WA News

Did you get a drone for Christmas? Time to brush up on Aussie aviation law

It used to be Barbie doll and Hot Wheels - but now it seems drones were the hottest Christmas present going around in 2016.

The popularity of the gift has prompted the Civil Aviation Safety Authority to remind Perth residents about the safety rules imposed on drone flyers and the hefty fines they could be facing if they choose to ignore them.

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Drone rules in Australia

Christmas holiday drone flyers are being warned to follow these safety rules at all times while in the skies. (Video courtesy: Civil Aviation Safety Authority)

"CASA wants people to have fun flying their drone but we need the fun to be safe," The CASA's Peter Gibson said.

Recreational drone users must comply with CASA's standard operating conditions - basically, you can't use your UAV to go pick up a sausage sizzle from your local Bunnings.

The rules mean operators must only fly a drone within a visual line of sight and a maximum altitude of 120 metres.

Recreational users are also only allowed to fly during the day, and stay 30 metres away from anyone who is not directly associated with its operation.

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"Places like Bondi, St Kilda, Southbank, Glenelg and Cottesloe are not suitable for flying drones," Mr Gibson said.

"There are too many people and too many risks of having an accident and causing injury or damage to property.

"Drone flyers must not cause a hazard to people, property or aircraft at any time.

"There are penalties for breaking the drone rules, with fines of up to $9000."

WA social media has already become littered with residents attempting to locate drones that went missing on their maiden Christmas day flights.

CASA has also warned drone flyers to respect the privacy of other people by never flying over backyards or around homes, apartments and townhouses.