Drones are becoming more and more prevalent in industries that factor into the economy in southeast Saskatchewan. From their usage in agriculture for crop monitoring and field mapping to their usage in the oil and gas sector for asset inspection and project planning, they have become an integral tool for many. However, no matter the usefulness of drones, there are rules Transport Canada has put in place concerning their usage.
Ryan Coates is the executive director responsible for remotely piloted aircraft with Transport Canada. He explained the rules that are in place now were introduced in 2019 and focus on what is called visual line of sight operations, which means the drone pilot needs to be able to directly see the drone at all times. Other rules were also introduced at the time.
“It introduces requirements for pilot certification and in some cases testing to ensure that drone pilots understand the aviation rules that apply to them, and what it means to operate safely in Canada,” Coates said. Other rules include staying under 400 feet when flown, not introducing risks to other aircraft, and not introducing risks to people who may be on the ground.
Here in Canada, there isn’t a differentiation between what is considered to be a recreational drone, and what is classed as a commercial drone. The rules are determined based on the size of the drone, and not how it is used.
“We moved away from making a distinction between the end use of the drone, whether it be a recreational hobbyist activity, or a commercial activity,” Coates clarified. The focus is now on the weight of a drone, and the area that it is being operated.
“If you’re a recreational hobbyist, you’re flying a drone in a very isolated area, not near airports or aerodromes, or in a Canadian city, the rules are less prescriptive for you,”
Coates stated. “Conversely, if you’re operating a drone in a downtown city in Canada, or near an airport, the requirements are more onerous for you.”
Any drone that weighs more than 250 grams up to 25 kilograms must be registered with Transport Canada. Coates noted smaller drones that are found in stores that weigh less than 250 grams do not need to be registered with Transport Canada.
Where drones can fly is also important.
“There are certain areas in Canada where restricted airspace exists, and drones are prohibited from operating in those restricted areas as a general rule,” Coates said. Some of those examples of restricted airspace include airports, heliports and aerodromes, near correctional institutions, near advertised events, or near natural disasters. “However, if the individual responsible for that restricted airspace, or if there’s a special need to operate in that restricted airspace, certain permissions could be granted.”
So, who is responsible for the enforcement of the rules? Well, it depends.
“Transport Canada is responsible for regulating the drone industry in Canada,” Coates explained. “If there is a concern with a non-compliant drone operation, potentially an alleged one, or a safety concern associated with a drone operation, Canadians can submit that information to us.”
The method for reporting drone incidents is on the Transport Canada website. However, if there is imminent danger to people or aviation in the area, people are asked to contact their local law enforcement.
“Over the last couple years, we have established police partnerships with 18 different law enforcement agencies across the country that are able to issue what we call administrative monetary penalties,” Coates continued.
Those who are looking to start flying a drone, or those who want to brush up on the rules, have a lot of information available to them. Transport Canada’s Drone Safety website includes the dos and don’ts of flying a drone, as well as the forms needed to register a drone and obtain a license if needed.