UAV Operators Beware: Canadian Nat’l Parks are Off-Limits

Rajwinder Singh pleaded guilty to the charge of operating an aircraft without a permit, netting himself a $10,000 CAD fine.

His drone operation fell under section 2(3) of the Aircraft Access Regulations of the Canada National Parks Act, which ensures that all parks are ‘no drone zones’. The statute has been gaining more attention this year, particularly after an embarrassing run-in with a UAV in September that grounded firefighting operations for more than an hour. The aircraft working on fighting the uncontrolled Chetamon wildfire were halted from flight operations after an unknown drone was spotted flying in the paths of their drop sites. The incident evidently wasn’t prevented by Transport Canada Aviation regulations that state no aircraft may fly within a 5-nautical-mile radius of a wildfire. Even with the regulations, drone pilots - seemingly increasing in number each holiday season - continue to operate where they please. 

Under such circumstances, Singh’s charge makes sense. Transport Canada is attempting to get some eyeballs on the law, build awareness that unprofessional drone operations can have consequences, and notify the public that they’re looking out for unauthorized flights. Those flouting the Canada National Parks Act and its regs are subject to a court date in Jasper, which may lead to a fine up to $25,000 CAD. 

Drone operators should not expect much friendliness from the state, in any case. In an interview with COPA,  resource conservation officer Dave Argument said “Across the board, drone operation in national parks in Canada is illegal.” Anyone hoping for a permit for recreational drone flight over such areas shouldn’t expect approval, as the Department believes drone operations infringe on park privacy and disturb wildlife. 

FMI: www.copanational.org