Southwest Division members were contacted by Navigation Canada officials, at approximately 5:15 p.m., Tuesday, July 31, 2018, after WestJet airline pilots reported seeing a drone flying off the left wing of their aircraft.
The aircraft was on its approach to Edmonton International Airport when the near-miss with the pallet-size drone occurred. The aircraft was flying at 4,000 feet when pilots spotted the drone.
Police continue to investigate the incident, and are reminding UAV operators to follow all Transport Canada guidelines (see below).
Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to call the EPSat 780-423-4567or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.tipsubmit.com/start.htm.
Information about UAV regulations:
within 90 m (approx. 300 ft) above the ground or lower
at least 30 m (approx.. 100 ft) away from vehicles, vessels, and the public
(if your drone weighs more than 250 g up to 1 kg)
at least 76 m (approx. 250 ft) away from vehicles, vessels, and the public
(if your drone weighs more than 1 kg up to 35 kg)
at least 5.6 km from aerodromes
(any airport, seaplane base, or areas where aircraft take-off and land)
at least 1.9 km away from heliports or aerodromes used exclusively by helicopters
outside of controlled or restricted airspace
at least 9 km away from a natural hazard or disaster area
away from areas where it could interfere with police or first responders
during the day and not in clouds
within your sight at all times
within 500 m (approx. .5 of a km) of yourself or closer
only if clearly marked with your name, address and telephone number
*Source: Transport Canada