New federal rules welcomed by Alberta Drones officials

By Gillian Slade on January 10, 2019.

gslade@medicinehatnews.com @MHNGillianSlade

New federal rules for those flying drones include pilots having to be licensed but the rules are about safety and that is a good thing, says a local supplier of drones.

“They’re good rules, sensible rules to enhance the industry,” said Ann Peters, owner of Alberta Drones, Ross Glen Business Park.

Minister of Transport Marc Garneau announced new rules Wednesday, which will come into effect June 1.

The rules apply to all pilots flying drones that weigh between 250 grams and 25 kilograms and that are operated within the drone pilot’s visual-line-of-sight, regardless of whether the drone is flown for fun, work or research.

The 250-gram threshold is quite small. Peters says only the smallest drones weigh less than that so the rules will apply to most.

There are two categories of rules based on distance from bystanders and airspace rules, Garneau announced.

Both categories require that the drone pilot register and mark the drone with its registration number. The pilot, who must be at least 14 years old for basic operations and 16 years for advanced operations and be supervised by someone with a proper certificate, must also pass an online exam and get a pilot certificate for basic or advanced operations. The drone must stay below an altitude of 122 metres (400 feet) above ground and be away from air traffic.

Peters says the registration will cost $5 and the pilot’s licence and exam $10.

Registering a drone also means if it is ever lost it will be easier to return the item to the owner, said Peters.

“Drones are part of an important economic sector with significant potential to improve lives and connect communities across the country. Our new regulations will create new opportunities for Canadians by establishing a safe and predictable regulatory environment where the industry can innovate and where recreational and non-recreational drone pilots can safely access Canadian airspace,” said Garneau.

Only pilots who need to fly a drone outside the rules for basic or advanced operations will need to apply for a Special Flight Operations Certificate before they fly, said a government press release.

Transport Canada encourages drone pilots to review the new rules, ensure they fully understand them, and then follow a course provided by a drone flight school before attempting to take an online exam or flight review.

At Alberta Drones a discussion about safety and rules is already part of the conversation they have with customers, whether the pilot wants to take aerial photos or fly a drone for fun.

A pilot certificate and proof of registration need to be readily available starting June 1, 2019. This can be an electronic version or a printed copy.

Until the new rules come into effect recreational drone pilots must continue to follow the rules of the Interim Order Respecting the Use of Model Aircraft, and pilots using drones for work or research must continue to follow the conditions of their Special Flight Operations Certificate.

All drone pilots are subject to the Criminal Code as well as all provincial, territorial, and municipal laws governing areas such7 as privacy and trespassing. Endangering the safety of an aircraft is a serious offence. Anyone who violates the regulations could be subject to additional fines of up to $25,000 and/or prison. This applies to drones of any size used for any purpose, according to the government press release.

https://www.tc.gc.ca/en/services/aviation/drone-safety/new-rules-drones.html

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