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Canada To Relax UAS Regulations

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Canada will open up most of the country to commercial use of small unmanned aerial systems (less than 25 kg.) without the need for special permits. At the opening session of Unmanned Systems Canada annual conference in Montreal on Wednesday, Transport Canada Director General Martin Eley told about 300 delegates his department is now creating two levels of exemptions to the existing regulations that would permit wide use of commercial UASs within certain restrictions.

He said the new regulations strike a compromise between the burgeoning utility of the rapidly expanding industry and potential conflicts with manned aircraft. “Aviation safety is our prime motivator,” Eley said. “We’re trying to get that balance.Eley expects the exemptions to be published by the end of November and they will establish standard operational rules for UASs less than two kg in weight and a more stringent set for unmanned aircraft between two kg. and 25 kg. In general, however, the operators will be allowed to fly missions as long as they are not in a built up area, are at least five nautical miles from any airport and keep below 90 metres. The exemptions will be part of a national set of “staff instructions” that will ensure the rules are applied uniformly across the country. The existing rules require all commercial operators to obtain a Special Flight Operating Certificate (SFOC) and his department issued 940 SFOCs in 2013, 15 times as many as in 2010. He said relaxing oversight under these circumstances will allow his staff to concentrate on applications from operators who want to fly in circumstances where there is more potential for conflict.

Unmanned Systems Canada Conference

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We are at the Unmanned Systems Canada Conference in Montreal this week talking with participants about our new venture and getting some insights into what the industry is expecting from us as we launch our magazine.

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Canadians create laws to stop “Drone” Hunting A ban on hunting using drone aircraft has now been added to Saskatchewan’s wildlife regulations. There have been some cases in the United States where hunters have used them to find and track animals. The Saskatchewan government, along with hunting groups, believe UAVs cross the line of what is considered a “fair chase.” “The biggest

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Small UAS Operator Requirements Set Transport Canada will soon release its rules for those who want to fly UAVs that weigh less than 25 kilograms within line of sight. Rather than require operators to have pilot licences, the rules will require that operators have a working knowledge of Canadian airspace and air law and the place for unmanned systems within

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