Calling all drone pilots! The Government of Canada is poised to roll out some new rules and regulations for drone operators in 2025, with some lifted restrictions, an eased application process, and increased use in remote areas. The new rules, which are to be fully unveiled by Transport Canada later this spring and then implemented in the fall, aim to make it easier for both commercial and recreational drone users to safely operate their remotely piloted aircraft (RPA).
The biggest changes will be coming to what Transport Canada calls low-risk drone flights that go beyond the operator’s visual line-of-sight (BVLOS). Previously, pilots could not fly their drone where they could not see it without completing a special application, which was reviewed on a case-by-case basis before the pilot intended to fly. Transport Canada plans to do away with this requirement, which will save drone operators countless hours of administrative paperwork for BVLOS flights.
“We hope this will provide a more efficient regulatory framework for drone pilots,” says Ryan Coates, president and executive director of remotely piloted aircraft and civil aviation for Transport Canada. “We want to encourage more drone operations to take place in Canada both safely and effectively. This means people can continue to have fun with their drones while also being able to fly a little further.”
Can drones at the cottage be intrusive?
What constitutes a low-risk drone flight? These flights take place below 400 feet in altitude so there is no conflict with other aircraft or controlled airspaces; there must be fewer than 25 people per square kilometre beneath the flight path; and pilots cannot fly near airports, emergency operations, or large events such as outdoor concerts. Pilots must also steer clear of bystanders on the ground by at least 30 metres. All of these restrictions will still be in place after the new rules take effect in the fall, for the safety of both civilians on the ground and other pilots in the sky.
Transport Canada will also be updating weight limit restrictions for RPAs. The previous guidelines state that you need a drone pilot licence to operate RPAs that weigh more than 250 grams up to including 25 kilograms, with tighter restrictions for drones that weigh more than that limit. Under the new regulations, the maximum weight will be increasing to 150 kilograms, thereby expanding what kinds of drones are allowed in Canadian skies. Transport Canada says you will still be required to get a drone pilot certificate and register your drone to operate RPAs in this weight category. For operators who have drones less than 250g, they need not apply to get a pilot licence or register their device.
“Presently, we have more than 100,000 registered drones and an equal number of certified pilots across Canada,” says Coates. “New pilots will still have to go through a mandatory training process as well as pass an online exam for basic operations. Those interested in using drones for more advanced operations will have to attend ground school and pass an advanced exam. However, pilots who have already obtained an advanced certificate will be able to do more under the updated guidelines.” You can learn more about the differences between basic and advanced RPA operations here.
Transport Canada expects these loosened restrictions will benefit both commercial and recreational drone pilots, with new capabilities for commercial operators to use drones to deliver low-weight and high-value cargo to remote communities. Although some corporations, like Amazon, have expressed interest in this, Coates says the new guidelines were created with recreational operators equally in mind.
“We understand we have a lot of aviation enthusiasts here in Canada and we know there are hobbyists out there who want to use this technology in new and fun ways,” says Coates. Still: “All Canadian pilots must follow the rules, don’t introduce risks to other Canadians on the ground and other aircraft in the sky, and pilots must keep their skills up-to-date.” The full list of updates rules and regulations for drone pilots is expected to be finalized by Transport Canada later this year. Until then, the existing rules still apply and are enforced by law.
How can drones impact wildlife?
We checked in with our Cottage Coach, Adam Holman, who often uses drones for content creation and video production here at Cottage Life. Adam is excited by the prospect of eased drone regulations and thinks this could benefit everyday pilots as well as cottagers. “I think this will be really great for users and it will allow people to see their cottages and lakes from a new perspective,” Adam says. “I think the previous application process scared a lot of people away.”
Adam recognizes the importance of drone safety and respectful use in cottage country. “I always check with air traffic control towers near my cottage just to give them a head’s up that my drone will be flying that day,” says Adam. “If you have a drone or want a drone for the cottage, just be safe about it. Follow the guidelines. Don’t be reckless. Have fun, and it can be a really cool thing to experience at the cottage.” Adam also recommends not using drones too close to wildlife or cottage neighbours.
The bottom line is that drones are still a new technology with constantly evolving capabilities and rules surrounding them. Although it would be great for cottagers who live in the city to use their drones to remotely check on their cottages in the country during the off-season, this is not yet permitted under Transport Canada’s 25 people per square kilometre rule. But it’s possible this could be coming as drones get more sophisticated and commonplace. For now, drone-operating cottagers can enjoy eased regulations that will allow them to fly their RPAs further, explore new areas, and take some stunning aerial photos. Just be sure to prioritize safety.
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