New rules for flying recreational drones in Canada

Canada has just put in effect some tough restrictions regarding the use of recreational drones.

The rules, which are effective immediately, mean recreational users will face a fine of up to $3,000 if drones weighing more than 250 grams are caught flying:

• Higher than 90 metres.
• Within 75 metres of buildings, vehicles, vessels, animals or people.
• More than 500 metres away from the user.
• At night, in clouds or somewhere you can’t see it.
• Within nine kilometres of somewhere aircraft take off or land, or a forest fire.
• Without your name, address and phone number marked on the drone itself.
• Over forest fires, emergency response scenes or controlled airspace.

Urban users can be specifically hampered by the “9km of somewhere aircraft take off or land” rule, as you’d be surprised how many of them there might be in a large city. Check out http://ourairports.com/ to see how many airports and heliports are within 9 Km of where you like to fly.

The National Reserach Council Canada provides an interactive map aimed at helping UAV/drone operators find safe flying areas. If you are in Canada it might help you avoid a hefty fine.