimo Clippers lose two major players to Major Junior ranks

9h ago

armed robbery

Knife-wielding man robs south Nanaimo liquor store

16h ago

Shorthanded

Clippers fall short hosting Bulldogs

23h ago

Drones weighing less than 250 grams, called micro-drones, do not require a license or registration with Transport Canada. Operators should remain below 400 feet in altitude and be flown away from airports, events and crowded places.

Pilots are told to “exercise a high degree of caution due to potential aircraft and traffic around airports/heliports” on Transport Canada’s website.

More strict rules, including licensing apply for drones at or above 250 grams. Drones above the limit are also not permitted within a nine kilometre radius of an airport.

Transport Canada dictates all flights above 400 feet in altitude, regardless of drone size, require a special flight operations certificate.

Issuing of a certificate provides a notice to aircraft in the area warning them of drone activity and outlining the planned operation.

RCMP said neither the drone or operator were located as part of their investigation.

Join the conversation. Submit your letter to NanaimoNewsNOW and be included on The Water Cooler, our letters to the editor feature.

info@nanaimonewsnowcom

On Twitter: @NanaimoNewsNOW