Don’t Bring Your Drone to Bermuda

by Scott Neil, The Royal Gazette
A no-fly zone has been established for the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series in Bermuda due to safety reasons, as a helicopter is being brought to the Island to film the event from the air. The aircraft carries the technology used to superimpose computer graphics to highlight the course layout and markers for broadcast viewers.

Camera-equipped, remotely operated drones have captured stunning images of Bermuda from above, including some sailing events, however, having drones and a helicopter in proximity has been deemed too dangerous by the event organisers and the Department of Civil Aviation.

A temporary no-fly zone will be in operation around the World Series, which takes place in the Great Sound and Hamilton Harbour between October 16 and 18. The zone will cover a circuit of three nautical miles centred on the Great Sound, and extending from sea level to a height of 1,500ft.

“There is a no-fly zone for drones around the racecourse and that is for the safety of the helicopter, the spectators and the teams,” explained Peter Rusch, director of communications for the America’s Cup Event Authority.

Peter Adhemar, head of operations at the Department of Civil Aviation, said it was a sensible precaution. “Our big worry is that a drone could collide with the helicopter,” he said.

Source: The Royal Gazette