March 20, 2023
MAAC has issued a Site Operating Certificate for our field!! Flying is allowed at our field – PROVIDED – that each pilot has an RPAS license and abides by Transport Canada CAR IX Regulations. Note that like your boating license, the RPAS License is not proof of flying competence. All new pilots will have to pass the standard Wings flying competence test. Background The Model Aeronautics Association of Canada (MAAC) was founded in 1949 to regulate and insure the operation Radio Controlled (RC) flying models in Canada. It publishes safety rules and guidelines, developed a pilot wings training program, provides liability insurance for members, and sanctions over 500 flying fields and hundreds of RC flying competitions and events each year across Canada. There are about 10,000 active members plus we estimate at least 10 times that number of Canadians that enjoy the sport of RC flying. In 2019 Transport Canada (TC) introduced new restrictions on the flying of model airplanes and drones, collectively referred to by TC as Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), via Part IX of the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CAR) SOR/96- 433. But up until November of 2022, TC had allowed MAAC members and clubs to fly at MAAC sanctioned flying fields under an exemption to the CAR regulations Part IX. That meant that MAAC members did not have to pass strict TC tests for RPAS flying, did not need to register every single flying model or drone and could fly up to 700 feet altitude even in controlled airspace. In over 70 years, to our knowledge, there has never been an incident of a MAAC member’s model, flying at a MAAC sanctioned field, interfering with any commercial or private airplane. However, due to an administrative error at MAAC, TC has now revoked the exemption to Part IX that we have enjoyed since 2019 and MAAC has effectively grounded all outdoor RC hobby flying in Canada. The regulations of Part IX are very restrictive and unfairly punitive towards safe RC hobby enthusiasts that want to fly at MAAC sanctioned fields. We are fairly certain that no matter what happens between TC and MAAC, you will need to pass at least your RPAS Basic test and receive your RPAS Basic Pilot Certificate. Then you will have to register all your models with TC at a fee of $5.00 each. That will at least allow you to fly RC up to 25Kg in uncontrolled airspace on private property with owner permission. Flying at MAAC sanctioned fields is still suspended by MAAC until they can issue new Site Operation Certificates (SOCs). Flying at private fields is allowed, with MAAC Insurance, provided that that each pilot has an RPAS license and abides by Transport Canada CAR IX Regulations. |
Kawartha Lakes RC Flyers and COVID-19 Message from the Kawartha Lakes RC Flyers Directors Fellow Kawartha Lakes Flyers Members: Safety is our most important concern when at the flying field. That includes safety from infecting others or being infected by others while at the field. Given the recent announcement by the Province, we will be implementing new rules at the field. Starting Friday June 11, 2021 the flying field will be open again to as many as ten people. We suggest the following guidelines:
|
Coffee on Tuesdays is cancelled
from March 16, 2020 until further notice.
from March 16, 2020 until further notice.
Facebook page for the club.
Here is a link that has been created to the club's Facebook page
- for members to post pictures and club happenings at the flying field.
https://m.facebook.com/groups/894509873896311?ref=bookmark
Or Search Facebook for "Kawartha Lakes RC Flyers”
Or click of the F icon on any page of this website.
Here is a link that has been created to the club's Facebook page
- for members to post pictures and club happenings at the flying field.
https://m.facebook.com/groups/894509873896311?ref=bookmark
Or Search Facebook for "Kawartha Lakes RC Flyers”
Or click of the F icon on any page of this website.