The Calgary Police Service, in conjunction with Transport Canada and the Modelers Aeronautic Association of Canada (MAAC), is providing information on the proper use of recreational model aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles (also known as UAVs or drones) to protect public safety and citizens’ privacy.

If you received the gift of flight over the holiday season, please ensure you are aware of the restrictions on these devices. Drones that are flown in an unsafe manner can endanger lives, aircraft and property.

Transport Canada lists a number of do’s and don’ts for flying safely and legally.

Do Don’t fly Obtain permission from the landowner (which includes The City of Calgary) before flying your drone.

Fly your drone during daylight and in good weather (not in clouds or fog).

Keep your drone in sight, where you can see it with your own eyes – not only through an on-board camera, monitor or smartphone.

Make sure your drone is safe for flight before take-off. Ask yourself, for example, are the batteries fully charged? Is it too cold to fly?

Know if you need to apply for a Special Flight Operations Certificate.

Respect the privacy of others – avoid flying over private property or taking photos or videos without permission. Closer than 9 km from any airport, heliport, or aerodrome.

Higher than 90 metres above the ground.

Closer than 150 metres from people, animals, buildings, structures, or vehicles.

In populated areas or near large groups of people, including sporting events, concerts, festivals, and firework shows.

Near moving vehicles, highways, bridges, busy streets or anywhere you could endanger or distract drivers.

Within restricted and controlled airspace, including near or over military bases, prisons, and forest fires.

Anywhere you may interfere with first responders.

The Calgary Police Service acts as the first responder for all calls related to the unsafe flight of drones. The Service conducts a full investigation and lays appropriate charges, if required, and also works to educate the public regarding recreational use of these devices.

Investigative information is also shared with Transport Canada regarding the commercial use of drones when in breach of Transport Canada regulations.

For more information about the safe use of drones, please visit Transport Canada’s website at www.tc.gc.ca/SafetyFirst.