BANFF – A German visitor to Banff National Park was fined $500 for flying an unmanned aerial vehicle at the end of March.
Philipp Johann Boettger was charged by Banff Park wardens on March 27 for flying the drone after it was reported to officials by a member of the public, according to federal crown prosecutor Anita Szabo.
“A passer-by told wardens they saw the pilot at Surprise Corner,” Szabo told provincial court judge J.J. Ogle earlier in June. “It was seen flying over Bow Falls and near the pedestrian bridge in Banff.”
Boettger was the person flying the drone, she said, but he was unaware of the fact that UAVs, or drones, are strictly regulated in the national park.
Szabo said the accused, who lives in Hong Kong, was in Banff with his son. Boettger did not appear in court, but was represented by an agent.
