Transport Canada’s new framework for drone regulations aims to streamline operations, providing opportunities for drones to deliver services, conduct inspections, and support various industries such as agriculture and public safety. Key updates focus on Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flights and include:
- Simplified Processes: Eliminating case-by-case approvals for low-risk operations.
- New Weight Limits: Allowing drones under 330 pounds to operate in uncontrolled airspace.
- Enhanced Pilot Certification: Requiring pilots to be certified and equipped with detect-and-avoid technology.
The previously required paperwork and approval processes have been reduced or eliminated. Certified operators can now conduct flights in designated low-risk areas with fewer bureaucratic hurdles. Since 2017, Transport Canada says it has registered over 100,000 drones and certified 107,000 pilots. The department indicates that updating the drone rules is necessary to keep pace with technological advances and industry demands.
In remote areas of Canada, these regulatory changes could improve access to medical supplies, faster delivery of prescriptions, essential supplies, and life-saving equipment where traditional infrastructure is limited. A pilot program with the Stellat’en First Nation demonstrated this potential, with drones completing over 1,200 flights to deliver medicine in harsh weather conditions.
Transport Canada suggests the updates also impact other sectors, such as oil and gas, where drones can inspect pipelines and equipment in difficult-to-reach areas, saving time and reducing risks. Similarly, infrastructure and utility inspections can benefit from drones monitoring bridges, power lines, cell towers, and other critical structures.
Recreational pilots will experience fewer restrictions for low-risk flights, while businesses can expand operations with reduced administrative burdens. Nonetheless, stringent safety rules remain, requiring drones to avoid other air traffic, stay within uncontrolled airspace, and adhere to strict weight and altitude limits.
In 2019, Transport Canada implemented comprehensive rules for remotely piloted aircraft systems, emphasizing safety and accountability due to close calls with restricted airspace. By embracing BVLOS operations at scale, Canada aims to position itself as a global leader in drone innovation, potentially influencing other countries to adopt similar measures.
Despite the positive outlook, the department recognizes that challenges persist. Integrating drones into Canadian airspace requires careful planning, and detect-and-avoid technology, though advanced, has its limitations. Pilots must maintain vigilance, and Transport Canada must enforce compliance rigorously.
Additionally, public perception presents another challenge. As drones become more prevalent, concerns about privacy, safety and noise may arise. Balancing innovation with community acceptance will be crucial.
By John Celentano, Inside Towers Business Editor
Reader Interactions