Thursday, January 22, 2015

Aerial Drone Flight School Opening in British Columbia Teaching New Transport Canada Guidelines

Photo Credit:  CyPhy Works-Business Wire


The flights of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones has provided an outlet for recreation as well as a useful tool allowing professionals to accomplish tasks in a new, efficient manner. However, the growing access to UAVs has not been without concerns for their use. Privacy, property damage, signal interference and interference with other aircraft have been some of the worries regarding small flying devices.

In Canada, a new set of guidelines have been implemented to provide pilots with rules to safely operate their UAVs. Defined as Transport Canada Knowledge Requirements for Pilots of Unmanned Air Vehicle Systems (UAV) 25 kg or Less, the guidelines cover a wide assortment of aspects to flying a drone aircraft regarding the vehicle as well as the operator. With fines up to $25,000 applying in some cases when an operator of the UAV causes a disturbance, the Transport Canada guidelines gain a great importance.

In British Columbia, a partnership between Aerobotika Aerial Intelligence and Pacific Rim Aviation Academy has formulated the first instructional course designed specifically for UAV operation under the new Transport Canada rules. The monthly course will educate students on the lawful use of UAVs covering subject matter such as standard pilot training along with avoidance of dangerous situations.

Starting in late February, the class will operate monthly as a two-day seminar. With four students per instructor, completion of the course results in pilot candidates receiving a Letter of Completion used to acquire a special flight operations certificate from Transport Canada.