CASTERTON Police have warned would-be pilots of the dangers – and illegal practice – of flying drones over the Casterton township.

Sergeant Tracie Kelly said the station had received complaints from various locations in town, from residents who reported drones flying over their homes.

While drones have become a popular ‘toy’ for recording impressive footage and photographs of landmarks, events and other subjects, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) sets most of the rules at a national level for use of the devices, including their use over ‘populous’ areas.

Those laws set-out clear rules for using the devices, including not letting a drone fly higher than 120 metres (400 feet) above ground level.

Drones must be kept at least 30 metres away from other people and users must keep their drone within visual line-of-sight.

“The laws also state that you must not fly over or above people or in a populous area - this could include beaches, parks, events, or sport ovals where there is a game in progress,” Sgt Kelly said.

“In addition to the safety aspect - if a drone falls, it could injur someone, or cause an accident - there is also the privacy factor.

“You can’t film or photograph someone without their permission, as these devices have the ability to do, but how would you like it, if someone was peeking over your back fence or through a bathroom or bedroom window?”

Fines of up to $1375 can be issued per offence, for breaking drone-use laws and if the matter is taken to court, fines of up to $13,750 can be imposed.

Mid-this year, drones that are flown outdoors and which weigh more than 250 grams, will have to be registered with CASA.

For full details of drone rules, including a ‘Flying for Fun’ factsheet, visit www.casa.gov.au/knowyourdrone.