Unmanned Systems Canada Response to Minister Garneau’s Drone Safety Campaign Announcement
Unmanned Systems Canada, representing the professional Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) community in Canada, is pleased to support Minister Garneau’s Drone Safety Campaign announced this morning in Ottawa. The safety of Canada’s airspace is crucial for everyone. It is incumbent on everyone from the hobbyist to the professional to fly safely by knowing what the rules are, and by applying common sense. We are concerned about the rise of unsafe drone operations by uninformed, reckless or ignorant individuals. Not only do these operations pose a credible risk to aviation safety, but they also present a business risk to professional UAV operators. Our members are responsible, professional operators who generate great economic benefits to Canada by safely operating UAVs under the approval of Transport Canada (TC) Special Flight Operations Certificates, or applicable exemptions.
Mark Aruja, the Chairman of USC stated: “I was pleased to be able to join the Minister today at this important announcement. As the co-chair with TC of the working group that has crafted the UAV best practices in use today, and the recommended changes to regulations, we applaud the Minister’s announcement. Timely implementation of these regulations will codify the standards that we expect of professional operators, enabling the growth of their businesses, while reinforcing safety mechanisms for the recreational flyer”. We hope that the safety campaign is just a first step, that clear information regarding where to fly is included with drones at their point of sale, and that a unified enforcement approach will be identified. USC looks forward to working with TC and stakeholders in the aviation community to get the word out.
