With only days away until new federal drone regulations come into effect, operators will need to brush up on the new changes for operating a device legally within the country.
But for drone pilots within the Comox Valley, the new regulations - which come into effect June 1 - should not have too much of an impact on the region.
That’s because the majority of the Comox Valley is a no-fly zone.
Drones are regulated by Transport Canada which has documented an increase in the number of incidents causing a risk to aviation safety in recent years.
Currently, regulations for drones that weigh more than 250 grams and up to 35 kilograms include that they must be flown to a maximum of 90 metres above the ground, only during the day, not in clouds, within 500m of the operator and at least 5.5 km from aerodromes (any airport, seaplane base or areas where aircraft take off and land).
Due to Smit Field off Forbidden Plateau Road, the Courtenay Airpark and the Comox Airport, recreational drones are forbidden to be flown anywhere between Union Bay and Saratoga Beach, or anywhere east of Comox Lake.
Earlier this year, federal Transport Minister Marc Garneau announced the new rules which include an online exam and the need to obtain a pilot’s certificate to operate a drone whether a person uses it for work, fun or research.
Operators will need to register their drones and mark them with a registration number. He also introduced minimum operational age limits - 14 years of age for basic operations and 16 for advanced.
Pilots will also have to keep their aircraft below 122 metres above ground level and stay away from air traffic.
If pilots do not follow the drone rules - which apply to drones weighing between 250 grams and 25 kilograms - violators could be subject to fines of up to $25,000 and face prison time.
Currently, if a drone is flown in a restricted area without permission, users can be fined up to $3,000.
For those who operate drones for survey, agricultural or police work and inspections, academic research or aerial photography for real estate, a special flight operations certificate can be obtained through Transport Canada.
For a list of the new rules, or to take the online test to obtain a licence, click here.
erin.haluschak@comoxvalleyrecord.com
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