Why spray drones won't fly any time soon on Canadian farms

[@paule5195]

Having done just my Basic Operations license for a drone it became quite clear from the ridiculous questions that Transport Canada will do everything it can to drag its feet and slow down drone use especially ones large enough for spraying.

[@maxmagnus3788]

Actually it's not transport Canada that is the holdup here. In fact, new draft regulations released in 2023 by TC will make it easier to fly spray drones. The roadblock is the PMRA (Pest Management Regulatory Agency), which is an arm of Health Canada, that is responsible for the regulatory delay. As far as the test questions, I teach farmers how to fly drones, and over 90% of our students pass the TC exam. Yes, some of the questions are only relevant to manned aviation, but you only need 60% to pass and no PERSON helps you. Remember, Google is not a person!!!

[@jasons1506]

I guess Canada has its own set of slow regulations as everything you mentioned as a negative has already been tested in the US and drones are in full effect. From speed, swath and penetration testing. I wonder where the funding comes from for your "testing" existing ground spraying companies?

[@jasonbuttar7874]

It's really unfortunate how Canadian ag is so behind what's allowed in the USA

[@fakehinterland6685]

Its very hard to remain competitive in a global market when our government is so slow to adapt.

[@canadianmike7434]

Sounds like fear of change to me

[@TheHillsHaveFPV]

Drones are objectively safer, particularly due to the location the AG drones would be flying in: the safest place possible: A giant field with no people. So why would they want to slow this technology down so much? Sounds like engrained existing businesses trying to gatekeep for profit over safety.

[@albertd5865]

'promo sm' 😇