“Drones are aircraft—which makes you a pilot. When you fly your drone, you’re sharing the skies with other drones and aircraft.” (Flying your drone safely and legally [canada.ca]).
Before you fly on campus, you need to understand the rules and safety requirements listed below (adapted from Transport Canada).
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.
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:
You could face serious penalties, including fines and/or jail time, if you break the rules.
Fines for Individuals
Fines for Corporations
If you break more than one rule, you could receive multiple penalties.