5 Rules for Recreational Drone Usage: Transport Canada

Photo courtesy of NATS

Transport Canada has released five new recreational drone operation rules. The rules aim to enhance safety, and are effective immediately, the authority said last week. The rules are:

1. Recreational drone operators must mark their drones with their contact information
2. Recreational drone operators may not fly higher than 90 meters (296 feet)
3. Recreational drone operators may not fly at night
4. Recreational drone operators may not fly within 75 meters (246 feet) of buildings, vehicles or people
5. Recreational drone operators may not fly within 9 kilometers (5.5 miles) of the center of any airport, heliport, aerodrome or water aerodrome where aircraft takeoff and land.

“I take very seriously the increased risk to aviation safety and to people on the ground caused by drones,” said Canada’s Minister of Transport Marc Garneau. “That is why I am proceeding with this measure, which takes effect immediately — to enhance the safety of aviation and the public while we work to bring into force permanent regulations.”

These rules do not affect operators flying drones for commercial, academic or research purposes. They also do not affect members of the Model Aeronautics Assn. of Canada (MAAC) in good standing who operate at MAAC — sanctioned field or events. They are to be in effect for a period of up to one year, acting as temporary rules while permanent regulations are being developed.