Ministry urges immediate landing of drones when police helicopters are nearby
Ministry of Internal Affairs warns drone owners and operators to follow aviation rules and to land devices immediately when a police helicopter appears nearby.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs urged citizens — particularly owners and operators of drones — to strictly follow the rules for safe use of airspace and to immediately land unmanned aircraft if a police helicopter is nearby.
"Because of the nature and urgency of tasks, the location, timing and route of police helicopters cannot always be predicted in advance, especially during interventions related to fires and other emergencies," the Ministry said in a statement today.
Why drones threaten helicopter operations
Authorities warn that anyone who does not meet the legal requirements for operating unmanned aerial vehicles — lacking required approvals, registrations or certificates when these are mandatory — must not carry out drone flights contrary to existing regulations. Licensed operators are obliged to operate exclusively in accordance with aviation regulations, airspace restrictions and the conditions set by competent aviation authorities, including required notifications and coordination with air traffic control services when prescribed.
"Under no circumstances should a drone be flown towards a helicopter, approach it, follow its movement, or film it from close proximity," the Ministry stressed, noting that the mere presence of a drone in the area where a helicopter is working represents a serious risk to flight safety.
Collision between a drone and a helicopter can cause significant damage, loss of control over the aircraft and directly endanger the lives of the crew as well as people and property on the ground. "The risk is further increased during firefighting operations, when helicopters fly at low altitudes, in smoke, reduced visibility, turbulence and with high workload on the crew, making timely detection and avoidance of a small unmanned aircraft — a drone — extremely difficult," the Ministry added.
The Ministry announced it will take appropriate measures to identify and hold accountable those who, by illegal or unsafe drone operation, endanger air traffic and police aircraft. For failure to meet legal obligations and for actions that create a danger to an aircraft, crew or other persons, misdemeanor and, where legal elements are met, criminal proceedings will be initiated under applicable law. Authorities are already processing similar recorded incidents within their legal powers.
Photo: press material from the event
