CALGARY — A Calgary school is one of the first in Canada to offer a drone pilot certification course tailored to new incoming aviation rules from Transport Canada.

Starting next month, Bow Valley College will offer small complex UAV pilot instruction courses for enthusiasts and professionals who want to fly unmanned aerial vehicles (or UAVs) in urban areas.

The three-day course, available at the school’s Okotoks and High River campuses, will give students the skills they need to fly complex (urban) UAVs, which are defined as drones weighing more than 1 kilogram and up to 25 kg.

Graduates will have to renew their certification every five years.

Under the new regulations, which are still coming into effect, wannabe drone pilots will be required to get a specific permit and be at least 16 years old, as well as purchase a minimum of $100,000 in liability insurance.

Those who plan to fly in urban areas, within controlled airspace or close to airports will also have to register their devices with Transport Canada and mark them with identifying information.

The proposed rules will make it difficult for rogue pilots to fly under the radar, according to Chris Healy, one of the course’s instructors.

“Just like buying a new vehicle, users will require insurance, certification and licensing before purchasing a UAV,” Healy said.

“Pilots will still need the permission of a landowner, as well as certification, to fly any kind of UAV in the city and out of town.”

Fines for failing to follow the federal regulations start at $1,000 and go all the way up to $15,000.

Healy said with drones becoming more and more popular, the college wanted to help people enjoy them safely – and legally.

“The risks of flying UAVs are obvious, and potentially expensive,” he said, adding UAVs are considered aerospace users in the same way as aircraft, helicopters and hot-air balloons.

“Drones can easily fly out of sight of an operator, stay aloft longer or reach heights that can interfere with low-flying, manned aircraft — they can also run out of power and crash.”

The City of Calgary has two bylaws regarding UAVs, in addition to the federal rules.

Operating any kind of remote-controlled aircraft in or over a park within city limits will result in a $100 fine, and flying a device over or on a street will land the operator a mandatory court appearance.

In Canada, UAVs are prohibited from flying within 12.95 kilometres of any airport (called “control zones”); the YYC International Airport and Springbank Airport are no exception.

Arden Shibley, a professional drone pilot with Yellowhouse Aerial in Calgary, said the regulations aren’t likely to slow down the increasing enthusiasm for drones.

“I think Transport Canada is attempting to utilize a more hands-off approach that will allow more drone flights, while also increasing safety,” Shibley said.

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“This comes with hurdles, such as compliance and applying a number of restrictions to recreational flyers.”

He added that drones lighter than 250 grams will likely be exempt from the regulations.

Editor’s note: This version of the story corrects an earlier version that misspelled Arden Shibley’s first name and clarifies information about the distance around airports UAVs are prohibited from flying within.

EC Elizabeth Cameron is a Calgary-based reporter covering Indigenous affairs, drugs and health. Follow her on Twitter: @e_s_cameron

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