Photo: Gerard O'BrienThe Department of Conservation are concerned about drones being flown over the royal albatross colony Taiaroa Head after one crashed there last week. Doc said the drone crash came as the number of tourists and locals using drones at the colony of the endangered bird had increased over the last year. The crashed drone, a white and silver DJI Phantom 3 advanced model, was found undamaged within the colony on Thursday last week by Doc ranger Lyndon Perriman. Ms Wallace said all aircraft including drones were restricted from using the airspace above the Pukekura/Taiaroa Head albatross colony as they could disturb wildlife and were a hazard for visitors. Drone operators were also required to abide by Civil Aviation rules, including not operating in restricted airspace such as that above the Pukekura/Taiaroa Head colony.

Source: Otago Daily Times October 12, 2016 02:15 UTC