Perhaps you’re certified and have purchased a suitable Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) for commercial drone operations. Even so, that doesn’t mean you’re ready to proceed with your work.
Drone pilots in Canada face some of the strictest laws anywhere. Consequently, you must keep any unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) you operate in full compliance with the rules.
Failure to do so could bring a fine for each violation. Indeed, some penalties as high as $15,000 apply where people or other aircraft face risk. Yikes!
Understanding Canadian Drone Regulations
If you run commercial drone operations in your professional role, you must understand your legal obligations. Furthermore, you must adhere to all safety protocols.
The Government of Canada has outlined the requirements for the responsible operation of commercial equipment in the air.
Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs):
These rules cover drone identification, registration, and operation in Canadian airspace and address the following topics
- General Provisions
- Using Leased Aircraft by a Non-registered Owner
- Aerodromes, Airports and Heliports
- Personnel Licensing and Training
- Airworthiness
- General Operating and Flight Rules
- Commercial Air Services
- Air Navigation Services
- Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems
- Greenhouse Gas Emissions from International Aviation — CORSIA
Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC):
Depending on the type of operation and airspace classification, operators may require an SFOC from Transport Canada.
Your line of work, the model you operate, and its designated purpose determine whether you must apply for a Special Flight Operations Certificate.
If your Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) operation meets any of the following criteria, you must obtain the required training and special permissions through NAV Canada or the Department of National Defence.
- Using drones that weigh over 25 kg
- Operating your drone beyond visual line-of-sight
- Flying higher than 122 metres (400 ft) in the air
- Controlling more than five drones simultaneously with a single control station (less than 9.3 km away from controlled airspace)
- Carrying potentially hazardous payloads
These rules apply to professionals and hobbyists equally. Therefore, if you have questions about the parameters of your operation, it’s always best to seek clarification.
Pilot Certification:
All commercial drone pilots must hold a valid pilot certificate from Transport Canada. However, one group is exempt: non-professionals using micro-drones weighing less than 250 grams.
Given the speed and maneuverability of today’s consumer drones, always take special care.
In any case, whether you’re a prosumer or a novice, serious improvement calls for qualified drone training.
Categories of Drone Operations
Drone operations in Canada are categorized as either Basic or Advanced .
Basic Operations
Basic Licence Certification involves registering your drone and writing an online exam. Basic operations are limited to the following conditions:
- Only flying in uncontrolled airspace
- Ensuring your drone remains over 30 metres away from other people
- Never flying over bystanders
- Maintaining a distance of more than 3 nautical miles from airports or military aerodromes
- Keeping your drone a minimum of 1 nautical mile away from all certified heliports
Advanced Operations
For any flying that falls outside the conditions listed above, you will need Advanced Pilot Training and Certification. Advanced operations involve the following steps.
- Registering your drone with Transport Canada before its first flight
- Identifying your drone with its assigned registration number
- Submitting a Drone Safety Assurance Declaration to Transport Canada (which ensures your drone is capable of carrying out its assigned duties)
- Successfully completing the Small Advanced Exam and Flight Review
- Seeking permissions and RPAS Flight Authorization necessary for proper drone flight planning
- Attaining a Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC) for any potentially high-risk assignments
Pre-Flight Planning
The readiness of your drone and the flying conditions matter before any flight. Moreover, careful planning is critical for legal compliance.
Site Assessment
Focus on 5 key areas when surveying a site: airspace, hazards on the ground, the weather, the surrounding environment, and your proximity to bystanders. In addition, predetermine your flight route and secure any special permissions, such as those for highly populated public locations.
Weather Conditions
You need to know the weather on the day you intend to fly. Furthermore, you need to know how any wind or rain will affect your equipment.
Airspace Restrictions
Which classes of airspace are you intending to fly in? How close are the nearest heliports, aerodromes, and airports? If an accident were to occur, who should you contact? There are helpful online apps to help you determine this information .
Risk Assessment and Mitigation
Identifying Hazards
Any number of obstacles can block your line of sight or otherwise interfere with your plans. Therefore, note any power lines, tall trees, buildings, or areas with possible bystanders.
Risk Evaluation
If you feel any trepidation, trust your instincts. Above all, you don’t want to risk a flyaway or pose a threat to other aircraft.
Mitigation Strategies
Commercial drone operations benefit greatly when pilots feel confident handling any situation in flight. Specifically, knowing the techniques and features of your drone lets you take control and bring the unit home safely.
Equipment Inspection and Maintenance
Pre-Flight Checks
The success of any commercial drone flight weighs heavily on equipment quality. However, even the most expensive gear won’t help if your drone is ill-prepared for its assignment.
Scheduled Maintenance
Whether you fly once a month or every day, stay mindful of upkeep . Not only does the drone’s physical condition matter, but its operational software does too.
Pilot Training and Certification
Qualified training safeguards your drone and your company’s reputation, and it prevents financial losses. As a drone pilot in Canada, you must have the following documents available whenever you operate.
- Drone registration documentation
- Your pilot certification
- Proof of recency
- The drone’s operating manual
Obtain Certification
Basic Certification is available online. Meanwhile, you can find advanced programs and authorized in-person evaluations through Transport Canada’s Find a Drone Flight School portal.
Coastal Drone in Langley, British Columbia, is one of many qualified flight schools. Specifically, it caters to commercial operators throughout Greater Vancouver and to aspiring pilots across the country.
Continuous Education
Perhaps you want to boost your flight IQ, or you face an unfamiliar situation. Either way, the Government and its partners offer online resources that keep you up to date on flying drones in your area.
Flight schools such as Coastal Drone offer specialized consulting to answer your questions when in doubt. Other helpful resources include:
- The Transport Canada Aeronautical Information Manual ( TC AIM ) offers a single source of information for aircraft operators in Canada.
- Published AIP Canada Supplements and Aeronautical Information Circulars: offer updates on changes to flight safety, air navigation, or other technical, administrative, or legislative matters of interest to Canadian pilots.
- Canadian Aviation Regulations: offer a definitive breakdown of the laws governing Aeronautics and civil aviation nationwide.
- NAV CANADA Phraseology Document: offers a comprehensive glossary and learning tool for pilots operating within Canadian airspace.
Emergency Procedures
Experienced drone flight instruction is your best bet for instilling protocols that keep you and the public safe. Do all operators in your organization know what to do after an unexpected landing or sudden flight path deviation? If you have no emergency plan, your drone shouldn’t go up at all.
Emergency Response Plan (ERP)
A shared reference document online keeps everyone involved in your commercial drone operations on the same page. This asset should convey the steps for managing emergencies and mitigating risks. Moreover, document any injuries, damage, or equipment failures right away.
Treat your company’s ERP as an ever-changing resource, and review it constantly for best practices and current information. In addition, ERPs should carry current contact details for every authority you must notify in an emergency.
Operational Limitations Compliance
In addition to the guidelines listed above, you must know the considerations for maintaining your credentials and paperwork. As a responsible drone pilot, you must also comply with local by-laws. Furthermore, respect people’s privacy and property as you work.
Keep in mind that Transport Canada’s regulatory standards are constantly evolving, and ignorance of the law is a weak defence.
Public Safety Considerations
Accidents always occur when you least expect them. Consequently, your flight planning needs to be accurate and thorough. Any object flying through the air, regardless of size, can threaten the public. Things to watch include:
- Nearby homes, occupied buildings
- Hills, towers, embankments, blind spots
- Bodies of water, related water activity
- Power lines and potential infrastructure obstacles
- The amount of anticipated traffic on the ground and in the sky
- The possibility of bystanders, wildlife
- Fluctuating weather conditions
Data Privacy Compliance
Not all commercial drone users must worry about data privacy compliance . Even so, that doesn’t exempt you from the rules. Drone pilots should know what their footage contains. For example, limit the personal information that appears without consent, such as faces and licence plate numbers. Furthermore, store your recordings securely and protect privacy. Finally, be open and respectful with people who unwittingly appear in your shot.
Do You Have Any Questions About Commercial Drone Operations?
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Our community includes flight reviewers, instructors, seasoned pros, and avid drone enthusiasts. Together, we share a passion for aviation. Moreover, we open up opportunities for individuals and businesses exploring the many benefits of commercial drones.