The Isle of Man Constabulary will be piloting the use of a drone for the period of the Festival of Motorcycling from Friday 19th August to Sunday 3rd September 2016.
Inspector Allan Thompson said, “The drone will provide support in evidence gathering at serious Road Traffic Collision scenes, crime scenes and also in search of missing vulnerable people.
This trial seeks to prove that the use of a drone can reduce demand on policing. Following serious collisions the Constabulary will be able to get roads opened sooner thus reducing the impact on the public.”
The Isle of Man Civil Aviation Administration has worked closely with the Isle of Man Constabulary and their approved drone operator to ensure that this new capability is operated safely, both with respect to other aircraft in the air and also to people and properties on the ground.
Colin Gill, Deputy Director of Civil Aviation said, “The operation of all drones in the Isle of Man is governed by legal requirements that specify what drone operators should do and where drones can and cannot fly.
“However, it is important for the public to remember that unless being flown in support of the emergency services, the Festival of Motorcycling and the Isle of Man TT are strictly ‘no drone events’.
“Restricted airspace is in place for these events and an unauthorised operator of a drone is liable to prosecution and a fine of up to ?2500.”
The drone that will be used for the Pilot will be a DJI Phantom 4 which will be finished in Police livery with high intensity blue flashing strobes.
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