Regulations
Mojave Desert-Nevada USA
Please be aware...
All drone pilots operating commercially i.e., offering services for payment - whether that is monetary, trade or furthering their business through advertisement must do the following:
> Adhere to Transport Canada regulations,
> Should hold a valid liability insurance (min. $100,000), We have a $2,000,000.00 insurance policy.
> Obtain an SFOC (Special Flight Operations Certificate) or 'Exemption' where necessary.
Transport Canada has the ability to fine up to $5,000 for an individual or $25,000 for a company not complying with these requirements.
We provide proof of these requirements to every client.
Regulations
Commercially there are two ways to fly a drone or UAV in Canada. The first is to be registered as a basic or advanced operation pilot with Transport Canada or to operate under a 'Special Flight Operations Certificate' (SFOC) issued by Transport Canada.
Please note, we will take care of all the relevant paperwork and communication with the aviation agencies involved and provide proof of permits to you beforehand.
HOW DOES AN SFOC AFFECT YOUR PROJECT?
Depending on whether the project is taking place in 'controlled' or 'uncontrolled' airspace the possible requirement of an SFOC will stipulate certain conditions which can affect production.
These can include:
A safety perimeter of 30m lateral/horizontal distance maintained between the drone and any persons not involved in the operation (general public).
A requirement to have written permission from the property owner or administrator for the property we will be taking off from and landing on. We will provide a simple form to you for this purpose.
The need to remain 30m from buildings/structures not involved in the production unless written permission has been obtained to fly closer. (This will generally be the client's responsibility).
Where aerial filming is to take place within close proximity (9km) to an Airport or Helipad (5.5km) we may be restricted to height and operating times in order to protect the safety of manned aircraft. That why we will require exact locations where aerial filming is to take place in order to ensure that these areas are respected.
By law, all UAV flights must only be operated within the unaided visual line-of-sight of the human pilot.
HOW DOES AN EXEMPTION AFFECT YOUR PROJECT?
The two ways to operate a drone or UAV for commercial purposes is by taking an approved RPAS course and passing the basic or advanced operations exam (Advanced includes a flight review by a Transport Canada approved reviewer) and/or under a Special Flight Operations Certificate issued by Transport Canada, based on drone weight (below 1kg or between 1kg-25kg).
WHY HAVE AN SFOC?
With an SFOC, we can generally operate quicker being we have Advanced Operations/Reviewer status and are certified by Transport Canada.
TRANSPORT CANADA LINKS:
Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC)
www.gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p2/2019/2019-01-09/html/sor-dors11-eng.html
Approved by:
