Disaster averted after drone “buzzes” GDF helicopter

Last Updated on Tuesday, 19 January 2016, 17:21 by Denis Chabrol

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) is advising against but the use of drones in its airspace after a drone buzzed a helicopter earlier recently.

A press release from the Force stated that the helicopter, GDF 1, landed safely without incident at Camp Ayanganna, after it was “buzzed” by what appeared to be a remote-controlled ‘Drone,’ recently.

"At the time of the incident, the helicopter was making its final approach to Camp Ayanganna, overhead Thomas Lands, in the vicinity of Queens College and the National Park," the release stated.

It was noted that the Drone flew dangerously close to helicopter and also attempted to follow the aircraft.

"The Guyana Defence Force has noted with concern the frequency of Drones being flown in Georgetown, as well as other parts of the country, and would like to reiterate that these devices can cause serious if not fatal accidents especially when they are being operated in the airspace allocated to low flying aircraft."

GDF recommended that the public refrains from operating these devices in and around Base Camp Ayanganna and all other Military Bases.