Bryan,
In Canada you do not need a license or registration for micro drones under 250
grams used in uncontrolled airspaces only under restricted flight rules
(height, distance, etc.). My 12-year-old grandson has one of these micro
drones.
There are two different Transport Canada Drone Pilot Licenses. See:
https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/drone-safety/learn-rules-you-fly-your-drone/find-your-category-drone-operation)
I have a Basic Operations License - for drones up to 25 kg and use in
uncontrolled airspaces only. You need an Advanced Operations licenses, for
drones over 25 kg and/or use in controlled airspaces. All drones over 250 grams
must also be registered regardless of license type.
In Canada you must pass a comprehensive online test that covers safety, flight
regulations, drone operations, maintenance, etc. There is a fee for taking the
test and if you fail you must pay again to take the test again. I bought a 3rd
party online study course which was very useful and informative. I was able to
pass the test the first time, which I don't think I could have done without the
study guide. The test is about 50 tricky multiple course questions.
In the USA you need an FAA license and must also register all drones. The
license types depend on whether or not you are a first-time pilot or already
hold a valid aircraft pilot's license. See here:
https://www.faa.gov/uas/commercial_operators/become_a_drone_pilot
The FAA test covers the same topics but was much easier to pass. It had fewer
questions and if you get a question wrong, you get a short tutorial and then
get to choose another answer. The FAA license also come with laminated license
and drone registration cards which must be in your possession when flying your
drone. A snazzy FAA lanyard is also available to hold your license cards (for a
small extra cost). Transport Canada just emails you a PDF so you can print
paper copies of your license and registration(s).
I am an amateur photographer and videographer (mostly travel videos). The
drones have amazing HD cameras and add a whole new element to my hobby.
Cheers,
Bob T
-----Original Message-----
From: dsp-ea-general-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx <dsp-ea-general-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
On Behalf Of R Bryan Waller ("margit.waller1")
Sent: November 11, 2022 10:45 PM
To: dsp-ea-general@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: UFO.mp4
Bob I didn’t realize you needed a licence to operate a drone.Does that involve
physical testing or a licensing written test.I realized they couldn’t be flown
in certain areas but I thought they were more like a toy that anyone could buy
and fly.Bryan
Sent from my iPad
On Nov 11, 2022, at 5:26 PM, Bob Thomlinson <bthomlinson@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Very cool demonstration of computerized drone “swarm” control. Kind of like
whats happening in Ukraine.
For full disclosure I am a licensed drone operator in both Canada and the
USA. I am licensed to operate 1 drone, outside restricted airspace, in
daylight and with a visual observer. It’s still fun but not as impressive as
Dave’s video.
Cheers,
Bob
On Nov 11, 2022, at 12:48 PM, dsp.ea.large.messages@xxxxxxxxx wrote:
-----Original Message-----
From: DAVID ROSS <dwross@xxxxxxxxx>
Sent: November 11, 2022 12:44 PM
To: dsp.ea.large.messages@xxxxxxxxx
Subject: Fwd: UFO.mp4
Amazing how drones have grown.
