Quick Bite – CARAC Exemtion for Foreign Pilots
This week, the Canadian Aviation Regulation Advisory Council (CARAC) announced a change to the Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC) process for foreign pilots.
The Change
Foreign pilots no longer need to hold a pilot certificate from a foreign state to apply for an SFOC. This is welcome news, because many countries do not certify drone pilots at all. Moreover, it opens the door for people staying in Canada for extended periods, such as students and workers on visas, to pick up drones here. This has been an unofficial policy for a while. Therefore, we are happy to see it addressed officially.
Foreign pilots now also gain an exemption from 903.02(f) to (o). Many of these provisions reach beyond the scope of recreational operations. Consequently, more foreign pilots can operate safely and legally in Canada.
Overall, these changes make it easier for foreign operators to start flying small drones in Canada. We are excited about them, and we look forward to seeing more people out enjoying drones.