I have presented a 2025 wish list to the Drone Pilot Association of Canada's Board of Directors to present to Transport Canada as follows:
For micro <250g RPA's:
1) Everyone in Canada should have their Basic Pilot Certificate regardless of the size of their RPA. This would go a long way to raise awareness for safety. Moreover, It should also be free of charge to encourage new purchasers to acquire enhanced safety and aviation knowledge. This will go a long way to reassure the public about drone activities and alleviate their safety and privacy concerns. A good example is the US TRUST Certificate which provides a free course followed by a series of multiple choice questions and is required for all drone pilots regardless of the weight of their aircrafts. The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) exam ( 40 questions) for the Flyer ID is also free but unfortunately is only required for 250g or above drones.
2) Transport Canada should establish a reciprocal agreement with the FAA, the UK and other recognized aviation authorities to permit Certified RPA pilots to operate in these respective countries. Micro drone need not be registered.
For Pilots who hold the certificate for Advanced Operations:
3) Pilots who hold the certificate for Advanced Operations should be permitted to fly BVLOS without a SFOC provided that they can demonstrate having performed and documented a scene survey of the anticipated flight path.
4) Pilots who hold their certificate for Advanced Operations should be permitted to fly over Parks Canada and NCC property as they have the aviation knowledge and the credential for both safety and privacy.
5) The use of radio by RPA pilots for ATC clearance should be permitted and encouraged to enhance awareness of manned air traffic communication.
For micro <250g RPA's:
1) Everyone in Canada should have their Basic Pilot Certificate regardless of the size of their RPA. This would go a long way to raise awareness for safety. Moreover, It should also be free of charge to encourage new purchasers to acquire enhanced safety and aviation knowledge. This will go a long way to reassure the public about drone activities and alleviate their safety and privacy concerns. A good example is the US TRUST Certificate which provides a free course followed by a series of multiple choice questions and is required for all drone pilots regardless of the weight of their aircrafts. The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) exam ( 40 questions) for the Flyer ID is also free but unfortunately is only required for 250g or above drones.
2) Transport Canada should establish a reciprocal agreement with the FAA, the UK and other recognized aviation authorities to permit Certified RPA pilots to operate in these respective countries. Micro drone need not be registered.
For Pilots who hold the certificate for Advanced Operations:
3) Pilots who hold the certificate for Advanced Operations should be permitted to fly BVLOS without a SFOC provided that they can demonstrate having performed and documented a scene survey of the anticipated flight path.
4) Pilots who hold their certificate for Advanced Operations should be permitted to fly over Parks Canada and NCC property as they have the aviation knowledge and the credential for both safety and privacy.
5) The use of radio by RPA pilots for ATC clearance should be permitted and encouraged to enhance awareness of manned air traffic communication.
