Drone hits plane landing at Heathrow Airport

File photo.

Monday, April 18, 2016, 3:37 PM - A British Airways flight from Geneva, Switzerland was hit by a drone as it was landing at London, England's Heathrow Airport Monday, local authorities have announced.

The plane -- an Airbus A320 with 132 passengers and five crew members aboard -- landed safely.

Once on the ground the pilot reported that and object, believed to be a drone, struck the front of the airplane.

Aviation police have launched an investigation. So far, no arrests have been made.

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A Civil Aviation Authority spokesman told the BBC it was "totally unacceptable" to operate a drone near an airport, adding the practice could result in "severe penalties, including imprisonment".

According to the BBC, flying a drone near an airport could result in up to 5 years in prison. There are also laws against flying them more than 122 metres near buildings and crowds of people in the UK.

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DRONE LAWS IN CANADA

Large drones require special permission from Transport Canada in order to operate. Some models require a special flight operations certificate as well.

If you operate, or plan on operating, a drone in Canada Transport Canada recommends:

• Flying during daylight and in good weather 
• Always keeping your aircraft in sight 
• Respecting the privacy of others
• Avoid airports, populated areas, moving vehicles, or flying higher than 90 metres
• Reading and understanding the government's exemption conditions regarding drone operation.

Source: BBC