National

Ottawa issues new guidelines on licensing and operation of drones

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 21 Oct, 2014 11:35 AM

TORONTO - Federal Transport Minister Lisa Raitt has launched a public campaign to help make sure Canadians are flying drones safely.

Raitt announced new guidelines for the increasingly popular unmanned aircraft, and trumpeted the Transport Canada website, which gives operators of drones an easy-to-read list of do's and don'ts.

Online ads and a social media campaign are to follow.

Those flying drones for commercial use or using devices over 35 kilograms must apply for a special permit from the federal regulator.

Transport Canada has seen a spike in those applications, issuing 945 certificates last year — a 500 per cent jump from 2011.

Drones are being used for a range of purposes — from hobbyists to farmers surveying crops and even movie productions looking for an epic aerial shot.

Most drones range in price from a few hundred dollars for personal aircraft up to $200,000 for commercial grade units and can be operated with a controller, similar to ones used for video games, or by a tablet or an iPhone.

Transport Canada states that UAVs can not be flown higher than 90 metres, to limit safety concerns with other aircraft, and are required to be within the line of sight of the pilot or someone who is in contact with a pilot.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Nunavut Land-Use Plan: Federal Government Sued Over Funding by Nunavut Planning Commission

An Arctic planning body has taken the federal government to court, claiming Ottawa is blocking efforts to create a land-use plan that would guide resource development in Nunavut.

Nunavut Land-Use Plan: Federal Government Sued Over Funding by Nunavut Planning Commission

Justin Trudeau Blasts Harper For Bungling Pipelines Needed By Alberta, PM's Home Turf

EDMONTON - Justin Trudeau says Prime Minister Stephen Harper is "all hat, no cattle" when it comes to pipelines. The Liberal leader is in Harper's home province of Alberta, plotting strategy for the coming pre-election year with his three dozen MPs.

Justin Trudeau Blasts Harper For Bungling Pipelines Needed By Alberta, PM's Home Turf

Two Hikers return Safely after a Night in rugged Vancouver North Shore Mountains

VANCOUVER - Two hikers have walked out to safety after an unexpected night in the rugged backcountry of Vancouver's North Shore mountains.

Two Hikers return Safely after a Night in rugged Vancouver North Shore Mountains

3 People Suspected Of Identity Fraud Involving 200 Victims In Vancouver Area

BURNABY, B.C. - Police believe three suspects used stolen mail such as driver's licences, wills and immigration documents to commit fraud against about 200 people across the Metro Vancouver region.

3 People Suspected Of Identity Fraud Involving 200 Victims In Vancouver Area

'Apologies Are Not Enough:' Alberta Tightens Rules On Use Of Government Planes

EDMONTON - Alberta says it is tightening rules for government aircraft following a harsh report that outlined inappropriate use of the planes by former premier Alison Redford.

'Apologies Are Not Enough:' Alberta Tightens Rules On Use Of Government Planes

B.C. Appeal Court Judge Who Wrote Ruling Dismissing Pickton Appeal Dies

VANCOUVER - A B.C. Appeal Court judge who died while sitting as Canada's longest-serving federally appointed judge is being remembered for his empathy on the job.