Government Introduces Strict New Rules Governing Drones
Published March 20, 2017 at 5:04 am
If you’re a big drone enthusiast, you might want to know that the government has tightened regulations governing the flying objects.
Recently, Transport Canada announced that it’s introducing new measures to keep people safe following a series of incidents relating to drones. According to the government agency, “the number of incidents involving the popular objects more than tripled since 2014.”
Minister of Transport Marc Garneau recently appeared alongside Toronto police and the RCMP at Billy Bishop Airport in Toronto to announce an immediate measure that will affect the operations of model aircraft and recreational drones between 250 grams and 35 kilograms.
“I take very seriously the increased risk to aviation safety and to people on the ground caused by drones,” said 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.”
Transport Canada says that recreational drone operators must mark their drone with their contact information and can no longer fly:
- higher than 90 metres;
- at night;
- within 75 metres of buildings, vehicles or people; or
- within 9 kilometres of the centre of any airport, heliport, aerodrome or water aerodrome where aircraft take off and land.
If you have to operate a drone for work, you might be happy to hear that these rules might not necessarily apply to you.
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Transport Canada says that residents who operate drones for commercial, academic or research purposes are not affected by this measure. The rules that are already in place are effective and most commercial users operate their drones in a safe manner.
If you don’t like the new rules and don’t plan to comply, you could be risking a hefty fine.
According to the government, any recreational operator who fails to comply with the new flying restrictions and conditions could be subject to fines of up to $3,000.
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