Latest news with #BlackcombHelicopters
Vancouver Sun
2 days ago
- General
- Vancouver Sun
B.C. search and rescue agencies warn drone users after near miss with helicopter
A near miss between a drone and helicopter during a rescue mission last Saturday has led to a warning from B.C. search and rescue agencies. According to a statement on social media, Squamish Search and Rescue responded to a hiker who had fallen near the top of the first peak on the Stawamus Chief and seriously injured their leg on May 31. 'Given the steep terrain, several members were flown in with the support of Blackcomb Helicopters and the subject was longline evacuated,' the statement read. 'During the rescue, a drone was flown dangerously close to our team and the helicopter between loads. It only moved after being signalled to leave the area. Flying drones in B.C. parks is prohibited and operating them near active helicopter rescues is extremely dangerous.' Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. North Shore Search and Rescue responded to the statement by issuing its own message to drone users about where they cannot operate small drones. Larger drones, those heavier than 250 grams, are governed by Transport Canada and require a licence to operate. 'We will not discuss drones greater than 250 grams. Those larger drones are subject to a host of Transport Canada pilot licensing and Remotely Piloted Aircraft System regulations. Rather, this post will focus on 250 gram 'micro drones', that are typically flown recreationally by the public and are likely going to be the ones we encounter,' the NSSR statement read. ' Drone use around active SAR rescues and training events, and the risk it poses, is always a concern for North Shore Rescue. This is especially the case given our frequent use of helicopters. It is a matter of safety for rescuers, our subjects, and the public we serve.' NSSR said that it was not easy for drone users to know where they can and cannot fly. For example, National Research Council of Canada's drone site selection tool only contains federal-type airspace restrictions and does not have any indication of provincial or municipal restrictions. According to B.C. Parks , it is illegal to operate a drone in any provincial park without permission, which is rarely granted. This is because drones create noise pollution, disturb wildlife, can invade privacy and disrupt emergency activities. On the North Shore, Cypress Provincial Park and Seymour Provincial Park are out of bounds for small drone operators. NSSR pointed out that drone use is also banned in all Metro Vancouver parks and all District of North Vancouver and West Vancouver parks. dcarrigg@
CTV News
3 days ago
- General
- CTV News
Drone flown ‘dangerously close' to rescue helicopter in Squamish
Search and rescue volunteers in Squamish say a drone came close to interfering with their efforts to get an injured hiker to safety on May 31, 2025. (Image credit: Facebook/ssarteam) Squamish Search and Rescue is reminding people that flying drones in provincial parks is prohibited, after a close call during a rescue this weekend. Volunteers were called to First Peak in Stawamus Chief Provincial Park Saturday to assist an injured hiker, according to a social media post. 'Given the steep terrain, several members were flown in with the support of Blackcomb Helicopters, and the subject was long line evacuated,' the Facebook post said. 'During the rescue, a drone was flown dangerously close to our team and the helicopter—between loads. It only moved after being signaled to leave the area.' The province only allows drones to be operated in its parks with explicit permission – which is rarely granted. 'Drone use causes noise pollution, disturbs wildlife, and can invade the privacy of other park users. It may also disrupt emergency activities, putting wildlife, park visitors, and B.C. Parks staff at significant additional risk,' according to the BC Parks website. 'Operating drones without permission is strictly illegal in all BC Parks. We appreciate drones may be useful in resource management and scientific studies, but we rarely grant permission for drone use.' Operating a drone is also illegal in national parks and near active wildfires. Flying a drone in a restricted area can result in a fine of up to $25,000 and up to 18 months in jail. People who fly drones in a manner that interferes with wildfire fighting efforts in B.C. can face fines of up to $100,000.
