The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

A Bahamian aviation law specialist yesterday stressed the need for “active enforcement” of laws governing the use of drones, after the Civil Aviation Department warned against their use in the Love Beach area.

Llewellyn Boyer-Cartwright, a Callenders & Co attorney and partner, told Tribune Business that warnings such as the one issued by the Department last Friday need to be repeated.

“I think the public information on the regulations is something that has to be repeated, and not just a onetime press release. It would be interesting to know how many drones have been registered to date, and if there is active enforcement. It’s one thing to issue the guidance but there has to be actual enforcement,” said Mr Boyer-Cartwright.

In a press release issued on Friday, the Civil Aviation Department said there have been reports of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs or drones) being operated in the Love Beach area, which is in the flight path of aircraft coming in to land at Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA).

“This is a very dangerous act, and persons engaging in this practice are advised that instances have been reported in other countries of drones coming into contact with commercial aircraft.The practice is also contrary to the operating conditions and limitations for drones in the Bahamas,” said the Department.

“Persons flying drones within the Love Beach area are to immediately cease operations within a five mile radius of the airport, as provided for in the registration restrictions. These restrictions must be adhered to, and the following rules governing the operation of drones are again emphasised for public information and conformance.”

Mr Boyer-Cartwright added: “Drones are very different from a bird strike. With a bird strike, the engines are basically designed to withstand a bird strike, and what comes out at the other end is almost like a cooked bird.

“You can’t compare a drone or UAV to bird. You’re dealing with metal components. We have to bear in mind that a drone is by definition an aircraft, which is piloted remotely. There is no doubt that their usage is increasing.”