But not from all.
One Summerside businessman saw these new rules coming more than a year ago and has been busily preparing for them.
Kenny Driscoll has owned and operated Higher Design Creative Media in Summerside for several years and recently opened a second location in Charlottetown.
He started watching drone technology as it rapidly expanded around 2014 and bought his first unit in 2015. He sees the new regulations in a more positive light than someone who might have bought one for recreational purposes.
“Because (the technology) is new, our country has just taken a very cautious approach and I can’t really say I blame them. It’s become so available so fast it’s just a matter of time before someone flies one of these things five kilometres up in the air and takes down a passenger jet. Hundreds of people could perish because of – really – a toy,” he said.
But since the new rules were announced, Driscoll said he’s had to clear up a few misconceptions about his company’s ability to use the technology.
“People assume that I’m grounded and that this has ruined my business,” he said
“When in fact it doesn’t apply to us.”
There is a hefty binder sitting on Driscoll’s desk alongside several hundred dollars worth of new radio equipment. They represent the hoops he’s been jumping through for the past year with Transport Canada to ensure that he has everything he needs to be able to offer drone services to customers this year. He uses them mostly to collect video and still photos for his clients.
After he bought his first drone he tried to follow the regulations, such as they were at the time, but used the machine for business purposes on various occasions.
But in late 2015 Driscoll said he and a number of other commercial operators using drones were contacted by Transport Canada and advised that the regulations were soon going to be enforced and they would have to come into compliance with the rules.
As a result Driscoll grounded his drones (he’d purchase a second) for most of the 2016 season and started working towards getting proper certification, which he now has.
“We’ve got the knowledge and coverage now to do this safely.
“We’re ready for the 2017 season,” he said.
What are the rules?
The new rules apply to drones weighing between 250 g and 35 kg. Anyone convicted of breaking the regulation is liable for a fine up to $3,000.
According to Transport Canada, recreational drones can’t be used:
· higher than 90 m above the ground
· closer than 75 m from buildings, vehicles, vessels, animals, people/crowds, etc.
· closer than nine km from the centre of an aerodrome (any airport, heliport, seaplane base or anywhere that aircraft take-off and land)
· within controlled or restricted airspace
· within nine km of a forest fire
· where it could interfere with police or first responders
· at night or in clouds
· if you can’t keep it in sight at all times
· if you are not within 500 m of your drone
· if your name, address, and telephone number are not clearly marked on your drone.
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