Drones, also known as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) are one of the most advanced devices you can buy. Drones are made from light composite materials in order to increase flying maneuverability and flight time. Consumer drones are normally operated by remote control, however, high-end and newer drones now commonly allow for the drone to be programmed, which allows them to fly on their own using special software that guides the drones on controlled flight plans with the help of GPS and other navigation systems.

Consumer drones are mostly used for fun – who would have guessed that?! Drones are also commonly used for photography, journalism, building inspections and surveillance among many others. The rise of their popularity is due to the fact that drones can reach locations that are more difficult or even impossible for humans to access without equipments that is more expensive than a drone.

The rule for flying recreational drones is that they must be flown at utmost 400 ft. Also drone owners are expected to fly their drones 5 miles away from airports. FAA suggests certain Do’s and Don’ts which ask the pilots to maintain specific guidelines to be followed.

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If a drone gets out of the range of the controller, it automatically/ manually gets into RTL mode. This means that the drone returns back to where it began from.

The maximum weight a drone can carry will depend on factors such as the way the drone is designed, its propellers, battery, electronic speed controllers and other factors. It is advisable always to check the weight specification for each model. the EM120 Can carry 5 kg payload.

Legal requirements when flying drones

Drone pilots must follow the rules in the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs). Part IX – Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems contains most of the rules that apply to drones. You should read these regulations in full before you fly your drone for the first time.

Drone pilots must carry a valid drone pilot certificate and only fly drones that are marked and registered.

Respect all other laws

You must respect all other laws when flying your drone. We encourage you to read the following documents before you fly for the first time:

• Relevant sections of the Criminal Code, including Offences against Air or Maritime Safety, Breaking and Entering, and Mischief
• your province’s trespass act
• laws related to voyeurism and privacy

You must respect the privacy rights of others when you fly.

We investigate reports of unsafe flying. We may involve local police if you break other laws.

Fly your drone safely

It’s important that you fly your drone responsibly to avoid harming others. Here are the rules you need to follow.

Before you fly

1. Understand your legal requirements when flying drones
2. Understand the difference between basic and advanced operations
3. Get the necessary knowledge requirements
4. Get a drone pilot certificate
5. Choose the right drone if you want to perform advanced operations
6. Register your drone
7. Follow your drone manufacturer’s instructions
8. Survey the area where you will fly
   
   • Take note of any obstacles, such as buildings and power lines

While flying

To keep yourself and others safe, fly your drone:

• where you can see it at all times
• below 122 meters (400 feet) in the air
• away from bystanders, at a minimum distance of 30 meters for basic operations
• away from emergency operations and advertised events
  
  • Avoid forest fires, outdoor concerts and parades
• away from airports and heliports
  
  • 5.6 kilometers (3 nautical miles) from airports
  • 1.9 kilometers (1 nautical mile) from heliports
• far away from other aircraft
  
  • Don’t fly anywhere near airplanes, helicopters and other drones

Always respect the privacy of others while flying.

Penalties

You could face serious penalties, including fines and/or jail time, if you break the rules.

Fines for individuals

• up to $1,000 for flying without a drone pilot certificate
• up to $1,000 for flying unregistered or unmarked drones
• up to $1,000 for flying where you are not allowed
• up to $3,000 for putting aircraft and people at risk

Fines for corporations

• up to $5,000 for flying without a drone pilot certificate
• up to $5,000 for flying unregistered or unmarked drones
• up to $5,000 for flying where you are not allowed
• up to $15,000 for putting aircraft and people at risk

If you break more than one rule, you could receive multiple penalties.

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