Online Tutorial Covers Safety Basics

Transport Canada has posted a guide on its website telling those who may want to fly a small UAV how to do so safely.

"More and more people are using unmanned aircraft for work or pleasure. Transport Canada regulates their use to keep the public and our airspace safe," Transport Canada writes on the website.

"Aircraft without a pilot on board go by many names—unmanned air vehicle (UAV), remotely piloted aircraft system, model aircraft, remote control aircraft, and drone. Call it what you want, but always think safety first."

The agency says that operators are responsible to fly their aircraft safely and legally.

In Canada, operators must "follow the rules set out in the Canadian Aviation Regulations" and "Respect the Criminal Code as well as all municipal, provincial, and territorial laws related to trespassing and privacy."

Some of the basic "do's" and "don'ts" include flying only during daylight hours and in good weather, keeping the aircraft in sight, and obtaining a Special Flight Operations Certificate if necessary. UAVs must not be flown within about five miles of an airport and not more than 3,000 feet above the ground. They must also be kept 500 feet from people, animals, buildings, structures, or vehicles, and away from populated areas or near large groups of people, including sporting events, concerts, festivals, and firework shows.

Transport Canada says that if the department receives a report of an incident, one of our inspectors will verify that the operator followed the rules and used the aircraft safely. Local police may also verify if other laws were broken, including the Criminal Code and privacy laws.

FMI: www.tc.gc.ca/eng/civilaviation/standards/general-recavi-uav-2265.htm