New Regulations

 

Flying your remotely controlled aircraft safely and legally (current rules)

 

Follow these rules for drones or remotely piloted aircraft systems. New rules are coming into effect June 1, 2019.

From Transport Canada

If you plan to fly a drone for fun you must learn and follow  the laws that apply to recreational drone use. If you are using your drone for work or research, you will need special permission to fly your  drone. 

 

Until the new regulations take effect, these are the current rules to follow:

 

        Rules for recreational drones

To fly a recreational drone (or model aircraft), you must follow the safety rules in the Interim Order Respecting the Use of Model Aircraft.

Review these rules before flying a drone for fun, if the  drone weighs over 250 grams and under 35 kilograms. If your drone is 250  grams or less, read our tips for flying safe.

Following the safety rules helps keep people, aircraft and  property safe. If you fly where you are not allowed or you break the rules below, you could be fined up to $3,000.

        Fly your drone:         

• below 90 metres (300 feet) above the ground

• at least 30 metres (100 feet) away from vehicles,  vessels and the public (if your drone weighs over 250 grams and up to 1  kilograms)

• at least 76 metres (250 feet) away from vehicles,  vessels and the public (if your drone weighs over 1 kilograms and up to  35 kilograms)

• at least 5.6 kilometres (3 nautical miles) away from  aerodromes (any airport, seaplane base or area where aircraft take off  and land)

• at least 1.9 kilometres (1 nautical mile) away from heliports or aerodromes used by helicopters only

• outside of controlled or restricted airspace

• at least 9 kilometres (5 nautical miles) away from a natural hazard or disaster area

• away from areas where its use could interfere with police or first responders

• during the day and not in clouds

• within your sight at all times

• within 500 metres (1640 feet) of yourself

• only if clearly marked with your name, address and telephone number

 

You are exempt from these rules if you are at a field or event approved by the Model Aeronautics Association of Canada.