Airspace, Airports and Aerodromes for Canadian Drone Pilots

[@JoshuaYoung2]

Well done! I'm taking my Adv. with a school and I have to be honest, your videos are much more clear and concise. I'm probably going to pass more because of your videos than this school.

[@DonJoyce]

Thanks! I hear this a lot.

[@carolinerenaud9083]

Same here.

[@Ebikeadventure5981]

Don, thank you for all your videos. You took a complex thing and simplified so well. I had no prior knowledge on flying a drone. You saved me a fine as I bought a Drone without any knowledge and i was going to start flying in Toronto. Thank you so much.

[@HowToGuyChannel]

Nice video.. There is alot of work putting this all together.. Including moving that pointing finger all the time

[@DonJoyce]

Thanks, HTG! Yeah, this one was a ton of work...the labour of love, I guess! Amusingly, the most "work per output second" was the extra scene! Kept having to ask the jet pilot to fly over again and again! (And I have a simple trick for "fingering", as I call it, so that it is actually quick and easy, although a bit tedious! Now, stop yourself from saying "that's what....")

[@darrenllewellyn1675]

Always great condensed information that is very helpful for exam preparation. I explored the Drone Pilot App as you presented to better understand my region's implications. Thanks.

[@DonJoyce]

I'm glad you are finding my videos and Drone Pilot Canada helpful.

[@DarR1299]

Thanks Don. Passed the Basic because of your videos.

[@DonJoyce]

Hey, congratulations on passing! Glad to hear my material helped you.

[@DarR1299]

Bought your app and now studying for the advanced.

[@DonJoyce]

Study hard for the Advanced...it's a lot tougher than the Basic. Enjoy Drone Pilot Canada...I use it every day. If I haven't already sent you this, here is my free Training Roadmap download: www.pocketwatchpurveyor.com/collections/drone-study-guides/products/dons-rpas-training-roadmap

[@DarR1299]

@@DonJoyce Downloaded Thanks.

[@ElliotOutdoors]

i love the level of professionalism in your videos. Thank you for the incredibly well put together content. I'm very grateful for your productions.

[@DonJoyce]

Thank you very much for the kind words! I'm glad to hear my material is helpful!

[@garfieldhudson]

Great info. Thanks Don and thanks for the Canada App. I have peace of mind using it to check where I can fly safely.

[@DonJoyce]

Thanks, Garfield! So great to hear Drone Pilot Canada helps you so much!

[@waynetri1]

Extremly helpul informations Don! Thank you so much!!!

[@DonJoyce]

Glad you found it helpful... really crucial info for your exams and for safe/legal flying.

[@waynetri1]

@@DonJoyce Yes! I am almost ready for this exams!

[@SpectrumDrone]

Nice comedic input! Easy to learn from.

[@DonJoyce]

Thanks! Glad you found it both helpful and entertaining!

[@garrettfitzgerald955]

Thanks twice. This video was great when I was studying for my advanced license. And dealing with an issue after the fact. Thanks so much Don.

[@robertrouleau1000]

Don, you are THE reference!

[@DonJoyce]

Thanks, Robert! This is a crucial video to watch and understand!

[@Aerosnapper]

Very clear summary of the various (confusing ?) situations. It's been my impression in dealing with the very helpful RPAS approval authorities that they usually clear flights with the relevant ATC office / facility. Good to be reminded of the need to ensure that this is the case. Incidentally, I have also found that the managers of Restricted Airspace usually respond positively to a polite, detailed request for permission...

[@DonJoyce]

You are correct: be polite, clear, and show you are prepared, and people will be happy to cooperate!

[@danielmarkleblanc1800]

Thank you once again for refreshing all of us on the sometimes very confusing regulations. Well done Mr. Joyce!

[@DonJoyce]

Thanks, Daniel! "Sometimes"...LOL

[@danielmarkleblanc1800]

@@DonJoyce Yes, sometimes.

[@biscuitbassbroom7306]

I must thank you for your videos with my own reading and your videos this is all starting to make sence ...im going to have ago at the advanced exam next week ...still got lots to do and read ...thanks again

[@DonJoyce]

Th, BBB! Be sure to download my free Training Roadmap...there's a link in the video description for all my downloads.

[@biscuitbassbroom7306]

Thanks again I will be taking a look 👍👍

[@avideo261]

Thank you for a fundamental explanation all parts of exam! I've passed it from first attempt regarding your Study Gide VIDEOS.

[@DonJoyce]

Congratulations on passing the exam!! I'm glad my material helped you. Should you choose to go on to your Advanced, I have a complete set of videos covering all knowledge areas. Safe and happy flying!

[@MuhammadRaza-tm5tk]

This topic always confused me. Thank you for simplifying it.

[@DonJoyce]

It's really complicated and full of jargon, so it is no surprise that you have found it confusing. I'm glad to hear my video has helped to clear it up for you!

[@weatheredmemories]

Thank you so much! This is very thorough and really helps.

[@DonJoyce]

Good! It's really important to know this stuff inside out!

[@timelesstruths]

Great post and the Drone Pilot App is an Excellent and Essential resource.

[@DonJoyce]

Thank you! I tried hard NOT to mention Drone Pilot Canada all the time, but it's hard when it does so much of the heavy lifting for you!

[@MiserableDuck95]

Passed my flight review this week and this video helped a lot with that! Thanks Don.

[@DonJoyce]

Congratulations on becoming an Advanced RPAS Pilot, Austin! Safe and happy flying!!

[@cameronbullock5211]

As always very informative, keep it up. Always good to review these topics.

[@DonJoyce]

Thanks, Cameron! These concepts are so fundamental to the regulations, I thought I'd put out a dedicated video to ensure folks were crystal clear on airspace and aerodromes. Thanks for watching!

[@dronepilotcapebreton5720]

Don, thank you so much for your instructional videos. I’m soaking it all in like a sponge. Grateful for your efforts 💎

[@DonJoyce]

Glad you are finding my videos helpful, Tracey! Safe and happy... sponging!

[@davestredulinsky]

Great to have a review of this Don. You do a great job presenting the information clearly. Also great to have the information displayed in the Drone Pilot Canada app. Thanks for sharing.

[@DonJoyce]

Thank you, Dave! I felt it was time to revisit this topic, cover it more thoroughly, and clear up some common misconceptions. Thanks for watching!

[@PinetreeLine]

Appreciate all the work you put into these incredibly informative videos Don! Thanks brother!

[@DonJoyce]

Thank you, Doug!

[@shreddymercury6262]

Thankyou for being so thorough

[@DonJoyce]

Thanks for watching, Snoot!

[@sandropaquette1571]

Super job, always a pleasure to look and listen your video.

[@DonJoyce]

Thank you, Sandro! I appreciate your kind words!

[@brad346326]

Hey there, would you know if the dji mini 3 has an assurance safety certificate to fly closer then 100ft to people ? Thanks

[@DonJoyce]

Hi Brad! No, it does not. This video talks about the interesting impact of this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mpSTfI2ih9KArtE

[@bobrochon151]

Great video and, as always, informative. While viewing the video, I kept wondering if the operation of sub-250 drones applies near all aerodromes. You touched on their operation in Class F airspace. I have both a greater than 250 g drone and a less than 250 g, but do not plan to operate either in restricted airspace. I have seen comments in some groups that some feel they can because they only have to adhere to Section 900.06 in the CARs.

[@DonJoyce]

Yes, sounds like you've got it right: Class F Restricted Zones are no fly zones for all drones, without permission. In all other cases in this video, only 900.06 ("don't do anything stupid") is the only rule that applies to sub 250g drones.

[@alanlonghini]

Hello Bob, Don, I'm glad this topic came up, as I too have been wondering... In fact, while I would agree that avoiding restricted areas with any size drone is the better choice (and really the only compliant choice vis-à-vis the implications of 900.06), I am struggling to understand how, from a strictly regulatory perspective, the restrictions set out by 901.14 would apply. The reason I say this is because 901.14 is part of CAR IX subpart 1, which per 901.01 applies to 'small' RPAS (and in this context small is defined as 250g to 25kg). "901.01 This Subpart applies in respect of the operation of remotely piloted aircraft systems that include small remotely piloted aircraft." I realize it says 'include' sRPAS (which by itself does not mean it exlcudes everything else). But, if it didn't exclude drones under 250g, then in fact all of CAR IX subpart 1 (i.e. all the way up to & including 901.87) would apply... For example: - Drones under 250g would need to be registered per 901.02 (even though TC has a PDF explicitly saying they don't need to be registered, found here: tc.canada.ca/sites/default/files/2020-06/2019-2020-AA-33_INFOGRAPHIC_EN_V8.pdf) - All the other controlled airspace and aerodrome restrictions would also apply (which from the video above I understand they don't, as it only emphasizes this particularity when discussing Class F, and no where else). - Finally, this would also directly contradict TP 15263, which states: "The small RPAS pilot operating within visual line of sight must be able to state that Remotely Piloted Aircraft having a maximum takeoff weight (MTW) less than 250 g are not subject to the rules in Part IX Subpart 1 of the Canadian Aviation Regulations." Just as I was about to throw in the towel, and post my question, Google came through! This was alluded to in a DJI forum, and one of the responses includes the TC email exchange (which I've downloaded and kept as a reference)... You can find it by searching for "6arret Posted at 12-6 06:56" in the following thread: forum.dji.com/thread-201250-1-1.html. In a nutshell: - 901.14 is part of CAR IX subpart 1, and indeed does not apply to drones under 250g (as stated in 901.01). - However, a drone under 250g is still considered an aircraft, and as such is still subject to the Aeronautics Act, and specifically section 5.1, regarding airspace restrictions (both the temporary restrictions, defined in NOTAMS, as well as the permanently established CYRxxx zones), which is why Don correctly states class F is a no-fly for everyone (unless the proper authorizations are obtained). Phew... I'll be able to sleep tonight! Hopefully this tidbit will save anyone else with this question the searching efforts. Thanks for the informative summary, Don!

[@DonJoyce]

(sorry for slow response...your comment went into spam because of the links and only materialized now.) I would never take anything in a forum as necessarily true...the reason the Class F business can be assumed to apply to sub-250's is because of the statement in the new version of the AIM document. (That said...it's even a bit waffly..)

[@alanlonghini]

​@@DonJoyce Certainly would not take anything off the web (forum or KZbin!) as necessarily true, but you'll see the TC emails in the DJI forum I referenced not only appear rather legitimate, they also point to the pertinent regulations (Aeronautics Act and CAR 600s) which allow one to independently reach the conclusion in question (i.e. no drones, regardless of size, allowed in restrcited airspace). You are right regarding the AIM - that would have led me to the same conclusion in a tenth of the time. RPA 2.0 (pg 431) explicitly states a micro RPA is still considered an aircraft, and as such is subject to all applicable regulations (even those not listed in CAR 900's). I would point out, though, that the AIM is informational by its very nature. I do not believe it imposes any rules or restrictions itself. Instead, it provides a plain English description of the rules, and references the official regulations that define them.

[@PatrickConlon]

great in front of camera.......i must say keep it up.....and so knowledgeable

[@DonJoyce]

Thank you, Patrick! It's all your fault...LOL...for encouraging me! BTW, I think you'll like the end part of this one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jGfHmaKMlLxpra8

[@anaram4899]

Thanks for your helpful videos

[@DonJoyce]

You are very welcome!

[@PhantomHodgesDrone]

Don, you are the best at this

[@DonJoyce]

Thanks, Paul!

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

great video and information Don well done and put together cheers

[@DonJoyce]

Thank you, Rod! Glad you enjoyed!

[@TCLKanxi]

on top of the awesome video, what's the name of that music in the end? Thank you!

[@DonJoyce]

All my music is from Epidemic Sound and is in the credits (and I sometimes put bonus material after the credits BTW...): kzbin.info/www/bejne/nnLVYXqHbZufgqMsi=6qHHQGSgwgRUJURx&t=964

[@ParkwayProduction]

Awesomely done Don.

[@DonJoyce]

Thanks!

[@rossintx39]

Great video - thank you!

[@DonJoyce]

Thanks, Ross! Yes, this one is crucial!

[@alexp286]

Very good and clear explanation

[@DonJoyce]

Thanks for watching, Alex! Glad you found it clear and helpful!

[@droningwithjamie]

Very understanding thankyou

[@droningwithjamie]

Also love my drone pilot Canada app keep me safe flying

[@DonJoyce]

Thank you, Jamie! Safe and happy flying!

[@brandonthomas6919]

nicely done ,thx

[@DonJoyce]

Glad you enjoyed it...this is really important stuff to know for your drone exams!

[@the1andonly]

Yeah, the difference between the 3 nautical mile keep out zones and the controlled airspace still confuses me, as both would require special permission from NAV Canada. I guess as basic operator I've gotten used to just accepting them as no fly zones, which makes them the same. Now there suddenly is a difference, but not really as I've never gone through the process. I have two potential clients for ir photography in controlled airspace around aerodromes, so this will be an issue sooner than expected. No way around learning the exact procedures and complying with them. Thanks for the comprehensive video.

[@DonJoyce]

Yes, the keep out zones are GENERALLY a needless extra complication in the rules. If you are flying in controlled airspace, the predominate and most important thing is to get permission to fly via the NAV DRONE app, and for that, the lower your flight is planned, the better.

[@clauderegnier2568]

Nice work & well done

[@DonJoyce]

Thank you, Claude!

[@barrymacdonald2]

Very informative and clear.

[@DonJoyce]

Great! Glad to hear it was clear, Barry! Safe and happy flying!

[@sherpa972]

Thank you for the information.

[@DonJoyce]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@joewensley2726]

Love the drone pilot app I bought it a few years back With an old phone and old email Anyway I can transfer the app to my new email and phone? Thanks Joe

[@DonJoyce]

Glad to hear you love Drone Pilot Canada, Joe! You can transfer to a new device as long as you log into the Play Store or App Store with the same account. The steps are spelled out in the User Guide (p46 I believe).

[@destevens56]

Thanks Don

[@DonJoyce]

This is a crucial topic to understand!

[@noelocol]

Thanks for this! Great summary. Just want to confirm, this only applies to 250g+ drones and registered pilots yes? Is rule 900.06 is the only restriction of sub 250s?

[@DonJoyce]

900.06 is the only regulation that applies to sub-250g drones, but there are a couple of other restrictions (Class F Restricted zones, and disasters such as fires). ALSO, you really do need to know about the location of airports and airspace control zones to obey 900.06, since you need to ensure you are not causing any risk to manned aircraft. Here is a video that explains it all: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gWirY4eperSfg9k

[@noelocol]

Thanks @@DonJoyce Actually I found that video only after I posted my above note!. GREAT JOB!!..

[@lets.walk.around.gothenburg]

Very beautiful video👍👍👍👍👍

[@DonJoyce]

Thanks!

[@CliveDrone]

Me again...Don, Russ over at 51 Drones channel has a interesting new video about airspace above their (USA) private properties. Care to comment about airspace ownership above Canadian private properties. Assuming these properties are away from any airports or restricted airspace's.

[@DonJoyce]

I haven't yet watched Russ's video. In Canada, all airspace above ground level is regulated by Transport Canada and us land-dwellers have no specific rights over it. That said, privacy and nuisance laws and bylaws are absolutely applicable if you were to start flying around someone's backyard. You could also be prosecuted for breaking the 'don't do anything stupid' law if you were potentially endangering people on the ground. Hope that helps.

[@karimabouaamri6834]

Niiiice

[@DonJoyce]

Thanks!

[@AnarchoProduction]

Awesome videos, very clear and informative! Just a quick question before I buy the Canada Drone pilot app, does it use my location (gps) to show my position on the map or it just gives passive information about the flying zones? There is no mention about this feature in the app description. Thank you very much for your help!

[@DonJoyce]

Thank you, Wagner! Absolutely, the Drone Pilot Canada app uses your phone's GPS location and the map is centred on that location by default. You can scroll/zoom/search elsewhere as well.

[@DerrickThomas17]

Thank you for sharing your great knowledge Don. I'm watching all your videos in hopes they will help me pass my Basic Exam. I've also subscribed to your channel. How long did it take you to understand these acronyms? My mind is blown!

[@DonJoyce]

Thank you, Derrick! I'm sure you will do fine after learning from my videos! Acronyms...lol...so many! I keep having to reduce the font size in the pdf to keep the list on one page!

[@ryanlowrie3689]

Great info, thanks for doing these videos. Windsor ON was a good example as I live near this area. Are real estate agents in Windsor or Toronto really calling the airport for every photo shoot?

[@DonJoyce]

Thanks, Ryan! Real estate agents...only if they are doing it properly.

[@scotttaube789]

Hi Don can you explain vlos regarding

[@DonJoyce]

Drones under 250g are not subject to the visual line of sight rules nor any rules related to wearing fpv goggles. Please refer to kzbin.info/www/bejne/pqfRmI1vm7uEf7M

[@WWBoardgamer]

Awesome. Thank you.

[@DonJoyce]

Thanks! (Hey, I used to play a lot of 'ww2 boardgames'[....SPI games especially!)

[@WWBoardgamer]

@@DonJoyce SPI I had Pacific War at one point in time. Very difficult to find someone to play against and not a good solitaire game. Avalon's Third Reich, Panzer Leader and Luftwaffe games were a few a bud and I got into when we were in our teens. Since Covid I have changed more to Solitaire board games like RAF, Omaha Beach, etc and computer games like those older games. Never grow up I say. lol. Love the vids. Simply awesome. Would have never looked into some of the areas you covered in your video as they were completely useless as a radio controlled fixed wing pilot. I almost fell out of my chair laughing when I was asked the radio check question and all I could think of was preflight stuff like turn on the radio and perform Range Check, Fail Safe Check, Check your surfaces are going the correct way. And none of those were choices. lol. Thanks again. Time to get ski's on the plane and go flying safely. That's what it is all about.

[@DonJoyce]

@@WWBoardgamer Yeah, I headed a "conflict simulations club" in high school. What a nerd! LOL. Then I discovered girls.......

[@timmcphee158]

Hi Don, I'm studying for my advanced exam and had a question in regards to contacting the airport operator for permission to operate within the 3nm restricted zone. The AIM seems to indicate that you only contact the airport if it's located in uncontrolled airspace. If it's in controlled airspace then does one get clearance for the airspace including the 3nm restricted zone with a NAV Canada authorization request? AIM (3.2.35) "When operating an RPA in the vicinity of an airport or heliport located outside controlled airspace, the RPA pilot should establish communication with the aerodrome operator." "If the airport or heliport is inside controlled airspace, the RPA pilot needs an advanced pilot certificate, has to receive an authorization from the appropriate ANSP as described in section 3.4.4 of this chapter," AIM (3.4.5) "The official TC established procedure should be followed when the pilot is operating an RPA in an advanced environment at or in the vicinity of an uncontrolled airport, heliport, or water airport." ... "The procedure is applicable only if pilots are within uncontrolled airspace."

[@DonJoyce]

Hi Tim! Yes, you (and the AIM) are absolutely correct. If the certified aerodrome is inside controlled airspace, the NAV Canada approval will coordinate with the airport and you don't need to contact the airport. If the certified aerodrome is outside controlled airspace (ie, Class G airspace), then you DO have to contact the airport operator. Incidentally, Drone Pilot Canada provides you the correct instructions based on the airport's location so you don't have to remember such things. Good luck on your exam!!

[@jacksonmacd]

I am confused. Newbie pilot located in Ladner, bc, right between yvr and boundary Bay airports. I installed the nav Canada app, and it identified my home as being in controlled airspace. Your summary table says all controlled airspace is no-fly zone, but the app says flight is OK everywhere around my home. Which one is correct, or am I misunderstanding something?

[@DonJoyce]

Hi Jack. I can't speak for the NAV Drone app: it is so confusing, it is very easy to get the wrong answer depending upon what you put in: your certification, your drone, your type of operation..... Looking at my Drone Pilot Canada app, most of the area around Ladner BC is in controlled airspace. Controlled airspace is a no fly zone for pilots with a Basic RPAS Pilot Certificate, as I state in the video. If you have your Advanced, and your drone is approved for operation in controlled airspace, and you have authorization, YES, you can fly there. You can also fly in controlled airspace with a sub250g drone...as long as you fly carefully...I recommend under 30m. Hope that helps.

[@jacksonmacd]

​@@DonJoyce thanks Don. Much appreciated. I fall into the category described by your last sentence - sub 250 g drone, and no license. I know this is not the right attitude to take, but it seems like I have carte blanche to operate as I see fit. Everywhere I check on the Nav Can map, it says sub 250 g is allowed. Was it one of your videos that proposed the "don't do anything stupid" rule of thumb? Is that the only rule? I like to think of myself as generally law-abiding, but it seems like there are virtually no legal restrictions to this little drone, except 122 m AGL. And don't be stupid...

[@RamaFortunema]

Nice information.. Perfect dude.. Greetings from indonesian. Stay connected

[@DonJoyce]

Thanks for watching!

[@Mozus-drones]

Hi Don, another really informative and well explained video! Thanks. I bought the Drone Pilot Canada App and it's well worth the price! I have a small question though, I live in sorel-tracy, Qc. and I am inside the Sorel Correctionnal centre controlled zone. I have only the Basic Certificate yet so I can't fly my 250 plus grams HS720E, but can i fly my mini drones (less than 250g) ? I'm inside the zone by about 100'. Can I ask a permission to use them in my backyard? Many Many thanks!

[@DonJoyce]

Hi Michel! Thanks! These correctional zone areas are exactly like temporary Class F Restricted zones, and as such prohibit drone operations of any size (including sub250g drones)...unless you have permission. I recommend you call the facility and ask for permission...and make sure you get something in writing. Let me know how you make out!

[@Mozus-drones]

@@DonJoyce Hi again, I still didn't took the time to phone the correctional authorities but wanted to share a great news with you. Thanks to your videos and the Drone Pilot Canada app, I just passed my RPAS exam - Advanced it was my second attempt. I must have watched your videos three times each, taking some notes but mostly listening and understanding each notion you explained. Thanks a lot Don. Now the final step, the flight exam!

[@Vegan_Cooking_Show]

Hi Don, Thanks for all your videos. I just passed my advanced operations exam thanks to you! I have a flight review planned for March and I want to confirm with you - if there is a registered (not certified) aerodrome within 3NM, it's not mandatory to call before flight, is it? This is in class G airspace.

[@DonJoyce]

Correct. BTW, Drone Pilot Canada takes all the guesswork out of all of this, and help you understand these rules in a practical way.

[@Vegan_Cooking_Show]

@@DonJoyce Thanks Don. I bought the app and love it by the way. Definitely worth the $60.

[@EDSC_CANADA]

Hi Don, where do I go to find out if an aerodrome is MF or not? The CFS? VNC? Is there an easy way to check?

[@DonJoyce]

Hi there. "MF" refers to Mandatory Frequency. Some aerodromes have MF's and others do not. They are in the CFS, on VFR/VNC charts, and in various other sources, including in Drone Pilot Canada via SkyVector. This video in my Radio series explains: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h3TboH2mhrhof9U

[@andrushastudios]

Hi Don, please correct me if I didn't understand this correctly. So as an advanced certificate drone pilot, I want to fly in a controlled airspace (specifically Edmonton International Airport), and on the Nav Canada Flight map it shows the orange checkered control zone. When I click on a spot in the checkered area, it shows the lower limit at 0m AGL and the upper limit at 91.44m AGL. According to Coastal Drone, you get automatic Nav Canada authorization as long as you remain below the Upper Limit. My question is, since I already got automatic approval, am I still required to contact the certified aerodrome (CYEG for that matter) to fly in that area? Or do I only have to contact the airport operator if I intend on flying above that 91.44m threshold? An example of that would be where the Upper Limit is already at 0m AGL, like at some Vancouver airports. Questions aside, your videos have helped me a ton and I am very thankful for your detailed and precise work. Please keep it up!!

[@DonJoyce]

It can certainly be confusing, and the guidelines are changing over time. The current instructions are given in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iXy6gHWNntprfbc . In short, you DO still need to contact any certified aerodrome in the control zone, even if your Nav Canada authorization is automatic. The exception is for any Nav Canada operated airports...which are usually the ones "owning" the control zone...they are already informed.

[@bobhysong4215]

Hi Don Just wondering if ppr (I think prior permission required) following reg in the opr section has an implication for basic drone operations? Thanks Stay safe

[@DonJoyce]

Hi Bob! PPR (Prior Permission Required) refers to manned aircraft and has no bearing on drone operations. In fact, I strip this out of the OPR data when we load it into Drone Pilot Canada....the less 'noise' the better.

[@phils.3748]

PPR is a useful number if you are doing RPAS ops in military controlled airspace, as rare as this may be for most everyone here. The PPR number is a means of reaching the base operations staff to secure permission (likely via follow on email). When you submit a RPAS Flight Authorization Request through the NAVCAN website, the fist thing they will ask is “do you have permission from DND?” That is one way to get it. But I’ll tell you, you will likely not get approval unless flying operations are complete for the day and you have given LOTS of notice. At least until there is more education (on both sides of this equation), understanding, established procedures and, most importantly, trust. Bird strikes are a fact of life in aviation but drone strikes...yikes!!! Unforgivable and expensive.

[@DonJoyce]

@@phils.3748 An interesting twist, Phil. Nav Canada insists that they be the first point of contact for controlled airspace, military or not, then they will either deal with the DND permissions themselves or hand you over to DND for further coordination. It seems there are variations on that theme. Thanks for sharing.

[@phils.3748]

@@DonJoyce that may very well be the case but my discussion with Winnipeg FIC didn’t leave me feeling like they were going to do the leg work for a military CZ use auth. That, they expected me to do before contacting them.

[@Tmac2016]

Im coming to Québec City, and i looked at the map, but im very confused about the “3 nautical miles”. I read the map and it was red, does that mean the 3 nautical mile was already calculated or from the red area forwarding 3 nautical miles?

[@DonJoyce]

I can't answer your question precisely since you don't say what map you are looking at. That said, don't overthink this: if a zone is coloured red on any of the apps or websites mentioned in this video, then it IS the no fly zone. You don't have to measure any further.

[@thedronemediacomvancouver4976]

Hi Don.. went for my FR at coastal drone, with my app. He said it was fine but he was a paper map guy. Had to place the aerodromes on his map, and he wanted me to tell him what side the flight leg was on, so that I'd know what side was safer to fly my drone. He said its in the cfs, and showed me. He failed me on that so ill ha e to redo. I'm not paying $30 every 2 months for the cfs for the odd time ill.work near there. I'd just phone the aerodrome and ask. Nothing like that on the app?

[@DonJoyce]

Yikes. I would complain to TC. This guy is over the top with his requirements, and reliance on paper in this day and age is ridiculous. Yes, the same information is available in Drone Pilot Canada. Tap on the aerodrome in question, then tap on the text that pops up. It will take you to SkyVector, which has all the same information as the CFS and is up to date. Flight circuits are left-hand by default, with exceptions noted in the Procedures section. AND, besides all that, I would NOT say it is safer on one side of the circuit vs the other given that the planes should be well above 400', except during their final approach. Just for my own edification, please send me the name of the Flight Reviewer to my email: [e-mail]

[@ALYPtm]

New friend here, very nice video and good conntent too , i subscribed your channel , stay connect , see you soon cheers 👍👍

[@DonJoyce]

Thank you!

[@ACDroneProduction]

I love the ducking part lol

[@DonJoyce]

LOL...I think that took just about as long to get right as the rest of the video!

[@gregb5149]

Dang, I found another VERY restricting rule about controlled airspace. Montreal has what looks like 10Km radius around the airport that requires a transponder. So even with an advanced license, there is no drone flying, no way no how ;-(

[@DonJoyce]

I don't think that's accurate, although I could be wrong. Perhaps at higher altitudes?

[@gregb5149]

@@DonJoyce I'll keep researching!

[@gregb5149]

So , it looks possible with pre-approval by ATC: Transponder and Automatic Pressure-altitude Reporting Equipment 901.46 (1) Subject to subsection (2), no pilot shall operate a remotely piloted aircraft system if the aircraft is in the transponder airspace referred to in section 601.03 unless the aircraft is equipped with a transponder and automatic pressure-altitude reporting equipment. (2) An air traffic control unit may authorize a pilot to operate a remotely piloted aircraft that is not equipped in accordance with subsection (1) within the airspace referred to in section 601.03 if (a) the air traffic control unit provides an air traffic control service in respect of that airspace; (b) the pilot made a request to the air traffic control unit to operate the aircraft within that airspace before the aircraft entered the airspace; and (c) aviation safety is not likely to be affected.

[@mohammadakayleh378]

I wish you could be the one who taught me aviation in Canada, thank you 🙏

[@DonJoyce]

Lol. Thank you!

[@kadenbirch]

Is there a free and accurate alternative to the drone pilot Canada app? I really don’t feel like paying $60.00 for an app

[@mallan58]

Don, Is there a rule or actual Canadian law about people interfering with a drone operation while it is flight? As I'm entering into commercial use of my drone, I will be more exposed to the Karens and Kevins and would like to know the law as it is stated. Thank you

[@DonJoyce]

Hi Mike! Other than extreme cases of actual threats or harrassment, I'm not aware of any specific laws. A couple of tips: wear official looking clothing, wear a hi vis vest, establish a cone perimeter.

[@mallan58]

@@DonJoyce Great idea, was looking at vests yesterday, but I do like the idea of the cones. Thanks so much for all your help.

[@jasongreen2353]

I just wanted to put my gentle lady in the sky like i did in the 80s. This hobby has gotten expensive. Can't justify $50 for an app. Sure not the hobby it used to be.

[@guitaro]

The Nav Can drone app is free. If you're using all Don's free study guides to get your license it is nice to buy something from him to support his hard work.

[@raihanshahriar8220]

Thank you Don for these wonderful videos!! Can I be connected with u in social media like linkedin or facebook