A ‘‘disgusting’’ and illegal flight by a drone near the Dunedin Hospital helipad last night could have had disastrous consequences for an Otago Rescue Helicopter which had just landed. Rescue Helicopter Trust chief pilot Graeme Gale said a rescue helicopter pilot had just landed at the helipad when the drone, with a red flashing light was seen, about 20m from the helipad. The drone flight breached Civil Aviation Authority requirements banning any drone flights within four nautical miles of any airport or helicopter landing pad, and could have had disastrous consequences for the the helicopter and all those aboard it. Aircraft could monitor each other through transponders, but helicopter pilots could not see drones, and a drone strike could have disastrous consequences. The Kingsgate Hotel and Otago Rescue Helicopter has been approached for comment.

Source: Otago Daily Times April 21, 2021 20:24 UTC