STARS seeks public assistance in safe drone and laser usage

CALGARY, August 30, 2024 – As the public use of drones and laser pointers steadily increases, STARS is raising awareness to ensure these devices are used safely and responsibly for the safety of its aircraft, crew and patients.

The use of drones and lasers near aircraft in areas such as helipads, emergency scenes, or airports can pose a real threat to aircraft safety. From potentially distracting and disorientating pilots, to creating a glare in the cockpit or blocking the flight path, the risks of unsafe drone and laser usage can impact the crew and cause further harm to the patients STARS serves. Should a situation escalate, under the Aeronautics Act, legal action can be taken against an individual using a laser or a drone close to an aircraft.

“We want people to enjoy using their drones and lasers, but to do so safely. Drones flown irresponsibly near our flight paths, can endanger our crew and our patients onboard, so we are looking to our community and our supporters to help raise awareness of these dangers and to prioritize safety over curiosity,” said Frank Eigenbrood, STARS director of safety and quality.

During a mission, the STARS flight crew can face a variety of challenges such as weather, harsh terrain, dense city landscapes, etc. and although these are aspects of operating an air ambulance that can often be hard to navigate, they are uncontrollable, and sometimes unavoidable. Unlike these challenges lasers and drones can and should be controlled and avoided; it is important to ensure that there are no added stressors throughout a mission.

“Our pilots and crew members are highly trained to handle a variety of challenges, but the increased use of lasers and drones, especially this summer, near our aircraft is a growing concern. From night operations to challenging conditions, our pilots try to minimize these hazards which can disrupt critical rescue missions and put both our crew, patients and the communities we serve at risk,” said Jason Arthur, STARS director of flight operations.

The government requires all drones between 250g and 25kg to be registered, once registered drones must be marked with their registration number. Although, STARS encourages all drone and laser operators not to use them near airports, helipads or emergency scenes, operators can still fly drones: where they can see it at all times (below 122m), 1.9km from heliports and 5.6 km from airports and controlled airspaces, and away from emergency sites and advertised events.

To learn more about drone regulations and how to safely operate a laser, please visit the Transport Canada website.

For more information contact:
Natalie Hofstetter, Regional Communications Team Lead, STARS | mediainfo@stars.ca | 1-866-966-8277 | stars.ca

About STARS
STARS was born from the conviction that no one should go without the care that could save their life. Operating 24/7 from bases in Calgary, Edmonton, Grande Prairie, Saskatoon, Regina and Winnipeg, STARS is your best hope in a worst-case scenario. If you need critical care, our mission is to be there for you—physically or virtually—in whatever capacity we can help. Because when it comes to the next patient who needs us, it’s never too far. Learn more at stars.ca