Canadian Transport Minister, Marc Garneau (ex astronaut) announced today that a Philipines airliner was struck by an aerial drone near Quebec City last week.
A Skyjet plane was struck on approach to the airport.
This is the First time a drone has hit a commercial aircraft in Canada.
If convicted the drone pilot could face a fine of up to $25,000. Or prison time.
Skyjet flight heading to Quebec City’s Jean Lesage International Airport was struck by a drone on Oct. 12, said Minister of Transport Marc Garneau. Emergency measures were immediately put in place and the plane was able to land safely, according to French media reports. No injuries were reported. “This is the first time a drone has hit a commercial aircraft in Canada and I am extremely relieved that the aircraft only sustained minor damage and was able to land safely,” Garneau said in a statement released on Sunday.
Transport Canada advises that drones should be flown below 90 metres and at least 5.5 kilometres away from any airport, seaplane base or areas where aircraft take-off and land. Thursday’s collision reportedly happened about three kilometres from the airport at an altitude of 450 metres. “Transport Canada is monitoring the situation and is in contact with its transportation partners including Skyjet, the Jean Lesage International Airport and NAV CANADA. My department is in contact with the Service de police de la Ville de Québec and we will cooperate with the Transportation Safety Board should they decide to investigate,” Garneau said. Garneau introducedi interim safety measures regarding drone flights earlier this year, which restrict where recreational drones can be flown. “I would like to remind drone operators that endangering the safety of an aircraft is extremely dangerous and a serious offence,” he said. Penalties for violating these safety measures include fines of up to $25,000 and possible face jail time.
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