Recent drone activities near YLW International Airport (Kelowna International Airport) have raised concerns for the Kelowna Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), as two potentially risky drone flights occurred within the past two weeks. The first incident occurred on July 27, 2023, around 5:00 p.m., when the Kelowna RCMP were alerted to a personal drone being operated north of Wood Lake, directly within the airport’s flight path. Subsequently, on August 3, 2023, a second report indicated a drone flying within the 5.5 km no-fly zone surrounding the airport. Both of these occurrences are currently under investigation by the RCMP.

These occurrences are a poignant reminder, prompting the RCMP and YLW officials to release a warning regarding the hazards associated with drones close to both commercial and non-commercial aircraft.

Photograph of the DJI M300 RTK
Photograph of a DJI Matrice 300 RTK, which appears to be the same make and model as the drone recently photographed near Kelowna International Airport. (Image Credit: DJI)

 

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, said Mike Della-Paolera, Media Relations Officer with the Kelowna RCMP. 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.

The photograph provided by the RCMP as part of the press release appears to be a DJI Matrice 300 RTK.

The RCMP recognizes that guidelines and regulations around the use of drones are continuing to evolve and asks operators to respect the safety tips and guidelines as outlined by Transport Canada. For more information, please visit tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/drone-safety/learn-rules-you-fly-your-drone/flying-your-drone-safely-legally

Post Image- Image of a drone reported near Kelowna International Airport in British Columbia, Canada. (Image Credit: RCMP Kelowna)