The Australian Government Civil Aviation Safety Authority has issued a statement to the effect that it has not yet given approval for a trial of aerial surf lifesaving patrols in south east Queensland using remotely piloted aircraft.
Brisbane-based remotely piloted aircraft operator V-TOL Aerospace has recently applied for permission to conduct the trial on behalf of Surf Lifesaving Queensland.
CASA is now carefully assessing all the safety issues relating to this application. At this stage CASA cannot give a timeframe for finalising the safety assessment.
As is the case with all applications to CASA seeking approval for aviation activities, the quality of the application and the plans put forward for the mitigation and management of risks will determine how long the safety assessment takes.
CASA understands Surf Lifesaving Queensland is keen to conduct the trial, but CASA must make sure any risks to people, property and other airspace users are identified and properly managed.
V-TOL is proposing to use a small remotely piloted aircraft known as a Warrigal, fitted with a camera and other surf lifesaving equipment, to monitor unpatrolled beaches.
Source: Australian Government Civil Aviation safety Authority