Police in central Alberta said a drone was seized Wednesday morning, after it was flown near the flight path of a STARS Air Ambulance helicopter.
Red Deer RCMP were called Wednesday at about 9:25 a.m., after it was reported the drone was being flown near the flight path of the helicopter as it approached Red Deer hospital.
Police arrived, and located the drone’s owner a short time later.
The foldable, Mavic Pro drone was seized as part of the police investigation into whether the drone was violating the Federal Aeronautics Act.
Under the newly-approved Interim Order Respecting the Use of Model Aircraft (which passed on March 13, 2017) under the Aeronautics Act, the use of recreational and commercial drones is restricted in populated areas.
RCMP said violating drone flight path rules could result in fines of up to $3,000 for recreational use.
A STARS spokesperson told CTV News the incident didn't impact the flight, and there was no patient on board at the time.
