Please note: MP3 audio grabs by CASA spokesman Steve Creedy are attached
Recreational drone and model aircraft operators in the Gold Coast are urged to keep the skies safe this weekend by not flying drones within 8km of Surfers Paradise as it plays host to 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 17-20 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 1100 to 1400 on August 17 and 0930 and 1600 on 18-20 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 1300 773 806 media@casa.gov.au
14 August 2023 MR4523
