As of June 01 2019, Transport Canada has changed the rules - all drone owners in Canada should be aware before flying!! Follow along and we will talk about what you NEED to know, and where to find all of the information required to get you flying legally and safely. As well, huge news for owners of DJI drones who wanted to qualify for advanced operations - DJI has announced that 9 of its drones qualify for advanced operations and it was confirmed on the Transport Canada website.

Know the rules before you fly! There are serious penalties, including fines or jail time if you break the rules. Saying you were not aware is not going to cut it - so, here are some of the fines for not following 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.

Transport Canada's website is the best place to read about everything regarding the new regulations, but here are some of the major talking points:                                                                                                                    

Drone pilots must carry a valid drone pilot certificate and only fly drones that are marked and registered. If you are flying a drone that is less than 250 grams, you do not need to register the drone or get a drone pilot certificate.                                                                                                             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 up to 25 kilograms. You should read these regulations in full before you fly your drone for the first time.   Respect all other laws including Privacy laws, your Province's trespass act, and relevant sections of the criminal code.                                                  

Understand the difference between basic and advanced operations                  

You MUST register your drone BEFORE flying.

Great news for DJI owners

Drone manufacturer DJI (China) has recently announced that nine of its models meet the new Transport Canada requirements which took effect June 1, 2019, for drone flight within 100 feet of people. The new declaration, along with DJI’s previously declared compliance with new requirements for drone flight in controlled airspace, now allows DJI customers to use their consumer drones for a variety of safe, responsible and beneficial uses across Canada.

DJI drones that can be used near people and in controlled airspace are the M600 Series, M200 Series, M200 V2 Series, Inspire 2, Mavic 2 series, Mavic Pro, Mavic Air, Phantom 4 series and Spark. The new declaration is expected to soon be reflected in Transport Canada’s list of drones eligible for advanced operations.