This Information is taken from Transport Canada website to help our clients:
More and more people are using unmanned aircraft for work or pleasure. Transport Canada regulates their use to keep the public and our airspace safe.
Unmanned aircraft (no pilot on board) go by many names—unmanned air vehicle (UAV), remotely piloted aircraft system, model aircraft, remote control aircraft, and drone.
Call it what you want, but always think safety first.
You are responsible to fly your aircraft safely and legally. In Canada, you must:
Transport Canada expects you to follow these basic Do’s and Don’ts.
We all have a responsibility to respect the Criminal Code as well as all municipal, provincial, and territorial laws regarding trespassing and privacy.
Use this infographic to help you understand the Dos and Don’ts of UAV safety:
At the end of November 2014, Transport Canada will introduce new requirements for UAVs used for work. Specifically, a Special Flight Operations Certificate will no longer be required for UAVs under 2 kilograms and for certain operations involving UAVs under 25 kilograms.
Check back to see if the new requirements apply to you. If they do, you must follow specific safety conditions, which include operating within visual line-of-sight, maximum altitudes and away from built-up areas and aerodromes.
For more information, visit http://news.gc.ca/web/article-en.do?nid=900449.
Until the new requirements come into effect, you must apply for a Special Flight Operations Certificate if:
Use this infographic to help you know when you need to apply for a Special Flight Operations Certificate:
What is the purpose of a Special Flight Operations Certificate?
Special Flight Operations Certificates are required under the Canadian Aviation Regulations so that Transport Canada can verify operators can use their UAV reliably and safely.
The Special Flight Operations Certificate contains conditions specific to the proposed use, such as maximum altitudes, clearance from people and property, operating areas, and coordination with air traffic services.
How do I apply for a Special Flight Operations Certificate?
You must email a detailed application to the nearest Transport Canada regional office. You must provide your contact information and describe how, when and where you plan to use your UAV. You can find more information on what you need to include in your application at https://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/civilaviation/opssvs/managementservices-referencecentre-documents-600-623-001-972.htm.
If you have any questions about applying for a Special Flight Operations Certificate, please contact services@tc.gc.ca.
How long does it take to get a Special Flight Operations Certificate?
Transport Canada processes applications on a first-come-first-served basis, and aims to process them within 20 working days. This means:
How long is a Special Flight Operations Certificate valid?
A Special Flight Operations Certificate is valid for a limited period of time.
If you have proven that you can use your UAV, Transport Canada may:
How does Transport Canada enforce the regulations?
Transport Canada regulates the use of all aircraft, manned and unmanned, to keep the public and our airspace safe.
If the department receives a report of an incident, one of our inspectors will follow up to verify that the operator followed the rules and operated the aircraft safely. For example:
Does Transport Canada plan to review the current regulations for UAVs?
Yes. Transport Canada is working with stakeholders and international partners to review and update safety regulations that will address developments in this growing sector and advancements in technology. Our goal is always to maintain the safety of those on the ground and in the sky.
What laws apply to unmanned aircraft?
In aviation, you must always think safety first. In addition to respecting the Canadian Aviation Regulations, you must follow the rules in all acts and regulations—including the Criminal Code as well as all municipal, provincial, and territorial laws regarding trespassing and privacy.
If you think someone has committed a criminal offense, please contact your local police department.
If you are concerned about the safe operation of an aircraft, you can report it to Transport Canada at services@tc.gc.ca.
Why are there so many different terms for unmanned aircraft?
You probably know them as “drones”, but the aviation community uses many different terms. The words to describe unmanned aircraft are changing almost as quickly as the technology itself.
In Canada, our laws use two terms:
Other countries are using the term “remotely piloted aircraft system”, or RPAS. The International Civil Aviation Organization uses this term as a catch-all for all unmanned aircraft.
Call your aircraft what you like—but Transport Canada expects you to operate it safely and legally!
How many Special Flight Operations Certificates has Transport Canada issued?
Transport Canada issues more Special Flight Operations Certificates each year, as UAVs grow in popularity. Between 2010 and 2013, we issued 1,527 approvals for UAV operations.