...I would like clarity in the form of a document (which must be out there somewhere) that defines "buildings" "vehicles" and "people" for example. May sound simple but if I take my wife with me out to a spot to fly while she watches, can I fly within 75m of my car, or her (does she qualify as being "involved" with the flight). Can I fly over my own house or garage? If there is an abandoned shed in the middle of Crown land, can I fly within 75m of that? What about an abandoned barn or mine site? Or an abandoned car in the middle of no where?
They can't possibly write a clause for every possible infraction so they took out big black marker, crossed out the "guideline" and made a blanket (
interim) restriction until the final version of the regulations are finished.
The Interim Order Respecting the Use of Model Aircraft:
Interim Order Respecting the Use of Model Aircraft - Transport Canada
Few key notes:
- TC now created a single class of RC aircraft used for recreation weighing less than 35kg as "Model Aircraft". In other words; this order applies to every radio controlled model of aircraft (>250g <35Kg) used by hobbyists such as helicopters, fixed wing replicas, and multi rotors (AKA Drones). This is the reasons why MAAC fields are exempt.
- Somewhat counter intuitive but TC has classified a drone (or other remotely controlled aircraft) that is used for purpose of work, research or education as an UAV (Unmanned Air Vehicle). To operate these you must apply for a SFOC (Special Flight Operations Certificate) or be eligible for an exemption (Most typical multirotors are eligible). See the page here: Getting permission to fly your drone - Transport Canada
So, unless you fly your drone for business, you belong to the "Model Aircraft" class and if your quad/hex/octa weighs over 250g, this order now applies...
Onto your concerns:
5. (b) at a lateral distance of less than 250 feet (75m) from buildings, structures, vehicles, vessels, animals and the public including spectators, bystanders or any person not associated with the operation of the aircraft;
Therefore, if you smash your Phantom onto your neighbors cat and he reports you to the police, you can no longer say "
But officer, I was flying in public airspace and a seagull dive bombed my phantom, I'm not at fault!". This may have worked in the past because they were "
just guidelines", now you were clearly in violation of Canadian Aeronautical Regulations.
On the other hand if you smash your drone into an abandoned shed in the boonies somewhere no one gives a ****. The cops have better things to do than actively seek clumsy drone operators.