Fishing drone drama, warrant issued
I expect 99% of us have seen the video of a chap flying underneath a large multirotor. Well, the Australian regulator is having a close look at, Tim French.
Greg, Oz By Drone made me aware of it and we spoke a little this morning about it.
Sadly I can’t embed it, but it’s below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4OZlBF6BbI
It is alleged that on 17th of August 2019, at Upper Coliban Reservoir, near Kyneton, Victoria, Mr Timothy French operated the aircraft and permitted other(s) to operate the aircraft. During one operation, Mr Sam Foreman sitze I’m restrained in an aluminium chair suspended by steel cables beneath the aircraft. The aircraft is then operated over the reservoir at a height of about 10-15 metres with Mr Foreman in the chair, apparently fishing.
During the operation of the aircraft, Mr Sam Forman sits in an aluminium chair wearing only shoes, shorts and a shirt and a black helmet fitted with a video camera. During takeoff, landing and throughout the flight, Mr Forman is suspended directly below the aircraft. His chair is connected by three cables about 10-15 metres in length to the underside of the aircraft. If the aircraft were to lose power and/or List or two become uncontrollable due to mechanical failure, it is likely the life of Mr Foreman would be endangered in the following ways:
(a) By being struck by the aircraft while suspended in mid-air;
(b) By an uncontrolled fall into the water;
(c) By being struck by the aircraft after falling into the water below
(d) By having his egress from the water impeeded buy the cables and the wreckage of the aircraft.
A female person stands about 10-15 metres from the aircraft as it takes off and lands. Should the aircraft have become uncontrollable due to mechanical or other failure of this female person is likely to be in danger of serious injury or even death if struck by the aircraft.
None of the 12 rotors which power the aircraft are fitted with propeller guards. This increases the risk of injury to nearby persons should be aircraft become uncontrollable.
· If any such thing is found, to seize it
And by virtue of sections 32AH(2) of the Civil Aviation Act 1988, if, in the course of searching the premises specified above you find another thing that you believe, on reasonable grounds, to be:
· A thing that will afford evidence of the commission of the offence specified above; or
· A thing that will afford evidence of the commission of another offence against the Civil Aviation Act 1988 or the regulations;
You may seize it, and if you believe, on reasonable grounds that it is necessary to seize the thing to prevent its concealment, las or destruction.
ENTRY UNDER THIS WARRANT MAY BE MADE BETWEEN THE HOURS OF
6.00 am and 9.00 pm
THIS WARRANT CEASES TO HAVE EFFECT AT THE START OF THE DAY WHICH IS ONE WEEK AFTER THE DATA OF ISSUE.
The purpose of this warrant is to authorise the investigator named in the wind, with such assistance and by such force as is necessary and reasonable to enter the premises specified in the wind, to search for things of the kind described in the wind, being things relating to the offences specified in the wind, and to seize any such thing as maybe found.
