On July 14 2017 the long awaited draft release of the new proposed UAV regulations for Canada were published by Transport Canada.

Regulations Amending the Canadian Aviation Regulations (Unmanned Aircraft Systems)

Website: http://www.gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p1/2017/2017-07-15/html/reg2-eng.php

The Regulations Amending the Canadian Aviation Regulations (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) [the proposed Regulations] would apply primarily to UAS that include unmanned aircraft (UA) weighing more than 250 g but not more than 25 kg and operated within visual line-of-sight (VLOS). They would introduce requirements for UAS users commensurate to the level of risk of a UAS operation based on the weight of the UA, the operating environment and the complexity of the operation, by distinguishing very small UA (more than 250 g but not more than 1 kg) from small UA (more than 1 kg but not more than 25 kg), operated in a limited (rural) or complex (urban) environment. They would also set out the requirements in the areas of licensing, insurance, training and manufacturing, based on the type of UAS. Objectives The main objective of the regulatory proposal is to mitigate potential safety risks posed by UASs to manned aviation and to people and property on the ground. In addition, Transport Canada has the objectives of

Improving regulatory predictability in order to foster a stable yet agile regulatory environment for UAS industry development;

Reducing administrative burden on UAS businesses; and

Increasing Transport Canada’s ability to meet its service standard for traditional aviation activities and surveillance capability.

We highly suggest all involved in the Canadian UAV industry fully read the proposal and be sure to submit comments on issues of concern in the next 9- day period.

Interested persons may make representations concerning the proposed Regulations to the Minister of Transport within 90 days after the date of publication of this notice. All such representations must cite the Canada Gazette, Part I, and the date of publication of this notice, and be addressed to Chief, Regulatory Affairs, Civil Aviation, Safety and Security Group, Department of Transport, Place de Ville, Tower C, 330 Sparks Street, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0N5 (general inquiries — tel.: 613-990-1184 or 1-800-305-2059; fax: 613-990-1198; internet address: http://www.tc.gc.ca).

We will be reviewing the regulations in details in the coming week and posting our thoughts and comments on the blog.