Local flyers had anticipated drone rules for quite some time
Recreational drone pilots will now face stiff fines for taking off within nine kilometres of any airport in Canada after a federal government announcement Thursday that essentially bans flights throughout Medicine Hat.
The measures however, don’t apply to commercial drone operators who are regulated separately, but could mean fines of $3,000 for unlicensed flyers, or $15,000 for companies not following rules.
Previously, national guidelines only suggested that the now-commonplace flying machines be flown only during daylight hours, at least 75 metres away from buildings, vehicles or people, and no higher than 90 metres.
Federal Transport Minister Marc Garneau told The Canadian Press that new rules should go a long way to ensuring safe drone use and won’t harm growth in the drone industry.
Local remote-controlled aircraft enthusiasts and one commercial drone pilot in Medicine Hat said they have expected stronger regulations for some time, and said the restrictions seem aimed at improving safety.
Federal officials say the number of close calls with regular aircraft have tripled since 2014.
Increasing concerns with privacy and private property also mean the aircraft are barred from flying near highrise buildings or wherever police or firefighters are operating.
A nine-kilometre radius from Medicine Hat Regional Airport includes the entire City of Medicine Hat and Redcliff, plus areas east to Dunmore, and south past Township Road 120.
One exemption however, is the Medicine Hat Remote Controlled Flyers Club, which operates at an approved site in northern Medicine Hat. Club vice-president Joseph Muglia said serious flyers have long expected greater regulations and his club is prepared to welcome anyone looking for a place to fly.
“It avoids potential accidents with fullsized aircraft, and they’ve moved to enforce having vehicles registered,” he said.
“It does raise awareness and increases safety, for sure.”
Muglia said he expects new interest in their club, which stages competitions, exhibitions and provides training sessions.
Randy Feere, a professional photographer and videographer in Medicine Hat, uses a drone mounted with a camera to film landscapes and events and take aerial pictures.
Last year, he took a 30-hour instructional course and obtained commercial certification.
That allows him to still fly within the airport radius, if he files general flight plan to local air traffic controllers, who inform other airborn pilots.
“It’s a safe process,” said Feere, adding that everyone should realize malfunctions happen.
A drone that weighs several pounds, falling from 100 or more feet, can cause significant damage or injury, he said.
“The restrictions were always there in a sense, but they’ve clarified the process and the issues,” he said.
“People assumed that because they were recreational flyers, they didn’t apply to them.”
He also holds specific business insurance in case of accident, and maintains radio contact with the airport in case of emergency during flights.
Muglia said club members pay an $80 annual fee for access to the grounds in the north Box Springs area. Required insurance through the Model Aeronautics Association Of Canada is $80 per year for adults, or $20 for those under 18.
Federal rules announced this week will be finalized in June, and require aircraft be marked with the owner’s contact information.