Wednesday, January 9, 2019

Canada updates Drone regulations



So drones are all in the news lately because of incidents at Gatwick and Heathrow airports.

 Today (09 January 2019), the Canadian government announced new regulations for drone operators.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/drones-aviation-garneau-regulations-1.4970750


The federal government has adopted strict new regulations to govern the use of drones in Canadian airspace — prohibiting them from flying near airports and emergency scenes, and ensuring those operating them aren't drunk or high on drugs.

Speaking to reporters at a news conference in Montreal Wednesday, Transport Minister Marc Garneau said drones have the potential to improve lives but can also present security problems.
"The government is resolved to improve the security of aviation and of the public. At the same time we are also resolved to encourage and support the possibilities of innovation and economic growth that drones represent."

The new regulations are comprehensive. They require that drones be registered and that operators of larger drones be certified. The regulations also state who can operate them, where they can fly and what they can carry.


New regulations atre probably a good thing but before something goes terribly wrong - there is going to have be some serious effort towards enforcement. "Drone Force" perhaps - tongue firmly in cheek.
It seems likely that airports are going to need some sort of militarised protection be it interference 'shields' or weapons.