The RCMP launched a new initiative Monday evening, with a plan to enhance the security along the Canada-U.S. border. The RCMP Federal Policing Northwest Region created a Remotely Piloted Aircraft, or RPAS, corridor.
The corridor, which extends 1.85 kilometres, or one nautical mile, north of the border, will see RPAS, or drones as they are more commonly known, patrolling the region. These patrols will be looking for illegal activity along the border. Among the activities they will be looking for are those crossing the border illegally, the human smugglers who help them cross the border, and the smuggling of illegal contraband in and out of the country.
"The RCMP is committed to advancing the use of RPAS technology to enhance our service delivery models that protect the security of our Border," said Assistant Commissioner Lisa Moreland, Regional Commander for the RCMP Federal Policing Northwest Region. "The use of this technology and the creation of the RCMP RPAS corridor will also augment our ability to enhance coordination efficiencies amongst our law enforcement partners, which will ultimately have a direct impact on public safety.”
The RCMP emphasized this new corridor, formally designated as Advisory Airspace, is not a restricted no-fly zone. The advisory area extends from the ground up to an altitude of 500 feet and runs 1.85 kilometres north of the border. Local pilots, agricultural operators using spray planes or drones, and recreational aviation users can continue to fly in the area.
However, the RCMP is asking anyone planning to fly within the corridor to exercise increased caution and provide advance notification to ensure the safety of both manned and unmanned aircraft. This helps create better situational awareness for the RCMP drone pilots and reduces the risk of any mid-air conflicts.
To notify the RCMP about any flights in the area, the RCMP advise that pilots and operators of drones use an ADS-B system, register by email at NWRRPASNWRSAT@rcmpgrc.gc.ca 24 hours in advance of any flight, or by calling the coordination line at (866) 475-4238.