RPAS Safety at BCIT

Read Policy 7100-PR10 from BCIT’s Security and Emergency Management (SSEM) department and abide by all requirements.

Note in particular: “Prior to the use of RPAS on BCIT campuses, the pilot must notify BCIT SSEM (security@bcit.ca).”

“No person shall operate a remotely piloted aircraft system in such a reckless or negligent manner as to endanger or be likely to endanger aviation safety or the safety of any person” (Transport Canada Canadian Aviation Rules SOR/96-433, 900.06).

Regulation of remotely piloted aircraft systems falls under Transport Canada and the Canadian Aviation Regulations Part IX—Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems. Most Transport Canada RPAS Regulations do not apply to drones that weigh less than 250 grams, such as the DJI Mavic Mini. Furthermore, if you’re flying a drone that weighs less than 250 grams, you don’t need to register it or get an RPAS pilot certificate.

However, there are still a few general rules you MUST obey when operating any drone.

1. Read the following documents before you fly for the first time:

• relevant sections of the Canadian Criminal Code, including Offences against Air or Maritime Safety, Breaking and Entering, and Mischief
• your province’s trespass act
• laws related to voyeurism and privacy

2. Respect the privacy rights of others when you fly.
3. Follow your drone manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Make sure it’s safe to fly.

Respect all laws when flying your drone. Transport Canada investigates reports of unsafe flying and may involve local police if you break laws.

Before you launch, ensure that it’s safe to do so. Ask yourself, for example, Are the batteries fully charged? Is it too cold or windy to fly?

Survey the area where you plan to fly. Take note of any obstacles, such as buildings and power lines, to keep yourself and others safe.

Fly your drone:

• in an open space where you can see it at all times
• below 122 metres (400 feet) in the air from where you took off
• at least 30 metres away from bystanders if you have a Basic Operations RPAS Certificate or at least 5 metres away if you have an Advanced Operations RPAS Certificate (doesn’t apply to Mavic Mini but please be aware of the general rule)
• away from emergency operations and public, advertised events
• away from forest fires, outdoor concerts and parades
• away from airports and heliports:
  • 6 kilometres (3 nautical miles) from airports (DJI Fly app may impose limits)
  • 9 kilometres (1 nautical mile) from heliports (DJI Fly app may impose limits)
• far away from other aircraft, including other drones
• at a low speed
• during daylight and in good weather (no precipitation, winds within RPAS limits and above 0^oC)
• preferably with someone who has flown a drone before

You could face serious penalties, including fines and/or jail time, if you break the rules.

Fines for Individuals

• up to $1,000 for flying a drone >250 grams without a drone pilot certificate
• up to $1,000 for flying unregistered or unmarked drones
• up to $1,000 for flying where you are not allowed
• up to $3,000 for putting aircraft and people at risk

Fines for Corporations

• up to $5,000 for flying without a drone pilot certificate
• up to $5,000 for flying unregistered or unmarked drones
• up to $5,000 for flying where you are not allowed
• up to $15,000 for putting aircraft and people at risk

If you break more than one rule, you could receive multiple penalties.