A 28-year-old NSW man has been caught by police flying a drone illegally in restricted airspace above Mount Ainslie.
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The man, who was on a visit to Canberra, was handed an infringement and a counselling notice after he was reported to police for flying a drone at the Mount Ainslie lookout.
Infringement notices for flying a drone in restricted airspace carries a fine of up to $1050.
The incident is the fourth that's been reported in Canberra this year.
The Mount Ainslie incident was then referred to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
Spokesman for the authority, Peter Gibson, said there are many areas in Canberra where drones are unable to be flown.
"This infringement should remind people not to fly drones within 5.5 kilometres from airports," Mr Gibson said.
"It's dangerous and there can be serious consequences."
The 5.5 kilometre limit means drone users aren't able to fly near many of Canberra landmarks, including the War Memorial, Parliament House or the National Gallery.
Drones are also restricted from flying more than 120 metres in the air or within 30 metres of people unless the person is essential to controlling the drone.
AFP airport police commander for Canberra, Simon Henry, said the Mount Ainslie incident should serve as a warning for other drone users to know where they are flying.
"Flying drones in controlled airspace puts the safety of both Canberrans and our visitors at risk, and can lead to significant delays for travellers," Mr Henry said.
"It is your responsibility to know where you can and can't fly, so please become familiar with the information and tools available to you."
Andrew Brown
I've been part of the Canberra Times since 2016, after reporting at local papers in Sydney's north-west. Since starting at the paper I've had stints on the Sunday Times, on the early morning breaking news round, and now as a general reporter, covering the ins and outs of anything and everything happening in Canberra, with a focus on health.
I've been part of the Canberra Times since 2016, after reporting at local papers in Sydney's north-west. Since starting at the paper I've had stints on the Sunday Times, on the early morning breaking news round, and now as a general reporter, covering the ins and outs of anything and everything happening in Canberra, with a focus on health.
