Feds getting proactive on drones
New regulations require all pilots to be certified and all drones registered
Windsor International Airport had no incidents involving drones during 2018, but officials there still welcome new regulations for the unmanned aircraft.
“What we really like is that operators have to be certified now, so at least they will know the rules,” said Steve Tuffin, the airport’s director of operations.
Marc Garneau, Canada’s Minister of Transportation, unveiled new drone regulations last week that require all pilots to be certified and all drones to be registered. The new rules take effect on June 1. Drone sightings recently played havoc with flight schedules at London’s Heathrow and Gatwick airports.
“We haven’t had a problem with drones here at Windsor,” Tuffin said.
He said real-estate photographers using drones are diligent about calling the airport for permission to fly nearby.
“We know they’re there,” he said.
Transport Canada outlined new rules as part of a commitment to “enhancing aviation and public safety while encouraging innovation and economic growth in the drone sector.”
All pilots must pass an online exam to get a certificate for basic or advanced operations. Pilots must be at least 14 for basic operations and 16 for advanced operations unless supervised by a person having proper qualifications.
Devon Pastorious is a local realestate photographer and owner of Pastorious Media.
“We use drones on a daily if not weekly basis,” Pastorious said. “The new regulations actually make it a lot easier and a lot more straightforward. The previous regulations were very vague and very confusing.” Pastorious said there was “lots of paperwork” to fill out under the current system and numerous vague exemptions.
“What they ’ve finally recognized is there’s a lot of low-level, low-risk drone photography going on,” he said. “Now you get certified and you’re good to go.” Pastorious said he paid $10 and took the advanced online exam containing approximately 50 questions last week.
The basic online exam of 30 questions is a $5 fee. Pastorious said it was obvious the advanced exam had been “cobbled together” by Transport Canada from other sources because it included odd questions about whiteouts and helicopter controls.
He noted that if he were going to photograph a concert or other public gathering, he would still need to apply to Transport Canada for a Special Flight Operations Certificate.
Getting certified shouldn’t be much of an issue for those who race drones, according to Matt Zoern, a Windsor native and CEO of FPV Canada, the national body governing drone competition. “The rules are drilled into our head,” Zoern said. “I think the new regulations are a good thing for the sport in general only because now it makes people have to have the rules. That’s good for the general public who thinks they can go to the store and buy one of these things and fly it.” Zoern planned to take the online exam this week.
Those who fail to get certified or register their drone risk facing fines or even jail time. Fines range from $1,000 to $25,000.