Shoppers are urged to look out for the drone safety advocate symbol when buying a drone this Christmas as part of a broader push to educate new drone operators before taking to the skies.
The symbol has the words Know Your Drone Safety Advocate next to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority logo in the campaign's trademark black and yellow design.
Wherever the symbol is displayed, shoppers can be confident they're purchasing a drone from a responsible supplier who takes drone safety seriously.
Safety advocates have committed to play a key role in drone safety education. "Drone safety advocates have pledged to follow a specific set of guidelines when selling drones," CASA spokesman Peter Gibson says.
"The guidelines ensure they are providing consumers with important safety information on when, where, and how they can use their drone safely- and stay within the law."
There are 27 CASA-recognised drone safety advocates across the country, including manufacturers DJI and Zero-X and major retail outlets such as Officeworks, JB Hi-Fi and Ted's Cameras.
"Drones are great fun, and by following the simple rules everyone can enjoy the air together," Mr Gibson says.
Safety is important to JB Hi-Fi, one of the largest drone safety advocate retailers to sign up to the voluntary initiative.
"Safety is important to us at JB HiFi, so we are very proud to partner with CASA to provide the information required to safely fly a drone within Australian government guidelines, and to ensure that all current rules, regulations and flying zones are available to our customers,"
Managing Director Cameron Trainor says. Australia's drone safety rules have been in effect since 2002 and are designed to protect people, property and other aircraft.
Drone users can also download or use a web-based version of a CASA-verified drone safety app to check where they can fly their drone in accordance with aviation legislation.
The drone safety rules, apps, interactive quiz and a complete list of safety advocates are available online at www.knowyourdrone.gov.au
