STARS Air Ambulance is urging safer use of drones and alerts from members of the public.
An increase in the usage of these technologies prompted the reminder, as both can interfere with the safety of pilots and patients.
The service was first launched in 1985, and currently operates out of bases in Calgary, Edmonton, Grande Prairie, Saskatoon, Regina and Winnipeg.
Frank Eigenbrood, STARS director of safety and quality, was quoted in a release from STARS.
“We want people to enjoy using their drones and lasers, but to do so safely. Drones flown irresponsibly near our flight paths, can endanger our crew and our patients onboard, so we are looking to our community and our supporters to help raise awareness of these dangers and to prioritize safety over curiosity.”
Severe cases of interference by lasers or dones could result in legal action under the Aeronautics Act, says the release.
While pilots regularly face unpreventable hazards like turbulent weather, rough terrain, and navigating city landscapes, laser and drone interference is avoidable and preventable.
Federal regulations around drones under Transport Canada require drones weighing between 250 grams and 25 kilograms to be registered and marked with a registration number.
STARS also encourages anyone using a drone or laser to keep them within sight at all times and not to use them within 1.9km of heliports, within 5.6km of airports, or near any emergency sites and advertised events.