Drone operators will face fines of up to $5,000 starting today (June 1) if caught flying without a proper certificate.
All drone operators must carry a valid drone pilot certificate and only fly drones that are marked and registered.
Those looking to obtain a pilot certificate can take an online exam for basic operations.
For the advanced certificate, individuals will have to take a different online exam and complete a flight review. They will have 60 minutes to complete the exam and must have a score of 80 per cent or higher to pass.
Both tests are $10, and it is recommended that people take a drone flight school before attempting the exam.
Transport Minister Marc Garneau announced in January that the new regulations would put rules around age, weight of drones and at what height they can be flown.
Pilots must be 14 years old to take the basic exam and 16 for the advanced exam.
Those who are caught flying a drone without a certificate can face a fine of $1,000 for recreational users and $5,000 for commercial users.
Pilots must keep proof of their certificate on them whenever they fly, and they must attend a safety seminar endorsed by Transport Canada Civil Aviation, completing a recurrent drone training program, completing a self-paced study program endorsed by Transport Canada.
Other rules for basic users state pilots must be able to see their drone at all times and must fly below 122 metres. Drones must not be flown near forest fires, outdoor concerts and parades. They must also stay 5.6 kilometres away from airports and 1.9 km from heliports.
For a full list of the new rules and regulations visit this link.
— Alanna Kelly, Castanet
