DRONE USERS WARNED AROUND CANOLA CROPS

The Aerial Application Association of Australia is reminding drone operators to take care around canola crops as the flowering season gets underway across Australia.

The association says while canola season offers stunning drone photography opportunities, photographers must remember the crops are active agricultural workplaces where aircraft may be carrying out important tasks.

AAAA Chief Executive Matthew Harper says these aircraft can operate as low as ten feet above the crop, at speeds of more than 180 kilometres an hour, with those conditions making it almost impossible for pilots to spot or avoid potential dangers such as a small drone.

He also says the most vibrant fields are often the ones most likely to have active aerial operations occurring.

Drone operators are being urged to check their surroundings before take-off, maintain visual line-of-sight with their drone, keep well clear of crewed aircraft and safely land their drone if an aircraft approaches their operating area. The association is also reminding photographers and sightseers to respect property boundaries and avoid entering crops to help protect them from biosecurity risks and damage.