YVR launches drone safety campaign

Drone sales expected to soar during holiday season; users reminded to prioritize safety

RICHMOND, BC, Dec. 15, 2015 /CNW/ - With retail drone sales expected to soar during the holiday season, Vancouver Airport Authority (YVR) is teaming up with aviation partners to launch a drone safety campaign aimed at highlighting the risks associated with flying unmanned aircraft near airports.

"Innovation and safety are two of YVR's core values," said Steve Hankinson, Vice President, Operations, Vancouver Airport Authority. "We recognize the amazing potential for drones to improve a variety of processes, but we're asking the public to prioritize safety and never fly one near an airport."

Flying any unmanned aircraft within 9 km of an airport is extremely dangerous and could pose a serious threat to other aircraft.

"YVR's campaign is helping to create awareness about the very real dangers and consequences of flying a drone near an airport," said the Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport. "This holiday season, I encourage all new drone users to learn the rules of the sky on our website."

Investigations of incidents involving improper drone use are on the rise in B.C. Since the beginning of 2015, nearly half of all incidents investigated by Transport Canada have been in British Columbia.

YVR's public-education campaign is designed to remind the community of the potential catastrophic consequences of flying drones in a restricted airspace. Components of the campaign include "No Drone Zone" signage at key locations across YVR's Sea Island home, advertising and community outreach at public events.

"The safe operation of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), more commonly known as drones, is a community responsibility," said Cpl. Dennis Hwang, Richmond RCMP. "We have the luxury of having a world-class international airport in our community. Let's keep our community safe." 

For more information on permission and safety requirements related to drone use, please refer to Transport Canada's website: www.tc.gc.ca/SafetyFirst.

About Vancouver Airport Authority
Vancouver Airport Authority is a community-based, not-for-profit organization that manages Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Canada's second busiest airport, YVR will serve 20 million passengers in 2015. Fifty-four airlines serve YVR, connecting people and businesses to more than 111 non-stop destinations worldwide. YVR was voted Best Airport in North America for the sixth consecutive year, and Best Airport in the World for its size category of 10-20 million passengers, in the 2015 Skytrax World Airport Awards. Vancouver Airport Authority is a dedicated community partner and in 2014 donated more than $900,000 to local organizations. We are committed to creating an airport that British Columbia can be proud of: a premier global gateway, local economic generator and community contributor. For more information, please visit www.yvr.ca. 

SOURCE Vancouver Airport Authority

YVR Media Relations, 604.880.9815, [email protected], Twitter: @yvrairport; Office of the Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, Ottawa, 613-991-0700; Transport Canada Media Relations, 613-993-0055, [email protected], Twitter: @Transport_gc