New Canadian Drone Laws (Updated)

HUP55 · Jun 29, 2017

Well this is good news and much better than the previous laws. Still needs improvement but nonetheless better than it was.
Interim Order No. 8 Respecting the Use of Model Aircraft - Transport Canada

Maxheadspace · Jun 29, 2017

Yes, better, but still onerous. For most drones you can't fly within 250 feet of anyone or any vehicle??? That's kind of oppressive. Technically, that means you couldn't demonstrate your drone to anyone unless they were 250 feet away from you. It would pretty much preclude anyone from flying in a town or city, because you will most always be within 250 feet of some vehicle or person. And that's "person", not group of people. Fortunately for the Mavic Pro, it is slightly under a kilogram, so it's only 100 foot distance. Sorry Phantom flyers!

Cookedinlh · Jul 27, 2017

Here's my answer to new Canadian Drone Regs published last week. . . not the LAW yet . . but getting close
Open public sessions are being held across Canada both virtually and in person to hear what the public thinks of the new UAV (Drone) regulations about to be put into law. Check out OUTREACH PROGRAM to see if you can participate in one near you. Here is some of what I plan to say. NEW AIR REGS

kona · Jul 27, 2017

Maxheadspace said:
Yes, better, but still onerous. For most drones you can't fly within 250 feet of anyone or any vehicle??? That's kind of oppressive. Technically, that means you couldn't demonstrate your drone to anyone unless they were 250 feet away from you.

Mavic is less than 2.2 pounds, so the 100 feet rule applies. It's not so bad if you ask me. I'm sure friends who have agreed to be closer are excluded, it wouldn't make sense otherwise.

Maxonio · Jul 27, 2017

Exemption from sections 602.41 and 603.66 of the Canadian Aviation Regulations
Exemption from Paragraph 571.08(1)(b) of the Canadian Aviation Regulations - Transport Canada

Infographic:
https://www.tc.gc.ca/media/document...ic_-_Do_I_need_permission_to_fly_my_drone.pdf

On the Exemption page if you look at number 50 (Pilot Training Conditions), it says that you need to complete a Pilot Ground School. Is it applicable for everyone? The courses aren't cheap...

Cookedinlh · Jul 27, 2017

kona said:
Mavic is less than 2.2 pounds, so the 100 feet rule applies. It's not so bad if you ask me. I'm sure friends who have agreed to be closer are excluded, it wouldn't make sense otherwise.

Yea sorry I used the similar text for both Mavic and P4P forums . . my lazy . . . but here is how the regs are written for Mavic

901.11 No person shall operate a very small unmanned aircraft at a lateral distance of less than 100 feet from another person, except from a crew member or other person involved in the operation, unless

(a) the aircraft is operated without creating a hazard to persons or property on the surface;
(b) the aircraft is operated at an altitude above 100 feet AGL; and
(c) the aircraft is operated at a ground speed of less than 10 knots (11.5 mph).

( a) kinda goes without saying because it's well stated elsewhere and intuitively OBVIOUS! It does not need to be repeated. Both the 901.11 itself and subpara (b) are redundant so what is the point of stating it TWICE in the same para? . . . and how far out are you supposed to slow down.? Seems I can overfly someone at 101ft at 40mph but if I'm 1 ft lower I have to slow down somewhere before I get there. This poorly worded para is just confusing and unnecessary.

I'd recommend:
“902.11 No person shall operate a UAV closer than 100ft from any other person or property or fly faster than 10 kts (11.5mph) if they operate that close, unless those persons or property are:
(a) other crew members, or
(b) the subject of the operation.”

Minimum Visual Meteorological Conditions

901.12 No pilot shall operate a very small unmanned aircraft unless

(a) the aircraft is operated clear of cloud; and
(b) the ground visibility as observed from the location of the control station is not less than two statute miles.

My Comment: Given the ¼ mile rule, what is the basis for visibility range of 2 miles? 1 mile is more than reasonable. Whenever the local visibility is 1 mile (ie: 4 times the distance you can reasonably see or operate ANY UVA with the Mark1 eyeball) . . At 1 mile viz it is already illegal for any VFR or SVFR aircraft or helicopters operating in the area anyway. It is also reasonable to suggest that the ¼ mile UAV limit is also arbitrary given 1 mile visibility and good UAV strobe lighting. . .

elnidome2017 · Jan 9, 2019

Starting June 01, 2019, you need to register your drone for a fee $5 and also pass online exam 35 questions for basic flyers $10 fee,

Cookedinlh · Jan 9, 2019

elnidome2017 said:
Starting June 01, 2019, you need to register your drone for a fee $5 and also pass online exam 35 questions for basic flyers $10 fee,

Yes good to see some progress but have not seen anything published in Gov't Gazette . . where is this coming from . . never mind I found it http://www.gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p2/2019/2019-01-09/html/sor-dors11-eng.html got some reading to do

Cookedinlh · Jan 9, 2019

Lots of stuff in there and good improvements overall . . but I did notice you still cannot use a drone from any moving vehicle so that eliminates even from a canoe or boat of any kind . . floating dock? what about a dolly seat on a movie set? . . need to think that one through a bit. It's not just about Cars and trucks

Cookedinlh · Jan 17, 2019

Cookedinlh said:
Lots of stuff in there and good improvements overall . . but I did notice you still cannot use a drone from any moving vehicle so that eliminates even from a canoe or boat of any kind . . floating dock? what about a dolly seat on a movie set? . . need to think that one through a bit. It's not just about Cars and trucks

I’m wrong about this ... closer look says you can be a passenger and control a UAV just not drive and fly at the same time .... says you cannot control a UAV “while operating” a moving vehicle Or vessel