The matter would be referred to Youth Aid and no charges would be filed, a spokesman said. The Civil Aviation Authority is also looking into the incident. Deputy chief executive Dean Winter said the near-miss highlighted the importance of drone users following rules designed to keep them and other people safe.
Kavinda Herath/Stuff
An Otago Rescue Helicopter had a near-miss with a drone at Dunedin Hospital on Wednesday. “One of the most important rules for drone users is to stay more than 4km away from aerodromes to help keep other aircraft safe when they take off and land.’’ That rule covered helipads, such as Dunedin Hospital, he said.
Hair-raising: Drone spotted just before medic chopper took off
22 Apr, 2021 05:52 PM
3 minutes to read
The Otago Regional Rescue Helicopter had just flown a patient and paramedics from the Queenstown area to Dunedin Hospital. Photo / Supplied, File
The Otago Regional Rescue Helicopter had just flown a patient and paramedics from the Queenstown area to Dunedin Hospital. Photo / Supplied, File
Otago Daily Times
By: John Gibb
A sharp-eyed paramedic may have helped prevent a potential disaster by spotting a drone flying close to the Dunedin Hospital helipad as a helicopter was about to take off.
An Otago Regional Rescue Helicopter pilot, who wished to remain anonymous, said he had just flown a patient and paramedics from the Queenstown area to Dunedin Hospital on Wednesday evening.
Nearby helicopter not used in search for missing diver in Catlins
13 Jan, 2021 07:21 PM
3 minutes to read
By: Richard Davidson
A Catlins bach owner believes politics may have hampered a helicopter search for a Heriot man who died while freediving near his Newhaven property last month.
Jake Bridson, 23, of Heriot, died at popular Catlins snorkelling spot Owaka Heads about noon on December 27, after he became separated from a fellow diver.
An Otago Regional Rescue Helicopter arrived from Dunedin about 1pm, and located Bridson s body by about 1.40pm.
However, Newhaven bach owner David Pearson said this week a second, charter helicopter was also present from about noon, only 1km from the search area.
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