Severe drone registration restrictions for foreigners in Canada

[WilliamDaugherty]

We used to be able to get a standing SFOC after a few missions but that was for Canadians so not sure if that would work for Americans.
The system really needs improving even for us here in Canada. Not every part of Ontario where I live has a person that can give you a in-person flight review so I would have to travel somewhere to get mine.

I was told emphatically there was no "standing SFOC" for foreigners. Yes, I think the system is very complex, but at least citizens only need the SFOC for unusual operations, most of which require a waiver here in the US (plus Part 107 obviously). My real complaint is that for non-citizens, every single operation is considered to require a separate SFOC, even if it's just flying my larger drone for fun. Frankly not worth the time/money/effort for me when I can do jobs with a Mini 3 Pro without all the headaches. Not ideal, but it can work.

 

[kalimah]

Just learned today that Canada requires registration of drones in excess of ???grams. However, Canada will not register drones for foreign nationals (US citizens) unless they pass a special class and pass a flight review test by a qualified Canadian national company. Quite a surprise to me. Failure to comply would be another (financial) surprise.

Thanks.

 

[RedBaron2]

Others have noted that the Canadian special permit/license is limited to one event only. Totally unpractical for a US citizen who wants to visit multiple locations. I plan to sell my Yuneec Typhoon H drone, and buy a lighter drone to avoid those complications in most countries.

 

[blabel75]

I have a unique situation here that this thread doesn't really cover but I don't necessarily want to start a new thread. Not sure if anyone else is in this situation. I am a Canadian citizen living in the USA (also have US Citizenship). I will be traveling to Canada and have researched the new requirements pretty thoroughly. I know I need an RPAS no matter what with my Mavic Air 2. The main question is if I also need the SFOC or if I can just register the drone as a Canadian. I don't have a Canadian address, though my family lives in Canada and that is whom I will be visiting when there with my drone. What does the drone registration system request in the way of contact information? Can I use a US address or could I use my families address? My father also has RPAS for model aircraft. Could he register the drone in his account but me fly it on my RPAS?

 

[Droning on and on...]

I would think that part of the statement is untrue. The FAA has no authority to fine anyone in Canada and since we do things differently here you can post any photos or video for profit once your back in Canada.

Which can (but won't) result in an arrest warrant that can be executed if he finds himself on US soil.

While you are correct that the FAA has no authority in Canada, they do in the US, and if you break the law in the US you may be held accountable.

The FAA doesn't outlaw posting or selling pictures. They don't have the jurisdiction, and prohibiting that would run afoul of other constitutional protections. What they do have authority over is use of US airspace, and can control what you do while flying. You're not allowed to generate revenue from flying in US airspace without a 107, it doesn't matter when you collect that revenue.

 

[Droning on and on...]

Not changing my stands at all. If you think they (FAA) has man power to search youtube for Canadian drone pilots breaking some USA law I have some swamp land to sell you.

That's not what you said.

You said the FAA has no authority to fine anyone in Canada. In fact, the FAA has the authority to fine anyone anywhere in the world. They only have authority to collect on US soil, and to prohibit your entry here if you don't pay.

No one mentioned enforcement resources nor was that under discussion until you changed your argument. Swamp land notwithstanding.

I agree 100% that as a practical matter, the FAA has neither the resources, nor the priority to go after someone under these circumstances.

 

[Droning on and on...]

Isn't it time that the various countries/regions (USA, Canada, UK, Eu) recognize each other's certificates for hobby flying?

NOOOOOOOO!!!! NO NO NO NO NO!!!!!!

I like flying my Avatas, DJI FPV, and Air 3 with just the TRUST hoop to jump through.

 

[mavic3usa]

^^^I'm not sure I have the energy for this one.

The US and Canada are neighbors they absolutely should recognize each other's process; not come up with a new process suitable for both but you recognize what I do and I recognize what you do, where feasible. If it takes some minor tweaking, 25 feet here, 2 days there, 15g....