Updated drone regulations get mixed reaction from P.E.I. businesses

Transport Canada recently added more rules onwho can operate drones, where they can fly and what they can carry and it's sparked mixed reaction for people in the drone business on P.E.I.

Last Wednesday, the federal government adopted strict new regulations for using drones in Canadian airspace.

Drones are prohibited from flying near airports and emergency scenes, andpeople are not allowed to operate them while under the influence of alcohol ordrugs.

They also requirethat drones be registered and that operators of larger drones be certified. Most of the changes are scheduled to go into effect June 1.

New rules bad for business

Jim Soutar, operations managerof Great Hobbies in Charlottetown, saidwhile he's happy to see an emphasis put on safe flying,the rules feel too heavy handed.

"There's a lot of people that it will change how they enjoy their hobby and unfortunately it might mean some people won't continue with that hobby," he said.

Soutar said the amount of work it takes to get necessary licences will dissuade drone users who would otherwise be safe flyers.

Since regulations were first announced two years ago, Soutar said that the store has seen a decline in sales of drones and other remote controlled aircraft.

Safer flying

Lee Dodson owns avideographyand aerial drone business based inSummersideand has workedwith drones for over 10years.

He said he's been anticipating the new rules for the last few months and is happy to see that what has been put in place.

"Having to do an online test and having to certify yourself as an approvedpilot to be able to use a drone means you have had to at least read the regulations and you have had to at least read basic aviation communications," he said.

Dodson said too often he sees people operating drones illegally or dangerously.

"People fly in and they come on holiday and they bring their drone with them and they don't understand the regulations of Canada and that when you're in a park or a private place, the regulations tend to be even more strict."

Regulations should include smaller drones

But Dodson said he would like to see drones weighing under 250 grams be bound to Transport Canada's regulations. Currently, anything lighter is exempt.

"They can cause havoc, they can invade privacy,"he said.

"To see these small drones flying around ... I think we're going to see a lot more of them and cause a bigger problem than first thought."

Dodson added that there should be a push for more education around the rules and that as they're listed now, regulations can seem unclear to unprofessional drone fliers.

"People could still be unknowingly breaking the law unless they really understand and read those regulations."

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