Transport Canada Plans Major Restrictions on Small UAVs Like the DJI Phantom

Transport Canada is preparing to clamp down hard in 2016 on the use of "drones" by hobbyists and photographers. For example, it will be illegal to use a flying camera after dark or take pictures above 300 feet at any time.

Of course in the era of Internet trolls, this means foes of the hobby will be scanning social media for shots that prove you violated the rules. Police or Transport Canada inspectors can seize your aircraft and logs to prove a case against you.

The visual line-of-sight rule hits those of us in a forest setting where trees often block a clear view of the device even though we can fly safely with first person view.

The DJI Phantom models will fall under the Very Small UAV category which means these rules:

• Devices cannot be flown at night
• Operator must always be in visual line-of-sight of the device (even when under waypoint navigation)
• Maximum altitude 300 feet above ground level
• Must pass a knowledge test concerning air law, airspace, navigation and flight operations
• Owner identification permanently affixed to the UAV
• Cannot fly over people

The Model Aeronautics Association of Canada appears to have powerful friends at Transport Canada leading to proposals for major exemptions for members' model aircraft. Clearly, quadcopters are the main target of the new rules.

If you're concerned about what's going on, read the Notice of Proposed Amendment - Unmanned Air Vehicles (http://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-Sur/2/NPA-APM/actr.aspx?id=17&aType=1&lang=eng) and send your comments to carrack@tc.gc.ca by August 28, 2015.