Soaring High: Navigating the World of Drones in Canada.
By Ali Al-Rumaih, The-14
July 25, 2023
In recent years, the skies above Canada have witnessed a remarkable evolution in technology and recreational pursuits – the advent of drones. These remotely operated flying devices have captured the imagination of hobbyists, photographers, videographers, and technology enthusiasts alike. As the popularity of drones soars, it is crucial for both new and seasoned pilots to understand the regulations and guidelines that govern their flight. In this article, we delve into the thrilling world of drones in Canada and explore where to fly your drone and how you can take to the skies safely and legally.
Navigating the Canadian Drone Regulations
Transport Canada, the country’s aviation regulatory authority, has outlined specific rules and guidelines to ensure the safe and responsible use of drones. These regulations apply to drones of all shapes and sizes, whether they are used for recreational or commercial purposes. Let’s explore the rules for both basic and advanced drone operations:
Basic Operations:
For basic drone operations, pilots must meet all five of the following conditions:
- Fly in uncontrolled airspace.
- Maintain a horizontal distance of more than 30 meters (100 feet) from bystanders.
- Never fly over bystanders.
- Stay more than 3 nautical miles from a certified airport or a military aerodrome.
- Stay more than 1 nautical mile from a certified heliport.
If you meet all these conditions, the following rules apply for basic operations:
- Drone Registration: Register your drone with Transport Canada before you fly it for the first time.
- Marking the Drone: Mark your drone with its registration number.
- Pass the Small Basic Exam: Pilots must successfully pass the Small Basic Exam.
- Safety and Responsibility: Be able to show your Pilot Certificate – Basic Operations and proof of registration when flying the drone.
Advanced Operations:
For advanced drone operations, pilots must meet any one of the following conditions:
- Fly in controlled airspace.
- Fly over bystanders.
- Fly within 30 meters (100 feet) of bystanders (measured horizontally).
- Fly less than 3 nautical miles from a certified airport or military aerodrome.
- Fly less than 1 nautical mile from a certified heliport.
If any one of these conditions is met, pilots must adhere to the following rules for advanced operations:
- Drone Registration: Register your drone with Transport Canada before flying it for the first time.
- Marking the Drone: Mark your drone with its registration number.
- Safety Declaration: Have a drone with the appropriate Safety Declaration for the intended operation.
- Pass the Small Advanced Exam: Successfully pass the Small Advanced Exam.
- Flight Review: Pass a flight review with a designated flight reviewer.
- Pilot Certificate – Advanced Operations: Hold a Pilot Certificate – Advanced Operations, which confirms you have passed the Small Advanced Exam and the flight review.
- Permission for Controlled Airspace: Seek permission from air traffic control (NAV CANADA or the Department of National Defence) to fly in controlled airspace. Request an RPAS Flight Authorization from NAV CANADA.
- Operational Limits: Fly within the operational limits of your drone.
Only drones that meet the safety requirements for your intended operation are permissible. Before flying, see tips on choosing the right drone. For those holding a Pilot Certificate – Advanced Operations, a separate Pilot Certificate – Basic Operations is not necessary to perform basic operations.
Micro-drones (under 250 g):
Micro-drones are drones weighing less than 250 grams, excluding the weight of the remote control. Pilots of micro-drones do not need to register their drone or obtain a drone pilot certificate. However, it is essential to operate the drone responsibly and exercise good judgment to avoid endangering aviation safety or anyone’s safety.
As a good practice, always follow these guidelines when flying micro-drones:
- Maintain the drone in direct line of sight.
- Do not fly your drone above 400 feet in the air.
- Keep a safe lateral distance between your drone and any bystanders.
- Stay far away from aerodromes, airports, heliports, and waterdromes.
- Avoid flying near critical infrastructure, such as utilities, communication towers, and bridges.
- Stay clear of aircraft at all times.
- Conduct a pre-flight inspection of your drone.
- Keep the drone close enough to maintain the connection with the remote controller.
- Avoid participating in special aviation or advertised events.
By adhering to these guidelines, you can avoid flying in a negligent or reckless manner and reduce the risk of incidents.
Restricted Zones:
Drones are considered aircraft under the Aeronautics Act and Canadian Aviation Regulations. Therefore, they are prohibited from entering certain zones without the proper authorizations. These zones include:
- Class F Special Use Restricted Airspace.
- Areas within five nautical miles of a forest fire area or where a NOTAM for Forest Fire Aircraft Operating Restrictions has been issued.
- Zones where Section 5.1 of the Aeronautics Act restricts the use of airspace to all aircraft.
Drones Weighing More Than 25 kg:
If your drone weighs over 25 kilograms or you intend to fly outside the rules mentioned above, you will need to obtain special permission from Transport Canada before flying.
Using the NAV Drone App:
To assist drone pilots in navigating the regulations and airspace, the Canadian government has developed the NAV Drone app. Available on both App Store and Google Play, the NAV Drone app provides valuable information on restricted zones, airspace, and regulations, helping pilots plan safe and compliant flights.
In Conclusion:
As drones continue to soar to new heights in popularity and technological advancement, their responsible use is paramount. Canada’s regulations ensure a harmonious coexistence of drones and traditional aviation while safeguarding public safety and privacy. With a growing array of breathtaking locations and innovative drones to choose from, this thrilling hobby presents endless opportunities to explore and capture the beauty of the Great White North from the skies above. So, before you take flight, familiarize yourself with the regulations, utilize the NAV Drone app, select the perfect drone, and embark on an unforgettable aerial journey across Canada’s magnificent landscapes.
For the latest and most current regulations and guidelines, visit the official Transport Canada website for drone safety.
At the end, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Rida Issa for providing the stunning pictures and videos used throughout this piece, all of which were captured using the DJI Mini 3 Pro drone and the DJI RC remote controller. His artistic vision and talent, combined with the advanced technology of the DJI equipment, have added a captivating visual dimension to our exploration of the world of drones in Canada. To see more of Rida Issa‘s breathtaking work, we invite you to visit his Instagram profile. Thank you, Rida, for enriching our article with your artistic vision, expertise and invaluable contributions. Happy droning!
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