[Kharon]

Of dogs, cats and drones.

I can’t help but think the ‘drone’ matter could be best dealt with at local council level; much the same as they do with dogs and cats. John Howard’s free association law prevents a mandatory joining of an organisation such as the aero modellers; which is unfortunate as education and guidelines are important – if we are to prevent accident, incident or the other problems created by the ‘irresponsible’. So, what to do?

Anyone can buy a dog and is basically free to train the animal as much or as little as pleases; but there are laws which ‘serve and protect’, there are also licences and registration fees; not to mention serious fines if a ranger catches you ‘at it’. So why not same-same for the drones?

Ranger spots a drone being operated in/on/over a council declared ‘No-Drone-Zone’; on the spot fine; not registered – on the spot fine; doing something ‘illegal’ or contrary to the CASA guidelines for safe operation; on the spot fine. Same as dog pooh on the footpath.  National parks and such, those who can control entry to an area could make their own rules. CASA could generate a ‘rule-set’ and guidelines which a council could easily adopt; the additional revenue from registration fees and fines would more than cover the cost of minimal training for the Rangers.

Much like with dogs and cats, it is difficult to govern with ‘broad strokes’, but a local council could manage it, set up the NDZ’s, give the Rangers a watching brief and at least some semblance of control is established at ground level.

Its probably not that simple to do, but some form of solution is needed before the problem, just like Topsy, just grow’d. Aye, all too much for my wooden head, second coffee required.

Toot toot