New Transport Canada Procedure for Drone Operations Near Airports...Eight Concerns!

[@yyzbogdan2680]

TC and NAV Canada should hire you to proofread their RPA documents before releasing them to the public!

[@DonJoyce]

Ha ha...thank you, Bogdan. But frankly, I would prefer that my taxpayer dollars are spent by TC actually doing their job properly ... rather than TC paying my consulting rate. But they know my number.

[@Aerosnapper]

The Drone Community is lucky to have you monitoring this situation. Clearly, Transport Canada is not in touch with drone matters, choosing to listen to commercial and other sources for advice. They are making the situation worse, not better, by trying to impose regulations without appropriate insight or consultation.

[@DonJoyce]

Thank you, Aerosnapper! I believe you have put your finger on the issue.

[@seangalbraith6837]

Your question #5 is really excellent

[@DonJoyce]

Thanks, Sean! I've heard it a lot recently.

[@carlosamat]

good video... as per usual... can’t wait for the answers... i own a mavic 2 pro... also have my pilot certificate (advanced operations)... because of crap like this... i fly my mavic mini 75% of the time... and with the mini 2 coming out with 4k...well... if they don’t want us to fly drones... just come out and say it... instead of this death by a thousand cuts...

[@DonJoyce]

Thanks, Carlos! Good call on flying a Mini.

[@hodgeshamm7072]

We are very fortunate to have you Don over looking these regulations relating to RPAS in Canada. I trust that you are appreciated by Nav Canada and Transport Canada for bringing very issues and suggestions to their attention relating to RPAS. Notification of changes to various documents and regulations relating to the operations of RPAS are seldom sent to operators directly. Thanks to you, we are being informed and you certainly deserve a lot appreciation from all of us who are RPAS operators for the time and energies that you put into keeping us up to date. Recognizing when either Transport Canada and/or Nav Canada have either overlooked clarity in their new regulations or just have errored in the presentations of their new regulations is also greatly appreciated. Thank you Don for all you do for us.

[@DonJoyce]

Thank you very much for the kind words, Paul. Very much appreciated. It is not clear if TC or NC appreciate my comments and findings...or not. They have not yet got back to me.

[@KardosoMedia]

Thanks for the info Don! I can’t keep up with the constant changes anymore lol

[@DonJoyce]

Thanks for watching, Kenny! Yes, they do seem to keep churning the finer details of the regulations.

[@tubtigre]

You should work for NAV Canada.

[@DonJoyce]

Wow! That's not very nice! Lol.

[@sgalliford]

Great job Don!

[@DonJoyce]

Thank you, Scott! Hope you are well!

[@brpleasants]

Hey Don, l’m enjoying your channel immensely! I’m new to the drone community. I think the idea of being in radio communication with other aircraft while in controlled airspace is a great! Why fly NORDO when you don’t have too! The other thing is the ‘see and be seen’ idea in aviation. We should have much better strobe lighting on our drones and even the possibility of ADSB as they are starting to do in the USA my enhance safety. I could be naive here but it’s JMO. Thanks again, Rory

[@DonJoyce]

I agree with 'see and be seen', and particularly strobes or ADS-B out. Regarding ADS-B (which is NOT what the FAA is requiring BTW), it would be far more effective to mandate it on manned aircraft, enabling drone pilots with ADS-B capable drones to detect and avoid manned aircraft. Far more drones than aircraft, and easier for a drone to avoid a plane than vice versa. BTW, while Transport Canada did eventually acknowledge my concerns and questions, they have yet to address them...either the outright errors or the questions.

[@JeremyDWilliamsOfficial]

You make a lot of great points. Number 4, ‘reasonable’, is a word used in many laws and legislation a great deal. I’m good with it. It allows some wiggle room. The final arbiter of what is reasonable is a judge. They are usually skilled enough to determine if a reasonable attempt was made, or if it wasn’t. The standard may seem vague, but it’s proved it’s worth over the years. My take anyway.

[@DonJoyce]

Thanks, Jeremy. Yes I agree about your assessment of "reasonable"...but still a bit tough to determine in this context. Incidentally, TC has finally responded that they are looking into these (and other) issues I have raised with the AIM. They dodged my offer to review their changes in advance.

[@PhantomHodgesDrone]

am I ever glad I subscribe to your channel, especially when it comes to Transport Canada , not sure how you get notifcation of these changes, but it only seems to get more confusing

[@DonJoyce]

Thank you so much, Paul. Transport Canada does offer a notification service for new issues of documents. I don't recall how I found that though!!!

[@DEZSkillz]

Thank you so much Don, always a pleasure seeing your videos and listening to your feedback. As some people have already said, Transport Canada should place you in charge of all drone operations regulations and procedures in Canada. Keep up the excellent work sir.

[@DonJoyce]

LOL. Thanks, Leo!

[@brucecolman3402]

Many thanks Don, I can't imagine how Transport Canada lets this happen. They should be giving you a contract for vetting their manual updates, it would help everyone immensely.

[@DonJoyce]

Thank you, Bruce! They know my number!

[@timelesstruths]

Your concerns on behalf of the entire community is appreciated, Thankfully from both sides your out their, doing exceptional work.

[@DonJoyce]

Thanks! It will be interesting to hear their response. I sent them the link to this video of course.

[@candyman_fpv]

Don, I really appreciate your effort and time in making these informational videos. Not only are they full of valid and interesting materials, but they have definitely helped me become more knowledgeable in operations of a rpas. Keep up the great job, we appreciate you!!

[@DonJoyce]

Thank you for the kind words and support! Much appreciated!

[@GeraldMcFall]

Hi Don, now that you pointed this out I am seeing the information you are taking about, they are now giving you the numbers to call for some of them, I like this !😎

[@DonJoyce]

Thanks, Gerald. I don't think I have seen contact numbers on the Drone Site Selection Tool. They seem to like to keep things mysterious. For Drone Pilot Canada, we provide aerodrome contact information and control tower emergency numbers. It's all public safety information.

[@10lauset]

Thanks for bringing these concerns to us. I guess everyone is home and don't do their homework and check it.

[@DonJoyce]

Working at home is no excuse. I work for a global company, have staff in 5 countries, and have worked at home for nearly a decade. It is not difficult to review documents.

[@rogerleblanc-717]

Excellent work as usual Don, thanks for sharing. I am really wondering why the published procedures are more elaborate and way more complicated than a full size aircraft overflying the same area. With full size aircraft, all we had to do is simply MONITOR the mandatory frequency if flying in uncontrolled airspace to overfly any of these airports. If I recall correctly, it is recommended to broadcast our intentions but not compulsory. It is amazing that a drone pilot intending to perform a flight in proximity of such locations, at altitudes below 400 feet, be obliged to complete all these new conditions. Honestly, with our drone respecting LOS requirements and below 400 feet, it is really impossible to interfere with any type of full size aircraft operations without hearing the aircraft approaching a long time before any conflictual situation can arise. I should also mentioned that, to my knowledge, there has never been one single fatality related to drone/aircraft operations WORLDWIDE thus far. I am well aware that collisions between drones and aircrafts have occurred but without catastrophic consequences. I am not minimizing the risk of such events but I am questioning the necessity to further regulate this activity that is already quite elaborate. Should I remind concern parties that only advanced drone pilot are authorized to fly in those environments. This is as such quite a complete demonstration of drone operation knowledge and certified pilot skills abilities if you asked me! Is Nav Canada passing the buck to small airport operators? Where there incidents jeopardizing aircraft safety that took place in such locations? How can TC justify such amendments? What is the purpose of this additional requirement? Seems that you are not alone with questions unanswered Don...

[@DonJoyce]

All good questions, Roger. I'm not a manned aircraft pilot, but I believe 602.96 is the applicable procedure for manned aircraft in similar circumstances...

[@jeremyblattner7933]

Thanks Don! Great comments. Looking forward to hearing about your TC reply.

[@DonJoyce]

Thanks, Jeremy! Me too.

[@Rooster_Sailing]

Thanks Don! It's amazing to me that this is not more straightforward. Looking forward to your updates on this topic.

[@DonJoyce]

Thanks, Mike. Yes, surely something as simple as limited altitudes (eg 100 ft) plus increased vigilance...

[@JerryAulenbach]

Have you done an update on this? The current AIM is dated 25 March 2021. Thanks for the deep dive, as always.

[@DonJoyce]

Thanks Jerry! Yes, they actually did a really good update to the AIM in March. Here's my video discussing it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZDXqXyDqbqGg5I

[@mikeodendahl]

Thank for the updates. The rules are always evolving and it is nice that you are up to speed and willing to share.

[@DonJoyce]

Thanks!

[@DerrickThomas17]

Great information as usual Don. Keep up the unbelievable work you're doing to represent drone pilots and also to educate us.

[@DonJoyce]

Thank you, Derrick. Much appreciated.

[@DroningVeteran]

You bring up some very important concerns Don. Looking forward to hearing the answers you are giving. I just hope you aren't given the runaround. Thanks for sharing.

[@DonJoyce]

Thank you, Dan! The runaround? From the government? Gasp! Perish the thought!

[@DroningVeteran]

@@DonJoyce lol, so true

[@davestredulinsky]

Excellent information about the new Transport Canada Procedure for Drone Operations Near Airports and certainly many legitimate concerns that need to be addressed. I look forward to any clarifications you receive. Thank you for sharing.

[@DonJoyce]

Thanks, Dave! Disappointed that I didn't hear back today, at the end of their stated 2 weeks.

[@HowToGuyChannel]

Great video Don.. I always wonder why they don't lock drones to 50 meters and everything else above that, but i guess that doesn't solve pedestrian issues, and you can't get high drone shots.

[@DonJoyce]

Thank you, HTG! Well, limiting the altitude to something low but reasonable, like 30m (100 ft) would likely meet 99% of most people's needs for flights this near airports. Much less onerous than requiring radio calls. That was what I was going to propose in the discussion...if it happens.

[@HowToGuyChannel]

@@DonJoyce personally i think the best shots on a drone are < 30 m... So i would sign that petition

[@t.ticklesfpv]

Thank you for addressing this!!! Fantastic video and information.

[@DonJoyce]

Thanks!

[@GeraldMcFall]

Thanks Don! Looking forward to hearing what you find out

[@DonJoyce]

Thanks, Gerald. Me too.

[@PinetreeLine]

Excellent points you’ve made Don and look forward to hearing their responses through you my friend! Thanks brother!

[@DonJoyce]

Thank you, Doug. I'm looking forward to the response also...if there is one.

[@frollard]

I had a lot of legal-ese concerns with the march release and you point out a lot of similar issues this time around. I really hope we can get some clarification as you are seeking!

[@DonJoyce]

The AIM document has so many excellent parts, it is disappointing that key parts are such a mess. I am looking forward to a discussion.

[@Michael57Coghill]

Awesome work you do with this stuff ...I'm just starting out ...still working on my flight review Advanced ...this is so helpful ...keep up the great work....M

[@DonJoyce]

Thanks, Michael! Be sure to check out the rest of my videos!

[@hurleyvcr]

Concern #4 “every reasonable attempt” I know when flying a piloted aircraft into an aerodrome, certified or not without a control zone, you call your location type of aircraft and altitude and intensions before entering, at least other aircraft are aware of you. You can call the airport on the radio but they may or may not answer you depending if they are busy at the time or closed. The main concern is everyone in the area is aware that you are there. There is a lot of spill over in these rules that only a manned aircraft pilot would find the reasoning behind them. I can understand some of the confusion that this would generate.

[@hawkeyehelivideo527]

Thanks for sharing Don! Great info as usual!

[@DonJoyce]

Thanks, Hawkeye!

[@goldenearsvideography]

A simple request to you Don, to review the proposed changes prior to some federal official or team releasing them, would have eliminated this embarrassing situation. But, that would have been too simple, so we are left with your well thought out concerns.

[@DonJoyce]

Thank you, Neil. Frankly, I would prefer that my taxpayer dollars are spent by TC actually doing their job properly ... rather than TC paying my consulting rate.

[@freespirit3041]

Hello Don! Thank you for your wonderful guidance in this complicated world of drones ;) Did you get any answers following this video with Transport Canada? Thank you / Hélène

[@DonJoyce]

They did address most issues in the next version of the AIM: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZDXqXyDqbqGg5I

[@simcoeskies2659]

Good stuff. Valid points, all. Thanks for the heads-up.

[@DonJoyce]

Thank you, Steve!

[@jakethemanitobasnake]

Thanks again Don...love the fall colours :)

[@DonJoyce]

Thanks, Jake!

[@Tomas.O.Sullivan]

great video don with great information .hope u get the right answers in a couple of weeks

[@DonJoyce]

Thanks, Tomas! We'll see what happens.

[@blueeyes75115]

Hospital helipad operators = this radio procedure would work best for this. I've had one refuse to be of any help citing they don't want to be potentially liable...ok...they cant say yes or no..they're not qualified for air traffic. Contacting the operator of a heliport is not to get permission. It's a manner of safety, keeping everyone in the loop, because manned a/c is our top priority. The drone pilot is always 100% responsible whether you have ppl in the loop or not. I have emails from TC stating all this. In the CFS, that number for the heliports at hospitals go to their Switchboard Operator. You will get confusion, hesitation and being bumped to supervisors and managers...so best call well in advance and not after typical business hours. Otherwise, you risk no involvement. If they don't have an "established procedure" or don't want to help or..simply say no because they don't care for drone flying...you fly. Now with radio procedure E in place, there is another level of safety. For airports/controlled airspace...never would I use a radio unless its a Mayday or Pan Pan alert with a flyaway or aircraft strike. G airspace near hospital helipads, the radio would be quite helpful. Rant over, lol! Always appreciate your videos, Don..lost count how many ppl I've directed your way when they ask how to get a drone license...watch your videos first! 👍

[@DonJoyce]

Thank you for the perspectives and for your support, SG! BTW, I have a new series of 3 videos discussing the proper use of radios for drone pilots...theory, when to use, and etiquette.

[@blueeyes75115]

@@DonJoyce I watched the 3 videos.. Excellent info and insight! 👍

[@CelestialblueCa]

I've been unable to get a knowledgable response from the contact number (switchboard) for hospitals after several weeks of trying.

[@marthaduncan7694]

Thanks Don. Appreciate the update. Be well.👊 😊 💖 👍

[@DonJoyce]

Thanks for watching, Martha! Glad you enjoyed!

[@NuttyMrwaffles]

Thank you sir! Helpful breakdown.

[@DonJoyce]

Glad it helped! Thanks for watching!

[@AverageDaveVideos]

Very sound concerns, excellent video!

[@DonJoyce]

Thanks, Dave!

[@NorthcoastDrone]

Great job. I would love some clarification from Transport Canada. I have tried contacting the heliports around my area using the number provided in the CFS. I have gotten some strange answers from the person on the other side such as " I have no idea, i just pump gas into helicopters. Hope to get answers soon

[@DonJoyce]

Thanks! I'm curious to hear about your experiences with the local heliports. Can you share details with me via [e-mail]?

[@NorthcoastDrone]

@@DonJoyce yes I will send you an email soon I have been meaning to contact you

[@mayberrywj]

Excellent as usual Don......:)

[@DonJoyce]

Thank you, William!

[@ParkwayProduction]

Good points pointed out Don, keep it up bud

[@DonJoyce]

Thank you!

[@MrHutz27]

Thank you! 👍

[@DonJoyce]

Thanks, JF!

[@sizzler360er]

That is the Canadian Government for you

[@DonJoyce]

LOL...yeah, strange rules for strange times.

[@makeitdrone2.066]

Thanks!

[@DonJoyce]

You are welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@hurleyvcr]

I notice that all the orange in the drone sit selection tool is referring to controlled airspace that starts from the surface up which you need advanced certificate to operate in anyway. All of this is information is available on your terminal area charts and VNC charts. Am i missing something or now do you just have to get permission to enter controlled airspace as apposed to getting an SFOC?.I Think they are just referring to certified aerodromes in all cases here. What do you think?

[@DonJoyce]

Sounds like you're somehow mixing up old rules with the current ones. You may want to start here to catch up: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nnLVYXqHbZufgqM

[@hurleyvcr]

@@DonJoyce Hi Don, In issue # 3, “orange shaded shapes” maybe in reference to the orange popup flag that pops up when you drag your mouse over and not the sausage shape that surrounds the airport its self, this may not have been conveyed clearly by NRC. The pop up is reminding you that distance from the airdrome is increased from the usual 5.6 klms or 1.9 klms for heliports if it is surrounded by controlled airspace. Also, “for your convenients only”, is exactly that. Just a quick way to reference an area you are interested in using. The drone site selection tool is not and should not be used as your official go to for operating a drone. The use of VNC and terminal area charts and your CFS are your official updated regularly go to aids for operating in and around aerodromes. Just my thought, please take it as constructive.

[@stevebannister1494]

Don did TC and NavCanada ever get back to you? If so did they address your last point about needing permission from airport managers vs the new procedure for flying at airports?

[@DonJoyce]

Yes! They basically admitted that the AIM was totally messed up, and fixed it all in the next edition. So the current AIM describes the various scenarios correctly....and actually supports drone pilots as having legitimate rights around airports!

[@mxgreg]

@@DonJoyce thank you for making it easy to find this info!

[@marthaduncan7694]

P.s. really like how you picked this apart 👍

[@DonJoyce]

Ha ha. Yes, I think I had a problem with nearly every line of it!

[@sandropaquette1571]

Hi don, let me know about nav Canada. Thanks

[@DonJoyce]

I nudged them today (2 weeks on the clock) and at least they responded, saying they're still working on it.

[@realicetea]

Hi Don, any update on this?

[@DonJoyce]

Nope. They did say they would address the mistakes in the Aim in the next edition.

[@adhiyamanmuthu3267]

Can I attempt the test as a international person?

[@DonJoyce]

Hi Adhiyaman! You need to be either a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to take the RPAS exam.

[@B3autyflow]

Hey Don! Do you have any suggestions on a good VHF two way radio to pick up? I’d like to be able to monitor the 126.7 when flying in uncontrolled airspace near my local small heliport and aerodrome.

[@DonJoyce]

Sorry, I don't. I have my ROC-A, but don't have a radio.

[@B3autyflow]

@@DonJoyce Hey Don, If you don’t mind me asking then, do you typically contact the local cert aerodromes for authorization to fly rather than the latter, if no contact, to state your presents in the airspace on two way radio?

[@DonJoyce]

@@B3autyflow I rarely fly in those conditions, and have not had to since the new procedure was announced. Note that the so called runway sausages are quite close to the airports.

[@Cranedude666]

Thank-you for all you do !! I wonder what Minister Garneau might have to say ??? LoL

[@DonJoyce]

Thanks, Robert. Very much appreciate the support. Looks like Mr. Garneau has bigger problems in his team according to the news...

[@the1andonly]

This kind of thing makes me want to avoid flying near airports at all cost, even once I've passed my advanced pilot requirements. What it boils down to is that you'll get vague communications, so you can get blamed for any problems that occur. It just seems not worth the hassle. I f a potential client is located close to an airport, there is always the Mini drone. But then there is the problem with DJI programming their drones not to fly in those areas... Here is an idea: Design and build a drone that looks and flies like a goose. Transport Canada and the airport will think it's a bird and leave you alone. I'm probably asking for a lot of trouble, but isn't that already the way it is?

[@DonJoyce]

You're certainly not far from the truth, although there are lots of people who regularly fly legally and safely in these areas. Mini drones take a lot of hassle off the table. Autel drones don't have the fly-safe restrictions...

[@darrenmiller5893]

All Gov mandates: Yes, no, maybe. We own the sky and you too. The process IS the punishment. Know your place serf.

[@DonJoyce]

Yikes.

[@eddyg1794]

If you want to really screw up a procedure the easiest & fastest way to do that is let a bureaucrat develop it....lol

[@DonJoyce]

Lol...maybe the easiest, but not sure about fastest...a year and a half!