Droner’s Guide Module 1: An In Depth Look at the 2019 Canadian Drone Regulations

[@srijithboltz1863]

Thank you for your guide, I got 94% on my very first attempt. It’s relevant even after 5 years.

[@DonJoyce]

Congrats! Some changes are coming to the regulations in a few months and I will be re-doing this video to bring it up to date at that time.

[@ambsfds6587]

Thanks Don for the hard work putting together the numerous videos, your helpful suggestions and I 100% agree with your critics of some of Transport Canada knowledge requirements for Drone pilots. Though I felt some of the knowledge requirements were utter nonsense for drone pilots I still watched all of your videos and passed the exam on the first attempt 77% I am so happy I did not have to pay a cent to any flying school or to take any online course. Thanks also for voicing the drone communities concerns with Transport Canada

[@DonJoyce]

Thank you, Ambs Fds! And so glad you were able to pass without paying for a ground school!

[@vprescott1]

Hi Don. Thank you for all your videos. I just wrote the exam and managed 85%!!! The exam was rather odd, I found. In a few questions the correct answer was E: I don't have a ***expletive deleted *** clue!

[@DonJoyce]

Congratulations on passing with such a great score!! If you wish, you may want to provide feedback to Transport Canada on questions or topics that you felt were inappropriate.

[@darringallant]

Wonderful job Don! You've done a great service for all Canadian drone pilots, thank you very much! Looking forward to watching all the modules and I hope everyone shares this series within their social circles.

[@DonJoyce]

Thank you so much, Darrin! It was a lot of work to pull together and record, so your comment is very much appreciated.

[@sparkwebdesign]

Thanks Don. You are an excellent resource and representative for the RPAS community in Canada.

[@DonJoyce]

Thank you, Sean. I appreciate your kind words.

[@danh-RedSwan]

Thanks Don, you've been a big help here in Alberta. 🤓

[@canuckcorsa]

Hi Don, just to let you know that, in no small part to your videos, I just passed my basic exam!

[@DonJoyce]

Congratulations on passing your exam, Bob! Safe and happy flying!

[@DimmyV]

Hey Don, will you be making an updated guide?

[@DonJoyce]

I'll be updating it next year when they change the regs. Otherwise it is 100% up to date.

[@DimmyV]

Appreciate the guides @@DonJoyce the only thing I’ve noticed is foreigners can now do the test online but still a ball ache. I got a glitch yesterday midway through test and kicked out. Been very frustrated with TC.

[@DonJoyce]

Thanks for the note.

[@RodMacPherson]

Visitors will still be able to apply for SFOC to fly here. 903.01 c) allows for an SFOC to be issued for "the operation of a system by a foreign operator or pilot who has been authorized to operate remotely piloted aircraft systems by the foreign state; " ... they can't get a certificate, but they still can get a one-off SFOC.

[@DonJoyce]

Precisely. And credentials from the home country should help.

[@gordroberts53]

Very happy to have discovered your channel, you have completely de-complicated the TC process. Thanks!

[@DonJoyce]

Great to hear it is working for you, Gord!

[@jquehe]

Don, I may have mentioned this before, so please Delete this if I have, but in your chart, at 13:23 it says "Any drone between 250 g and 25 Kg". It is NOT between those weights, it is INCLUSIVE of both. :) I've watched most of your videos, and have learnt lots from them. Good job!

[@DonJoyce]

You're right, John. Technically, a small RPAS is inclusive of both 250g and 25KG, based on a mind-bending interpretation of the CAR definition: "small remotely piloted aircraft means a remotely piloted aircraft that has a maximum take-off weight of at least 250 g (0.55 pounds) but not more than 25 kg (55 pounds)"

[@Torch387]

Excellent Don and thank you

[@DonJoyce]

Thanks, David!

[@KardosoMedia]

Nice Don! Great work! Really hope they update their list of approved drones soon

[@DonJoyce]

Thanks, Kardoso! Yes, it will be interesting to see what rolls in next. (My poor P3S is likely hosed though...)

[@KeyofTMajor]

Thanks Don, good job.

[@DonJoyce]

Thanks, Tyler! Stay tuned for the next one tomorrow morning!

[@BrantAerials]

Clear and concise. Thanks, Don.

[@DonJoyce]

Thanks, Gary!

[@omairimtiaz5436]

Don your videos, materials and explanations should be officially used by Canadian Aviation Authorities...its THAT good. Thank you so much for dedicating countless hours to make our skies safer! Just a quick observation I noticed you included Permanent Residents under the "Canadian" umbrella. Permanent residents of Canada are almost always not Canadian citizens and are most likely on a long journey to eventually becoming a Canadian Citizen. Keep the great videos coming I really appreciate all the work you and your team has put into this. I'm working on my basic operations for now and going down the Playlist that you've created. I own a mavic mini but I still would like to get the basic certification at least. Maybe even the advanced one eventually. Quick question. If you owned the mavic mini would you bother registering it even though you don't have to? Are there any advantages to registering a drone that doesn't need to be registered? TIA

[@DonJoyce]

Thank you so much for the kind words, Omair! Much appreciated. And thank you for the clarification re permanent residents. Regarding the mavic mini registration, there are only a couple of reasons to register one: First, it allows you to fly with 'extras' such as prop guards, camera filters, or skins without concern about going over the 250g line. Second, if you go for a Flight Review, your drone needs to be registered...it's one of the things they require.

[@GageSmith-h8z]

If you have a Drone that's approved to fly over bystanders, what's the distance you can fly above bystanders? Or is there no limit and it comes down to a personal judgement call?

[@DonJoyce]

There is no altitude minimum or maximum.

[@igorgoga7985]

Don, are they planning to crack down on sub 250s?

[@DonJoyce]

There is no indication that anything extraordinary will happen with sub250g drones. In the new regulations, there are two minor adjustments to the rules, but they are really already in effect: staying out of emergency areas and wildfire zones.

[@igorgoga7985]

@@DonJoyce thank you, Sir! i binged watched all 32 videos but scared to try the test

[@Rooster_Sailing]

I was pleasantly surprised at the level of content! Good job!

[@DonJoyce]

Thanks, Mike! Be sure to also watch my Aerodromes Explained video...fills in a few gaps.

[@eddyrutherford6847]

Hey Don, can we fly micro drones in controlled airspace? When do we need an SFOC with microdrones? thx!

[@DonJoyce]

If you fly carefully to avoid manned aircraft, and in general stay low (I recommend below 30m), you can fly a micro drone in controlled airspace. You do not need an SFOC for a micro drone. This video explains how the rules applies to drones under 250g: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mpSTfI2ih9KArtE

[@eddyrutherford6847]

@@DonJoyce Don you are the BEST. Our laws can be very confusing. Does your app cover questions like this?

[@DonJoyce]

The Drone Pilot Canada app is for flight operations (logs, checklists, docs,....). It doesn't have rules in it per se. (ok...actually I do summarize the rules in one of the built-in procedures...)

[@gordonwright5324]

great video...i fly a mavic mini 249 grams ... can i fly in a red zone (restricted zone)?

[@DonJoyce]

Thanks, Gordon! This video will answer your question, and many more: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hn-7l4KraNxqprM

[@eleinfo]

Tank you Don’s for your great information 👍✨

[@DonJoyce]

Thank you, Eleinfo!

[@ptessier73]

Hi Don, I purchased your PDF online. I received a link but the excel sheet didn't come with it. Was it perhaps available through a link in the PDF that I have missed? Thanks!

[@DonJoyce]

Please send me an email at [e-mail] and I'll sort you out.

[@ptessier73]

@@DonJoyceHi Don, I want to publicly say thank you. For having sorted the issue out with me. It was the result of my mistake but you have sorted it out and I really appreciate it.

[@shaunthedrone]

Thumbs up ere' Don, this will be so useful for Canadian drone flyers when this come into force in June - many thanks for sharing the info :)

[@DonJoyce]

Thank you, Shawn!

[@imageVERDEcanada]

Thanks Don for your excellent presentation (I just downloaded your full Droner's Guide!) My question is about the difference between Basic and Advanced Operations. I understand what "5.6km away from airports" means for Basic Operations. But for some reason, I'm having trouble with the words "within 5.6km of an airport" for Advanced Operations. Within... within... when I try to visualize what "within 5.6km of anything" means, it means from zero to 5.6km, right? So, does this mean that Advanced operators can get as close as 0km to the center of an airport? It just doesn't sound right to me. I'm stuck on that word "within"! Thanks for shedding any light.

[@DonJoyce]

Thank you for watching and for your support! You are absolutely correct about 'within': in an advanced operation, you can buzz the control tower, IF THAT AIRPORT GIVES YOU PERMISSION TO DO SO! Rule 901.73 is the key to this, stating that you must follow the airport's established procedures.

[@jigneshgohel3308]

Hi what’s ur website to buy course for basic course and how much it is..

[@DonJoyce]

Hi Jignesh! All my DonDronesOn Exam Study Guide PDFs and Soft Copy Log Books are available for purchase here: www.pocketwatchpurveyor.com/collections/drone-study-guides I have several Study Guides and other PDFs available. Please read descriptions carefully to ensure you select the ones you wish.

[@andrewjeremysilke]

can you clarify? If under 14 you can't get a basic operating license, however a parent who does have a basic op license can supervise a child who does not have a license as long as they're in a basic operating environment? Can an adult with a license also supervise another adult who doesnt have a license to fly?

[@DonJoyce]

Yes, believe it or not an unlicensed adult cannot be supervised! Clearly adults are far more unruly than kids! This video talks about this and TC's current view on the subject: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a2PIhaaJfNRosLM

[@catlove6332]

Hi Don Children under 14 years old can fly only under the direct supervision of a certified pilot. Does that mean:children under 14 years old can take the basic exam and obtain a pilot certificate if passed the exam? (but not eligible to register a drone, means that children under 14 years old can't be an official owner of a drone 250g~25kg)?

[@DonJoyce]

You must be at least 14 years old to take the Basic exam.

[@catlove6332]

@@DonJoyce I see, so children under 14 years old without basic pilot certificate can fly only under the direct supervision of a certified pilot, right?

[@DonJoyce]

Correct. Of course, those under 14 can fly a sub-250g drone.

[@catlove6332]

@@DonJoyce Thank you Don! Thanks for your information!

[@davestredulinsky]

Thanks Don. A good review before I take my basic exam.

[@DonJoyce]

Thanks, Dave!

[@PinetreeLine]

Excellent job with this Don! I will advise anyone I know that would have interest.

[@DonJoyce]

Appreciate that, Doug! And thanks for watching!

[@artstar.cinema]

And if I have work permit in Canada - can I register drone?

[@DonJoyce]

Only Canadian citizens and permanent residents can register their drone. Others must attain an SFOC (Special Flight Operations Certificate) to fly in Canada.

[@artstar.cinema]

@@DonJoyce thanks)

[@JustLoveFilm]

Hey Don! Great work! Do I need to register a mavic mini? I'm studying for the basic license but once I get that, I'll be applying for the advanced. Should I buy the advanced program from you? I think buying both may be redundant. Thanks for the advice!

[@DonJoyce]

Since a Mavic Mini is less than 250g (without any accessories), you do not need to register it. You should watch my video about it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hn-7l4KraNxqprM My Advanced package has more information than the basic.

[@JustLoveFilm]

@@DonJoyce Hey Don, Sorry I should have done my research before posting that - I saw your video on this, and it spelled out all the fact about the MINI. Many thanks. Should I just buy the ADVANCED package then? I plan to do the basic test this week, but if the advanced package has all the basic info in it also, then I'll get that. Also - I keep reading that the SFOC has to be applied for 30 days in advance. What if I get booked to shoot a job - lets say over a posted event, but the job gets booked 2 weeks before the event (14 days). Can I still get an SFOC? (quite often we find out about things less then 7 days before the event and need to be ready to go). And If I got booked to shoot something in the US - do you have any videos or documentation about how I can go about shooting there and if the restrictions are similar in the US? Thanks!

[@djkincaid]

Thank you thank you thank you. Great job of deciphering incomprehensible GOV SPEAK into layman's English. Were you a civil servant in a former life that allowed you to build up an immunity to the mind numbing and eye glazing that regular folks inevitably fall prey to when looking at these regs?

[@DonJoyce]

LOL David! Thanks for watching! Yeah, after many decades of both deciphering and generating BS, I guess I've become desensitized!

[@TOURMANBOB]

Excellent review. This has ensured that I will only ever fly the unregulated Mavic Mini and probably never buy a larger drone. This is typical Canadian government over regulation at it's finest. Even a gun license is valid for five years yet a drone license is only two years ???? It seems Marc Garneau left his common sense up on the space station !!

[@DonJoyce]

No argument here, Robert. Fortunately, the Basic Pilot Certificate is fairly easy to attain, and the Drone Pilot Canada app makes it easy to comply with all the procedural requirements. All the best.

[@TOURMANBOB]

@@DonJoyce Yes, I understand that. However, it just seems that regulation often takes the place of common sense once governments control things. I completely understand the need for regulation as these drones are aircraft of a certain type and involve use of airspace. However, regulation and the testing process has little bearing on the real use of recreational drones. It would seem that no one consulted people such as yourself and others who could have provided guidance to make a truly useful test for qualifications. I guess my reply was more in frustration in response to decades of having to deal with government over regulation in other matters...

[@DonJoyce]

Yes, totally understandable. In fact, the government consulted pilots and flight schools. Hmmm. Wonder why the rules are so complicated and unrealistic?! You may be interested in my own take on more sensible drone rules...I recently produced a 5-part video series on "Don's Drone Rules". Here's the first one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r3fIgZp3bsh8apY

[@vicgonz8281]

Can I still get your PDF guide?

[@DonJoyce]

The links for all items I have available are in the description below the video. I'll try to paste them here (hope that works): Click the link below to purchase the soft copy Droner’s Guide package: kzbin.info?redir_token=WGiCN0V9Orvmhmle9bXwOKbkLBh8MTU1MTg5OTE1M0AxNTUxODEyNzUz&q=https%3A%2F%2Ftinyurl.com%2FCanadianRPASGuide&event=video_description&v=QWkV0vM5_R4 Clink the link below to purchase the soft copy Canadian Drone Pilot Log Book only kzbin.info?redir_token=WGiCN0V9Orvmhmle9bXwOKbkLBh8MTU1MTg5OTE1M0AxNTUxODEyNzUz&q=https%3A%2F%2Ftinyurl.com%2FCanadianDronePilotLogBook&event=video_description&v=QWkV0vM5_R4 Clink the link below to purchase a soft copy Don's Study Guide for the Canadian Drone RPAS Pilot Basic Operations Exam kzbin.info?redir_token=WGiCN0V9Orvmhmle9bXwOKbkLBh8MTU1MTg5OTE1M0AxNTUxODEyNzUz&q=https%3A%2F%2Ftinyurl.com%2Fcanadiandronepilotstudyguide&event=video_description&v=QWkV0vM5_R4

[@JUANITO2859]

Thanks Don, I'm interested only in the Basic license and I see you're saying that this guide is good for Basic and Advanced and just by looking at the link (works fine by the way) looks like its all together, do you have the Basic and Advanced guides so that I can do and study just what I need (the basic only) ??Thanks Don

[@DonJoyce]

Hi Vic. Perfectly understandable that you are interested only in the Basic Operations certification. I would suggest the following study path: First watch the Study Guide and subsequent How High Can You Fly videos. The Study Guide will explain the structure of the Basic exam Knowledge Areas and what you need to know for each. (And by the way, the breadth of knowledge required is huge...but it is an open book exam, so the reference documents listed and Google will be your best friends.) From that, you will see that the new drone regulations are only a part of the Basic exam. You can then watch the 8 "Droner's Guide" videos to secure a deep understanding of the new rules. Only two of the modules, Modules 2 and 3, are focused on Advanced Operations topics, AND many people (including myself) have reported seeing topics from those sections appearing on their Basic exam! Hope that helps. The presentation material I offer for sale is exactly the same as the material you see in the videos, but give you the opportunity to quickly look things up in the exam. The Study Guide also has been updated to reflect the clarification about the maximum altitude.

[@RM-iy7xx]

Great information

[@DonJoyce]

And thank you again!

[@chicknskratchproductions]

I have to state how completely random this Advanced Exam is. I watched all of Don's videos and even completed ground school training back when that was the requirement for being able to obtain SFOCs and exemptions, so I was feeling super prepared, but the questions I was asked had almost nothing to do with any of this content. I had questions about Rime Ice formation, Ground Effect, Hypoxia, Helicopter and Plane parts, the causes of hyperventilation, almost nothing to do with actually flying an RPAs except in the most unlikely of scenarios. Definitely watch Don's videos but be prepared for mostly curveballs.

[@DonJoyce]

Thanks for watching and for sharing your experience. There are definitely a lot of curveball questions on the Advanced, and they do vary in quantity from exam run to exam run. My second attempt (which I passed) seemed to have far fewer totally weird ones.

[@chicknskratchproductions]

@@DonJoyce good to know, I found they also use conflicting language sometimes, such as conditions regarding a severe storm, but in the beaufort scale in the AIM, it refers to them as a violent storm (I think these are the same?). There was a couple other like this too, which makes it hard to search and find answers when they don't use the same language as in their supplied materials.

[@DonJoyce]

@@chicknskratchproductions Violent storm or severe storm...does anyone fly drones in either of these?! Same as having to know the fine distinctions between how sleet, ice pellets and ice fog form! Just don't fly. Many of the exam questions appear to have been created in a vacuum, far away from practicality or real safe flying requirements.

[@SNSFishing]

Привет у вас новый друг 972 Заходите на мой канал с дружеским визитом )

[@DonJoyce]

Спасибо за просмотр и за вашу поддержку. Я также проверю ваш канал.