A group of Canadian search-and-rescue volunteers wants the British Columbia government to draft a policy permitting drone-related SAR missions. Coquitlam Search and Rescue recently petitioned the B.C.’s provincial emergency-management agency to allow drone pilots to obtain a Special Flight Certificate from Transport Canada – an authorizing document similar to the FAA’s … [Read more...] about Volunteer Rescue Group Wants Canadian OK for Drones
British Columbia
Video of the Day 8/10/15: British Columbia Crews Test Drone During Mountain Rescue
from ctvnews.ca Firefighters in B.C. are testing out a small camera-equipped drone as a way to save time during rescues. Langford B.C. firefighters used a borrowed drone on the weekend while rescuing a hiker who fell about six metres down the side of a mountain, suffering serious injuries including a broken leg. The drone was able to fly up close to the patient and … [Read more...] about Video of the Day 8/10/15: British Columbia Crews Test Drone During Mountain Rescue
Drone Scarecrows the Future of B.C. Blueberry Farming?
(Source: Vancouver Sun) Researchers at the University of the Fraser Valley believe drones may finally silence the cannons that boom throughout the summer on blueberry farms. Professor Tom Baumann and his team are reprogramming helicopter-like UAVs — properly known as unmanned aerial vehicles — to fly preset patterns over ripening blueberries in the hope they will scare … [Read more...] about Drone Scarecrows the Future of B.C. Blueberry Farming?
British Columbia Hunters Using Drones Risk Stiff Fines
(Source: Vancouver Sun) Anyone who uses an unmanned aerial vehicle, or drone, for hunting in B.C. risks a minimum fine of $2,500, a provincial wildlife official warns. Steve MacIver, acting manager of the province’s wildlife management section, said in an interview that it is illegal under the Wildlife Act to use a helicopter to hunt in B.C. and that the province … [Read more...] about British Columbia Hunters Using Drones Risk Stiff Fines
News Drone Stopped Near Wildfire in Okanagan
from CBC A drone belonging to Okanagan news website Castanet.net was stopped by fire officials on Sunday, after the operator tried to get closer to a wildfire near Peachland, B.C. Fire information officer Kayla Pepper says the technology can be dangerous. "If a drone was flying in the area and came into contact with our helicopters, that could be potentially fatal, and … [Read more...] about News Drone Stopped Near Wildfire in Okanagan
