Whether you call it an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), Drone or model aircraft, operators of such devices need to understand there are rules and regulations that must be followed for safe and legal usage.
Officers from the Killaloe OPP detachment are investigating a call involving drones spotted flying over residential areas.
Killaloe OPP would like to remind UAV operators that you could face serious consequences – including fines and/or jail time – if you put aircraft at risk, fly where you are not allowed or endanger anyone’s safety. In addition to Canadian Aviation Regulations, all operators of recreational and non-recreational UAVs must respect the Criminal Code and the Trespass to Property Act laws when flying their UAVs.
The following rules and tips are provided by Transport Canada:
Always Fly Your UAV/Drone
- Below 400 feet (122 metres) above the ground
- At least 100 feet (30 metres) away from vehicles, vessels, and the public
- At least 5.6 km away from any airport, or areas where aircraft take-off and land
- Away from areas where operation could interfere with police or first responders
- During daylight hours
- Within your sight at all times
For more information about drones please visit https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/drone-safety. Should you encounter an UAV/drone illegally hovering over your property, please document the sighting, make detailed notes, and contact the OPP through the non-emergent line at 1-888-310-1122.
The only people who fly their aircraft within site are RC plane flyers and RC heli flyers. Drone flyers will always fly beyond their line of sight. The damn thing can go 8km in range lol. Just use common sense and you’ll be ok.
Please get your facts straight. Many RPAS have approval for flight over people, and if they do, they must be operated by a pilot with Advanced Certification. This certificate also allows the pilot to fly in controlled airspace with proper approvals, and up to 5m from bystanders with most RPAS. Also, there are no nighttime restrictions for Basic or Advanced operators, and it’s not illegal to fly over homes or vehicles.
Unfortunately the regulations you quote in this article are nearly two years out of date. The current RPAS (not UAV) rules are quite different from the ones you list (eg, there is no difference between recreational and commercial, no limitation for proximity to vehicles, and you can fly at night). Visit the TC drone safety site or DonDronesOn.com.