Canada adopts new regulations for recreational drone use

Transport Canada issued (16-Mar-2017) an interim order to "prevent the reckless use of drones that is putting the safety of Canadians at risk", effective immediately. Transport Canada stated the number of incidents involving recreational drones has more than tripled since 2014. The measure affects operations of model aircraft and recreational drones from 250g to 35kg, and recreational drone operators must mark drones with contact information. Additionally, drones cannot be operated:

• Higher than 90m;
• At night;
• Within 75m of buildings, vehicles or people;
• Within 9km of the centre of any airport, heliport, aerodrome or water aerodrome where aircraft take off and land.

The measures will be in effect for a period of up to one year to "provide greater safety for operators and the public until permanent regulations are put in place". Operators of drones for commercial, academic or research purposes are not affected. [more - original PR]