The popularity of Unmanned Air Vehicles, (UAV’s) or drones, is growing.
Once only used in military circles, these aircraft can been purchased just about anywhere by just about anyone.
The Yarmouth-based Tri-County Flying Association wants to create a safer air space by educating people about UAV’s.
Spokesman Ken Pothier, whose flown for nearly 40 years both in the military and commercially, says he witnessed something
last summer at the Wedgeport Tuna Festival.
He says the drone was flying above the crowd at the time.
“One of the local pilots with his own aircraft, ended up in that similar airspace. So I called the UNICOM at the tower (at the Yarmouth International Airport) to pass on the fact that drone was operating in similar airspace to that pilot. So, that pilot was able to, with informed decision, climb a little higher that he was before.”
Pothier says there are many Transport Canada regulations that apply to drones and many restrictions.
Did you get that #drone you had your eye on? Make sure know how to fly it safely: https://t.co/Kw7wvVJRta pic.twitter.com/2a3NjQyv5Y
— Transport Canada (@Transport_gc) December 28, 2016
He says people wishing to purchase a drone should be required to take some kind of a course first.
“I would advocate that is not that unduly difficult to do and would put some structure to this and at least make people aware that there
are guidelines. Right now I have no doubt that the majority of UAV operators are probably operating out of ignorance to these regulations that Transport Canada has put out.”
Later this year the department will be coming out with even tougher rules.
