Two men who used a drone to fish in a Victorian reservoir have been fined $3150 by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
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A stuntman used a drone to lift himself off the ground, cast a line and sit with a beer in the Coliban near Kyneton in central Victoria in August 2019.
A CASA spokesperson said the two men involved in the stunt were issued three infringement notices for several breaches of drone safety regulations.
This included operating a drone in a hazardous manner and operating a drone within 30 metres of another person. Each breach attracted a penalty of $1050.
The spokesperson said fines were issued due to the hazardous nature of the flights and the risk of injury to the people involved.
"There was no attempt to properly assess or manage the risks and they did not contact CASA for advice on how to operate safely," the spokesperson said.
"CASA would have been more than happy to provide guidance and assistance on safe drone flying.
"We are very supportive of innovation and experimentation but it must be done safely, with risks identified and mitigated."
The spokesperson said CASA had a strong track record of supporting drone innovation.
Elspeth Kernebone
Accident brought me to journalism, but every day convinces me again that strong media is more important than ever. After a starting off as the sole reporter in a tiny NSW town, I’m loving the teeming metropolis that is Bendigo. Focussed on health, business and education. Got a tip? Email elspeth.kernebone@bendigoadvertiser.com.au.
Accident brought me to journalism, but every day convinces me again that strong media is more important than ever. After a starting off as the sole reporter in a tiny NSW town, I’m loving the teeming metropolis that is Bendigo. Focussed on health, business and education. Got a tip? Email elspeth.kernebone@bendigoadvertiser.com.au.
