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Drones & RPASs on Campus

At Ontario Tech University, drones—defined as Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS)—are governed by strict regulations. They fall into two categories: Basic and Advanced operations.

Basic drone operations are PROHIBITED from flying on and around our campuses since the university falls into controlled airspace. All drone operations are considered Advanced operations and require Ontario Tech pilots to:

  • Have an advanced drone pilot certificate
  • Drone registration with Transport Canada
  • Drone insurance
  • Adhere to all safety guidelines
  • Gain permissions from NAV CANADA and the university to operate a flight
  • All the pilot’s drones stay within visual line-of-sight
  • Avoid flying above 122 meters
  • Steer clear of emergency scenes and advertised public events

The university emphasizes compliance with the Canadian Aviation Regulations, Transport Canada's Drone Safety Regulations, and other relevant legislation to promote safety and legal accountability.

We also require all pilots to gain permission from the university for any operation/flight on our campus regardless of the weight and size of it. You MUST review, complete and submit the following directives and forms:

For more information, the guide below focuses on general drone rules and regulations and how to become eligible for advanced drone operations.

Drone Safety and Authorization Requirements

  • What is considered a Drone?

    A Drone is an aerial vehicle that flies using sharp rotating blades. They are commonly piloted using a remote controller. Drones are often referred to as Remotely Piloted Aircraft System, or RPAS for short, and most drones tend to be equipped with a camera.

    In Canada, we have two main categories for the operation of drones: Basic and Advanced. Each type of operation has a different set of rules pilots must follow.

  • Conditions that must be met to be considered Basic Operations
    1. You are flying in uncontrolled airspace.
    2. Flying more than 30 meters (100feet) horizontally from bystanders
    3. Never fly it over bystanders
    4. Fly it more than 3 nautical miles (approximately 6 kilometres) from a certified airport or aerodrome.
    5. Fly it more than 1 nautical mile (approximately 2 kilometres) from a certified heliport

     **If you do not meet any one of these conditions you are conducting an advanced operation**

  • Regulations

    With the increasing use of drones/RPASs for research, personal, and commercial purposes. The use of drones falls under the Canadian Aviation Regulations and differs depending on the carrying weight of the drone/RPAS and the intended purposes.

    The Risk Management team at Ontario Tech University expect ALL faculty, staff, and students using drones/RPASs to be aware of and abide by all federal regulations for the operation and use of drones regardless of where they fly.

    **Please note regulations may vary if travelling out of the country

    The list of legislation includes but is not limited to:

     **For more detailed information on regulations and procedures please refer to our Aircraft Approval Directive

  • Procedures to Operate a Drone/RPAS on Campus

    Due to the controlled airspace above the Ontario Tech campus, it is not possible for basic drone operations, hence all users who intend to operate a drone on campus must:

  • Responsibilities While Piloting a Drone on Campus
    • Pilots operating on campus must ensure they qualify and have been given special permission to fly by NAV CANADA
    • Pilots must survey the site for the following:
      • Boundaries of area
      • Airspace type and the applicable legislative requirements
      • The proximity to any aerodromes, airports, heliports or military bases
      • The presence of obstacles, including electrical wires, buildings, cellphone towers and wind turbines
      • Ideal/safe weather and environmental conditions for your drone/RPAS to fly (should be included in the drone’s manufacturing manual)
      • Meeting the criteria of horizontal distances from people not involved in the operation
    • Pilots must maintain the drone in the Visual Line-of-Sight (VLOS) at all times during operation
    • Fly the drone/RPAS:
      • Below 122 meters (400 feet) above the ground
      • Away from emergency operations and advertised events
        • (i.e., police investigations, outdoor concerts, etc.)
      • Away from other aircraft like airplanes, helicopters and other drones

For more information please visit our Aircraft Approval Directive page or the Transport Canada website.