[bcsaltchucker]

there are specific aviation laws, and then there are also criminal laws. In an extreme case they could tack on something like manslaughter if you killed someone with a drone, in addition to a bunch of aviation violations. So it is very possible to end up with prison sentences for nefarious deeds done while piloting.

but for flying a drone in a control zone, they're probably only gong to get a fine unless they really do cause damage.

but heck I know a handful of old skool airplane flyers who fly at a certain school yard within ~1km of CYYJ, which is a busy 3 runway intl airport with strict control zone to the deck (and tons of heli actitivity, military and civi). I don't find it crazy unreasonable flying as they do, as long as they stay the heck under treetop level. But I declined to fly there myself and would not recommend it. As far as I understand it now, flying there is technically illegal and subject to fines but I bet those fellows have no clue. If I drove by and saw a plane flying 300 ft there, I'd be getting out to inform them of what I know about the situation and suggest they come fly with me at safer legal locations.

[Thunder Chicken]

Back to the OP, anyone who is operating a UAV is held to a different set of rules than us hobbyists flying model aircraft. A drone/quadcopter is a model aircraft if it is being flown for fun/non commercial purposes. The CEO of Nav Canada should be made aware of this.
It only becomes considered a UAV when its flight is for a commercial purpose.
The ONLY CARS law affecting R/C planes, drones, gliders, helis, lawnmowers etc. is CARS 602.45
Model Aircraft, Kites and Model Rockets

602.45 No person shall fly a model aircraft or a kite or launch a model rocket or a rocket of a type used in a fireworks display into cloud or in a manner that is or is likely to be hazardous to aviation safety.

So, yes, UAV operators should be held to a higher standard than hobbies, and penalized for not following the rules just as a Commercial Air Service flying aircraft for charter versus a private pilot and his homebuilt airplane.
All this talk of airspace, altitudes, distances from airports is sorta correct, in that it applies to UAV's, not model aircraft. Big difference, even though it could be the same airframe, same day.

[newb]

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfou...lake-1.3269886

drone found 6m from a aircraft on the runway

[pschulte]

Originally Posted by kip51035

Look up the regulation Scot!! It states that you must maintain 500' above ground 2000' horizontal distance from a built up area or collection of people and there is no exceptions.

Don't forget two or more people is considered gathering of people.

I'm thinking of applying for a cya for our flying field. One more way to protect the field from pilots that can't even operate a gps properly let alone a map. It doesn't keep them from flying there but if they have done a proper preflight they will be made aware of model activity. Then if there is an incident its on them.

[FD av8r]

Sorry, but there is no provision to get a CYA for model aircraft activity

[pschulte]

Originally Posted by FD av8r

Sorry, but there is no provision to get a CYA for model aircraft activity

Sounds like we need one.

[FD av8r]

Honestly it would be an interesting concept, but the notion of model aircraft taking precedence over full scale would likely upset the apple cart. The only way to ensure safe separation is a NOTAM at an airport during R/C operations.

My growing concern is those that have no notion of how/why the airspace is operated and protected will force TC to target modellers of all types. Its anybody's guess what that would mean to our hobby.

I hope the "drone hype" fades and just those operating them responsibly are left when the dust settles.

[pschulte]

Maybe a cya(r) is needed to address aircraft around our fields. The r can stand for radio control aircraft. Being an advisory area aircraft can enter with caution. That way the area is marked on the map and further information will be in the cfs.

[bcsaltchucker]

good points

I was surprised when I took flying lessons a couple years back that my instructor had no idea about the established RC fields we flew over daily. Though there were other instructors in the club who are avid RC pilots too. Just did not take the issue of toy plane vs manned plane seriously I think. We did do some pretty low alt training (eg forced approaches) near where I know some heli and plane pilots fly too (not club fields).