A helicopter that landed on a popular Tofino beach has sparked an investigation by Transport Canada.
The aircraft startled beachgoers on a sunny Sunday afternoon when it made what appeared to be a non-emergency landing at Cox Bay on June 14.
Tofino local Sophie LB次元官网网址橦omme told the Westerly B次元官网网址 that she was walking along nearby Chesterman Beach when the helicopter B次元官网网址渃ame flying right above us.B次元官网网址�
She said she had never seen an aircraft flying so close to the beach before and others at the beach shared in her surprise to see the helicopter land on the sand in front of a resort.
B次元官网网址淲e were really confused. I couldnt imagine landing on the beach like that for fun could be legal,B次元官网网址� LB次元官网网址橦omme said. B次元官网网址淚t could have injured someone without a security parameter. Cox Bay can be packed with people on a Sunday afternoon like that.B次元官网网址�
A Transport Canada spokesperson told the Westerly that numerous complaints were received about the incident and an investigation is underway.
The spokesperson explained that Canadian Aviation Regulations state: B次元官网网址淣o person shall operate an aircraft in such a reckless or negligent manner as to endanger or be likely to endanger the life or property of any person.B次元官网网址�
Helicopter operators must also comply with minimum altitudes and distances and aircraft operating procedures, according to the spokesperson.
B次元官网网址淚f it is determined that there has been a non-compliance with the Canadian Aviation Regulations, the department will take appropriate enforcement action which could include fines or suspensions,B次元官网网址� they said.
Tofino RCMP detachment commander Sgt. Todd Pebernat said the incident was reported to police, who forwarded the information they received to Transport Canada.
B次元官网网址淎 helicopter can land on a beach if it does not create a hazard. In this case, the number of people on the beach may have made it hazardous for the helicopter to land,B次元官网网址� Pebernat said.
The District of TofinoB次元官网网址檚 manager of protective services Brent Baker said he was at Chesterman Beach and saw the helicopter take off.
Baker said he began collecting photos from bystanders, including some that show the helicopterB次元官网网址檚 identification numbers, and sent those photos to the RCMP.
He added that helicopters and small planes occasionally land on the regionB次元官网网址檚 more remote beaches, but he was surprised to see an aircraft land on such a popular beach within the municipality and believes it presented a danger to the public.
B次元官网网址淲hen you have an approved landing zone, there are signs to warn the public about the possible safety hazards, warning you about debris that may fly up and all those sorts of things. When you land in a populated area where people on the beach are running to get away from it, youB次元官网网址檙e not giving people that opportunity to be as safe as possible,B次元官网网址� Baker said.
B次元官网网址淚f it turns out that itB次元官网网址檚 legal, then thatB次元官网网址檚 disappointing to me. I think people deserve the opportunity to be safe and not feel as though theyB次元官网网址檙e going to be landed on, or have debris fly up and affect them in any way.B次元官网网址�
andrew.bailey@westerlynews.ca
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