A “cease and desist” notice to drone operators has been issued after illegal use of a drone was reported near King Shaka International Airport on Monday.
King Shaka airport management issued a statement following reports of a drone being used near the airport.
Durban Airport management told TimesLIVE that the use of the drone near the aircraft facility could cause serious damage and is a risk to travellers.
“The use of remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) has been reported near King Shaka International Airport precinct, which could lead to a serious incident.”
Unsplash/drone
An incident in December 2018 of drone activity reported near Gatwick Airport in London caused a shutdown due to safety and security concerns. The London airport was closed for 36 hours during the peak of the festive travel period and caused disruptions to nearly 100,000 individuals’ travel plans.
ABC News reported that it is illegal to fly a drone within one kilometre of an airport boundary in the United Kingdom. Any collision with an aircraft can cause severe damage and place travellers at risk.
A similar incident which roused concern and awareness around the risk of drone proximity to aircrafts was the ‘Miracle on the Hudson’ in January 2009. A US Airways flight hit a flock of Canada geese causing the aircraft to lose both of its engines and land in the Hudson River in New York.
Durban Airport management has encouraged members of the public to report any illegal activity of drones in the area.
“In ensuring safety measures are adhered to, King Shaka International Airport calls on drone operators to abide to the applicable laws that govern the flying or operating of drones or remotely piloted aircraft. We encourage community members to be vigilant with the use of RPAS and to report any unauthorised activities.”
According to The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) , remotely piloted aircrafts (RPAs) or toy aircrafts are not to be operated near a manned aircraft, within 10 kilometres of an aerodrome (airport, helipad or airfield), may not weigh more than seven kilograms and fly within a prohibited airspace.
The authority dictates that drones or RPAs must not be flown more than 150 feet from the ground unless it is approved by the Director of Civil Aviation of the SACAA.
— King Shaka Int (@kingshakaint) December 31, 2018
Picture: Facebook/King Shaka International Airport
