Pilots told to look out for drones

By GYNNIE KERO
AIRCRAFT pilots using Jackson Airport in Port Moresby have been warned to be on the lookout for drones in the area.
Civil Aviation Safety Authority has issued a notice to airmen (Notam) about the likely presence of illegal drones over Kennedy Estate near the airport.
The PNG Accident Investigation Commission had raised its concern about drones near the airport which posed a risk to incoming and outgoing aircraft.
Chief Commissioner Hubert Namani said he had received a report of a drone being operated from a house in the estate which was only 2km away from the airport boundary.
“This presents a significant safety risk and danger to aircraft and the travelling public as well as the estate residents,” Namani said.
The authority’s chief executive officer and director Wilson Sagati said they had discussed the matter with the National Airport Corporation (NAC) and the airport police to carry out an awareness among people living in the vicinity of the international airport. The NAC has been conducting patrols and carrying out awareness, visiting people and businesses around the airport on the danger of drones.
“We are planning to conduct further awareness with the NAC and visit drone retailers to explain our safety requirements,” he said.
Sagati said a safety civil aviation rule on the operating requirements of drones was being applied.
“Our concern at the moment is the recreational users (of drones) and we will target safety awareness on these small users,” he said.
“We need to inform the public that every single one of us has a role in the safety and security of the civil aviation system in PNG. It does not matter if you have never left the bounds of gravity or you are a frequent flyer.”