With new regulations underway, those working in the transportation, aeronautical and policing industries are hoping unlicensed drone operators are getting the message to obtain their licence.
On June 1, new federal drone regulations came into effect to legally operate a drone in Canada.
Within the Comox Valley – which the majority of the area falls within a no-fly zone – there have been documented incidents with illegal drone operators, which officials hope will decrease with the new regulations now in place.
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According to a 19 Wing Comox spokesperson, there have been five drone incursions in the Comox Control Zone in the last two years Two of the incidents were in the last two months, with one operating as high as 3,000 feet.
Earlier this year, Federal Transport Minister Marc Garneau announced the new rules which include an online exam and the need to obtain a pilot’s certificate to operate a drone whether a person uses it for work, fun or research.
Operators will need to register their drones and mark them with a registration number. He also introduced minimum operational age limits – 14 years of age for basic operations and 16 for advanced.
Pilots will also have to keep their aircraft below 122 metres above ground level and stay away from air traffic.
If pilots do not follow the drone rules – which apply to drones weighing between 250 grams and 25 kilograms – violators could be subject to fines of up to $25,000 and face prison time.
Pilots who do want to fly their drones for can do so if approved by Comox Air Traffic Control. Drone operators with a valid Pilot Certificate – Advanced Operations and registered and marked drones can begin the approval process to fly a drone in the space by contacting 19 Wing Operations. Approvals are required for each flight in the control zone.
Monika Terragni, Comox Valley RCMP spokeswoman said it is important for people to know about the dangers presented by drones so close to airports in the Comox Valley.
“We encourage everyone to call the police if they witness suspicious activity or the dangerous operation of a drone towards people, properties, other aircraft or within 5.5 km of any airport.”
Because of the three airports in the area – Smit Field off Forbidden Plateau Road, the Courtenay Airpark and the Comox Airpark – recreational drones are forbidden to be flown anywhere between Union Bay and Saratoga Beach, or anywhere east of Comox Lake.
For those who operate drones for survey, agricultural or police work and inspections, academic research or aerial photography for real estate, a special flight operations certificate can be obtained through Transport Canada.
To contact 19 Wing Operations, call 250-339-8231.
erin.haluschak@comoxvalleyrecord.comLike us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter
