On Thursday, October 12th, a Skyjet flight was struck by a drone while inbound to Jean Lesage International Airport in Quebec City.
This is the first incident of a drone hitting a commercial aircraft in Canada.
The Minister of Transport, Marc Garneau, responded to the incident saying that it is a relief that the aircraft only sustained minor damage and was able to land safely.
Transport Canada says they are in contact with Skyjet, the Jean Lesage International Airport, and Nav Canada, and they will cooperate with the Transportation Safety Board and the Quebec Police Service should they decide to investigate the incident.
"Although the vast majority of drone operators fly responsibly, it was our concern for incidents like this that prompted me to take action and issue interim safety measures restricting where recreational drones could be flown,” said Garneau.
To date, 1,596 drone incidents have been reported to Transport Canada, and of those reports, 131 were deemed to have been an aviation safety concern.
Transport Canada says that anyone who violates regulations for drone use could be subject to fines of up to $25,000, and or prison.
