Canadians flying larger drones must pass exam, get pilot’s certificate: new rules

Canadians flying drones of a certain size will have to pass an online exam and get a pilot’s certificate under new rules announced Wednesday by federal Transport Minister Marc Garneau.

The new regulations, which come into effect June 1, apply to all drone operators, whether they fly for fun, work or research.

Watch below: The federal government has introduced new drone rules for Canadians. Fletcher Kent explains what’s changing.

1:50 Federal government introduces new drone rules for Canadians

Operators will be required to register their drones and mark them with the registration number. A minimum age limit of 14 for basic operations and 16 for advanced will be introduced.

Pilots will have to keep their aircraft below 122 metres — 400 feet — above ground level and stay away from air traffic.

3:28 Transport Minister explains new drone height and distance requirements

• Transport Minister explains new drone height and distance requirements
• Drone operators will have to apply for a pilot’s certificate
• New laws for drones restricts flying over 400 feet in urban areas

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The new rules, which cover drones weighing between 250 grams and 25 kilograms, are aimed at countering a growing trend of drone incursions into space reserved for air travel. Violators could be subject to fines of up to $25,000 and prison.

Transport Canada has documented a spike in the number of incidents posing a risk to aviation safety in recent years. The number of reported incidents more than tripled to 135 in 2017 from 38 when data collection began in 2014.
WATCH: Pilot reports spotting drone while landing at Calgary airport

1:49 Pilot reports spotting drone while landing at Calgary airport