There are growing safety concerns over drone use across Canada and here in Innisfail.
An incident that occurred on the night of June 30 during the Canada Day fireworks has some Innisfail residents talking. A drone was seen flying overhead in close proximity to the fireworks and the crowd below.
And last month, Transport Canada launched a national safety campaign to promote safe drone use and to inform Canadians about the federal government's plan to propose new regulations for drones within the next few months.
“As a responsible drone user, think twice about where you fly. Stay away from airports and aircraft, and know that there are serious consequences to unsafe use,” said Marc Garneau, federal minister of transport on June 13.
A video of the Innisfail fireworks was filmed by the drone that night and was posted to Facebook.
Innisfail mayor Brian Spiller was one of several people who witnessed the drone. He supports their use but noted safety and common sense should always be a top priority.
“The safety of our citizens should come first, not the entertainment of our citizens,” said Spiller. “I think as long as people use drones safely and respect each other's privacy there's a good use for them.”
Also referred to as an unmanned air vehicle (UAV), drones have been regulated for use by Transport Canada since 1996. The federal government is now taking steps to increase awareness about drone use and help educate the public and drone operators.
In the national safety campaign launch on June 13, Garneau also unveiled a “No Drone Zone” sign to remind operators to only use drones in approved areas. These signs will be distributed to airports and organizations to help publicize safe drone use.
In addition, Transport Canada is recommending that airports, parks, municipalities and event organizers post No Drone Zone signs around perimeters or areas when and where it is unsafe or illegal to fly drones.
“The No Drone Zone signs are a reminder that not all places are appropriate to fly a drone. Always think safety first,” said Garneau.
Spiller said places that sell drones should also provide updated information with regards to drone usage, regulations and laws.
“I don't think the town is going to set out rules on drone usage, because I don't think it's in our capability to license the sky or to tell people what they can do in the sky,” said Spiller. “I think that's up to Transport Canada or some higher authority.”
Those using UAVs for commercial or research purposes do require a special flight operations certificate (SFOC). Recreational users do not require a certificate to fly unless their drone weighs more than 35 kilograms.
However, they are expected to follow Transport Canada's safety guidelines. They include staying at least nine kilometres from any airport, aerodrome or heliport, flying only during the day in good weather, and not flying in populated areas or near large groups of people, such as sporting events, concerts, festivals and fireworks shows.
Natasha Gauthier, spokesperson with Transport Canada, said that all operators must respect the Canadian aviation regulations, including rules and requirements related to controlled airspace.
“Using an unmanned air vehicle in a reckless and negligent manner could cause property damage or bodily harm, resulting in lawsuits, fines and jail time,” she said, noting incidents of unsafe drone use can be reported and investigated. Gauthier was made aware of the Innisfail incident but added it has not yet been formally reported to her department.
“If an incident is reported to the department one of our inspectors will verify if the rules were followed, if the (SFOC) conditions were respected and if the drone was operated safely,” added Gauthier. “If we find operators aren't aware of the rules, we will educate them about the risks and their responsibilities and take appropriate enforcement action, which can include issuing fines. Local police may also be involved if other laws were broken.”
For more information or to learn more about drone safety, use (hashtag) #NoDroneZone on social media or visit www.canada.ca/drone-safety.
Brian Spiller, mayor of Innisfail.
"I think as long as people use drones safely and respect each other's privacy there's a good use for them."
