Summary of Transport Canada Regulations
  1. All radio controlled model aircraft, helicopters, quadcopters and drones are considered by Transport Canada as RPAS - Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems

  2. All RPAS weighing over 250 grams must be registered with Transport Canada.

  3. All registered RPAS must be flown by a pilot with a Transport Canada Pilot Certificate

  4. MAAC members- including members of our club - are exempt from requirements 2 and 3 above.
​

Details of Transport Canada Regulations

As of June 1, 2019 Transport Canada has instituted regulations for Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS).  These regulations apply to all Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) which includes traditional model aircraft as well as quad-copters and drones.  These regulations are Canadian Aviation Regulations - Part IX: Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems. 
Refer to the Transport Canada website:
www.tc.gc.ca/en/transport-canada/corporate/acts-regulations/regulations/sor-96-433.html 

However, Transport Canada has provided an exemption to these regulations for MAAC and MAAC members.  Document NCR-011-2019.
Therefore there is no impact of these RPAS regulations on our club members.

Below are sections:
  • The Transport Canada Exemption Text
  • The MAAC Notice
  • MAAC Comments
  • Our Flying Field
  • Requirements if you are not a MAAC member.

The TC Exemption Text


NCR-011-2019
EXEMPTION FROM PART IX OF THE CANADIAN AVIATION REGULATIONS

Pursuant to subsection 5.9(2) of the Aeronautics Act, and after taking into account that the exemption is in the public interest and is not likely to adversely affect aviation safety or security, I hereby exempt Model Aeronautics Association of Canada (MAAC), Unit 9, 5100 South Service Road, Burlington, Ontario and their members in good standing from the requirements set out in Part IX of the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) as amended from time to time, subject to the following conditions.
Part IX of the CARs governs the use of small remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS).
PURPOSE
The purpose of this exemption is to allow members of the Model Aeronautics Association of Canada (MAAC) to operate remotely piloted aircraft systems within Canadian airspace while abiding by all applicable MAAC safety guidelines as amended from time to time.
APPLICATION
This exemption applies to Model Aeronautics Association of Canada (MAAC) and their members in good standing that operate remotely piloted aircraft systems weighing between 250 grams and 35 kilograms in accordance with MAAC’s safety guidelines as amended from time to time.
CONDITIONS
This exemption is subject to the following conditions:
1. MAAC shall review and, if required, update its rules, procedures, and safety guidelines annually to ensure they reflect the most current safety practices and information;
2. MAAC shall maintain a list of all active members, their respective membership numbers, postal codes, the approximate number of models they intend to have airworthy for the year in question, and, shall provide this information to the Minister on an annual basis;
3. Prior to sanctioning a field in Class C, D, E, F, or any other type of restricted airspace, MAAC shall obtain an authorization through a written agreement from the appropriate controlling agency or user agency for the area. The agreement shall include operational boundaries, maximum altitudes, and communication protocols to facilitate the safe operation of RPAS at the field;
4. Prior to sanctioning a field which is within 3NM of an aerodrome, outside of controlled
airspace and listed in the Canadian Flight Supplement (CFS) or the Canadian Water
Aerodrome Supplement (CWAS), MAAC shall establish procedures to ensure that RPAS do
not conflict with or pose a hazard to other aircraft in the vicinity;
5. MAAC shall keep a list of incidents and accidents between MAAC operated RPAS and
other aircraft or persons on the ground that are not members of the association to which this
exemption applies. MAAC shall provide this list to the Minister upon request.
6. The member of MAAC shall not operate a RPAS unless the pilot or a visual observer has
the aircraft in visual line-of-sight at all times during flight;
7. The member of MAAC operating a RPAS shall give way to power-driven heavier-than-air
aircraft, airships, gliders and balloons at all times;
8. The member of MAAC operating a RPAS shall be in good standing with the association,
namely have paid all dues and be following all MAAC rules;
9. The member of MAAC operating a RPAS shall adhere to the most current version of the
applicable MAAC rules, procedures, and safety guidelines;
10. The member of MAAC shall not operate a RPAS unless the member has successfully
demonstrated to a person delegated by MAAC in accordance with MAAC’s rules,
procedures, and safety guidelines that the member has sufficient knowledge and experience
to control the RPAS in a safe and competent manner unless in the case where the member is
under the direct supervision of a qualified MAAC instructor;
11. The member of MAAC operating a RPAS shall mark their aircraft with their MAAC
member number in a way that the owner can be identified;
12. The member of MAAC operating a RPAS in Class C, D, E, F, or any other type of restricted
airspace shall take-off, launch, land, or recover from a field sanctioned by MAAC or, in the
case where the field is not sanctioned by MAAC, the member of MAAC shall obtain, prior
to entering the airspace, an authorization from the appropriate controlling agency or user
agency;
13. The member of MAAC operating a RPAS in Class C, D, E, F, or in any type of restricted
airspace shall adhere to all the conditions that are detailed in the agreement with the
controlling agency or user agency for the area;
14. The member of MAAC operating a RPAS within 3NM of an aerodrome outside of
controlled airspace and identified in the Canadian Flight Supplement (CFS) or the Canadian
Water Aerodrome Supplement (CWAS) shall, take-off, launch, land, or recover from either
a) a field sanctioned by MAAC; or
b) a field which is not sanctioned by MAAC and establish procedures to ensure that RPAS
do not conflict with or pose a hazard to other aircraft in the vicinity.
15. The member of MAAC shall not operate a RPAS in such a reckless or negligent manner as
to endanger or be likely to endanger aviation safety or the safety of any person.
VALIDITY
This exemption is in effect from June 1, 2019 until the earliest of the following:
a) the date on which any condition set out in this exemption is breached; or
b) the date on which this exemption is cancelled in writing by the Minister where he is of
the opinion that it is no longer in the public interest or is likely to adversely affect
aviation safety or security.
DATED at Ottawa, Ontario, this day of May, 2019 on behalf of the Minister of Transport.
Nicholas Robinson
Director General, Civil Aviation

Our Flying Field

For your assistance interpreting the regulations and exemption, please note that our flying field at 571 Pigeon Lake Road is located in Class G Uncontrolled Airspace and is 6 NM from the Lindsay Airport (CNF4), 6 NM from the airstrip at Omemee (CME2), and 5 NM from the airstrip at Dunsford (CDU5)

If you not a MAAC member

Transport Canada Requirements for non-MAAC members.

If you are not a MAAC member, and you are flying an RPA weighing over 250 grams, then you must:
 
1.  Obtain a Basic Pilot Certificate (http://www.tc.gc.ca/en/services/aviation/drone-safety/get-drone-pilot-certificate.html) ,

2.  Obtain a Certificate of Registration for each model that you fly (http://www.tc.gc.ca/en/services/aviation/drone-safety/register-drone.html ), and

3.  Mark the Transport Canada registration number on the model. ( http://www.tc.gc.ca/en/services/aviation/drone-safety/register-drone.html ),


The MAAC Notice

MAAC Exemption_EN.PDF; MAAC Part IX Exemption Guidance Material
MW Inputs

MAAC Exemption to new Canadian Aviation Regulations, Part IX (RPAS)
As you were informed earlier this year, MAAC leadership has been working with
Transport Canada to secure an exemption to the new Part IX, Remotely Piloted
Aircraft System (RPAS) regulations. The intent of this exemption was that MAAC
members would not be required to comply with the regulations in the new CARs, Part
IX.
We are pleased to advise all MAAC members that after working with the regulator for
over eight (8) months, the exemption was approved by Transport Canada on 17 May
2019 and takes effect on the same day as the new regulations.
The intent of this letter is to provide high-level information and guidance on the
exemption and to provide members with a copy of the exemption itself. Additional
guidance material will be provided in a separate document and will explain the
exception in more detail including each of the conditions stipulated in the exemption.
The key message for all MAAC members, as stated above, is that with this
exemption the new CARs, Part IX RPAS regulations, taking effect on 1 June 2019,
DO NOT APPLY TO MAAC MEMBERS conducting operations in accordance with
MAAC rules, procedures and safety guidelines, provided the conditions in the
exemption are followed.
The exemption includes 15 conditions which must be complied with in order to
operate under the exemption. Five (5) of these conditions apply to the organization
and 10 apply to the individual MAAC member conducting the operation. It should be
noted that the majority of these conditions are actions that are already taken by the
organization and its members or are minor adjustments to what we already do on a
daily basis.
A few additional points of interest are:
1.    As with the new regulations, the exemption uses the terms remotely piloted
aircraft system (RPAS) and remotely pilot aircraft (RPA), as Transport Canada
no longer differentiates between recreational (model aircraft) and non-
recreational activities.
2.    The exemption applies to the operation, by MAAC members, of RPA between
250 grams to 35kg. Operations of RPA below 250 would fall under the new
CARs Part IX regulations and are basically required to not operate in a
manner hazardous to aviation. RPA above 35kgs will require an SFOC, which
is unchanged from the previous regulations.
3.    This exemption has no expiration date. This means it remans in effect until:
1.    
a.    The date on which any of the conditions in the exemption are breached.
If this occurs, the exemption is no longer valid for the person who has
breached the exemption conditions. It does not mean that the
exemption becomes invalid for all members or the organization.
1.    
b.    The exemption is cancelled by the Minister, in writing, should he believe
that the exemption is no longer in the public interest or is likely to
adversely affect aviation safety or security.
4.    It is strongly recommended that all clubs and members have a copy of the
CARs, Part IX exemption, either a paper or electronic copy, readily accessible
whenever they are flying, should a member from Transport Canada or the
local police authority question what authority they are operating under. Clubs
may also wish to pre-emptively engage their local police authorities and make
them aware of the exemption as they may not have received information or
training on the exemption.
5.    NAVCANADA has established a standardized set of processes for the
coordination of operations in controlled airspace (Class C, D and E). These
processes will be actioned through the local ATC facility. The NAVCANADA
coordination package will be forwarded to all clubs and will be posted on the
MAAC website.
We hope you find the above information beneficial. As stated above, additional
information and the NAVCANADA controlled airspace coordination package will be
forthcoming which will provide additional details on the exemption. should you have
any questions. Once you receive and review the additional information documents,
please contact your MAAC liaison to Transport Canada, Rodger Williams



MAAC Comments

CANADIAN AVIATION REGULATIONS PART IX EXEMPTION FOR MAAC
 
What members need to know:
On June 1st, the new Part IX of the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) which governs the use of remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) in Canada comes into effect.
 
MAAC members will be exempt from ALL provisions of the new CARs Part IX, subject to the 15 conditions stipulated in the exemption. These conditions are separated into:
  • Association Requirements for MAAC (1 through 5)
  • Individual MAAC Member Requirements (6 through 15)
Below we have provided specific information/guidance relating to each condition listed in the exemption.
MAAC Association Requirements:
  1. “MAAC shall review and, if required, update its rules, procedures, and safety guidelines annually to ensure they reflect the most current safety practices and information.”
 
NOTE: MAAC already does this as part of the association’s annual business. No changes to current procedure required.
 
  1. “MAAC shall maintain a list of all active members, their respective membership numbers, postal codes, the approximate number of models they intend to have airworthy for the year in question, and, shall provide this information to the Minister on an annual basis.”
 
NOTE: MAAC will continue to protect and follow applicable laws in relation to the privacy of its members. A process will be established to allow the organization to provide a representative number of aircraft being operated by the association.
 
  1. “Prior to sanctioning a field in Class C, D, E, F, or any other type of restricted airspace, MAAC shall obtain an authorization through a written agreement from the appropriate controlling agency or user agency for the area. The agreement shall include operational boundaries, maximum altitudes, and communication protocols to facilitate the safe operation of RPAS at the field.”
 
NOTES:
  • At the time this exemption was issued, there are 58 clubs that currently operate in controlled airspace. 
 
  • Part of the process for flying site approval already includes confirmation of the airspace class and location in relation to airports.
 
  • Zone Directors and applicable committees/advisory groups will be working with those clubs identified as operating within controlled airspace to ensure compliance.
 
  • It is important that ALL members know what airspace they are operating in and assistance / tools are being put in place to aid members and clubs in making that determination.
 
  • Do not fly at non-sanctioned flying sites until you are certain of the airspace you intend to operate in.
 
  1. “Prior to sanctioning a field which is within 3NM of an aerodrome, outside of controlled airspace and listed in the Canadian Flight Supplement (CFS) or the Canadian Water Aerodrome Supplement (CWAS), MAAC shall establish procedures to ensure that RPAS do not conflict with or pose a hazard to other aircraft in the vicinity”
 
NOTES:
  • Again, this is not a new requirement as it is already part of the process for flying site approval.
 
  • The changes are in setting the 3NM (5.55km) proximity as well as specifying only “aerodromes listed in the Canadian Flight Supplements or the Canadian Water Aerodrome Supplement”. As such, this condition does apply to abandoned, restricted or private flying “locations”.
 
  • Zone Directors and applicable committees/advisory groups will be working with clubs to ensure compliance.
 
  • Again, do not fly at non-sanctioned flying sites until you are certain of the airspace you intend to operate in and the proximity to any aerodromes/water aerodromes listed in the applicable documents (CFS/CWAS).  See individual MAAC member responsibilities point #14.
 
  1. “MAAC shall keep a list of incidents and accidents between MAAC operated RPAS and other aircraft or persons on the ground that are not members of the association to which this exemption applies. MAAC shall provide this list to the Minister upon request.”
 
NOTE: These refer to accidents involving manned aircraft or spectators/persons etc., that are not associated with MAAC and are records that are already maintained for insurance purposes.
 
 
Individual Member Requirements:
  1. “The member of MAAC shall not operate a RPAS unless the pilot or a visual observer has the aircraft in visual line-of-sight at all times during flight.”
 
NOTE: Essentially a statement of how MAAC members should operate and is already a part of MAAC operational rules/guidelines.
 
 
  1. “The member of MAAC operating a RPAS shall give way to power-driven heavier-than-air aircraft, airships, gliders and balloons at all times.”
 
NOTE: Essentially a statement of how MAAC members should operate and is already a part of MAAC operational rules/guidelines.
 
 
  1. “The member of MAAC operating a RPAS shall be in good standing with the association, namely have paid all dues and be following all MAAC rules.”
 
NOTES:
 
  • Members are considered in “good standing” when:
 
  1. You are flying according to the MAAC Safety Code and applicable guidelines for the type of flying you are participating in.
 
  1. Your appropriate dues payment is up to date.
 
  1. During any time that a member does not have a valid membership or does not follow the MAAC safety code and/or applicable guidelines, that member is in breach of this exemption and is subject to all the rules in Part IX of the CARs, including potential penalties.
 
  1. “The member of MAAC operating a RPAS shall adhere to the most current version of the applicable MAAC rules, procedures, and safety guidelines.”
NOTES:
  • Essentially a statement of how MAAC members should operate and is already a part of MAAC operational rules/guidelines.
 
  • As there are many MAAC guidelines for various hobby disciplines, only the guidelines applicable to your type of flying are relevant. For instance, if you fly “Large Models” then those guidelines (MSD09) must be adhered to as well as the basic Aircraft guidelines (MSD03 and MSD06).
 
  1. “The member of MAAC shall not operate a RPAS unless the member has successfully demonstrated to a person delegated by MAAC in accordance with MAAC’s rules, procedures, and safety guidelines that the member has sufficient knowledge and experience to control the RPAS in a safe and competent manner unless in the case where the member is under the direct supervision of a qualified MAAC instructor.”
NOTES:
  • Again, this is a statement of fact on how members and clubs should have been operating.
 
  • This is not a requirement that all members must adhere to the MAAC “Wings Program”.  The wings program is a general aid/example that individuals or clubs may, or may not, use to ensure pilots have necessary skills to operate their aircraft safely and competently.  
 
  • Clubs and individual members are responsible to ensure pilot proficiency to a standard necessary to comply with this condition, as it relates to the variables of what types of aircraft they fly and any other unique circumstances.   
 
  • As per the MAAC safety codes and guidelines, clubs and individual members are responsible to decide who is competent to instruct and who is qualified to be delegated pilot proficiency determination responsibilities.
 
  1. “The member of MAAC operating a RPAS shall mark their aircraft with their MAAC member number in a way that the owner can be identified.”
 
NOTES:
  • It is already a requirement for members to have their Name, MAAC# and the MAAC “800#” on, or within, their aircraft. Please ensure ongoing compliance with any new aircraft acquired.
 
  • This condition provides the equivalent requirement to the CARs Part IX registration and marking requirements.
 
  1. “The member of MAAC operating a RPAS in Class C, D, E, F, or any other type of restricted airspace shall take-off, launch, land, or recover from a field sanctioned by MAAC or, in the case where the field is not sanctioned by MAAC, the member of MAAC shall obtain, prior to entering the airspace, an authorization from the appropriate controlling agency or user agency.”
 
NOTES:
  • This exemption, in addition to extending the privilege for a MAAC club to operate within controlled airspace or within 3 NM (5.55km) of a CFS recognized aerodrome, maintains a pathway for the privilege to be extended to the individual member outside of a sanctioned club/field.
 
  • Although, MAAC resources are available to assist, it is the responsibility of the individual member to know what type of airspace they are intending to fly in and meet any necessary requirement related to these conditions.
 
 
  1. “The member of MAAC operating a RPAS in Class C, D, E, F, or in any type of restricted airspace shall adhere to all the conditions that are detailed in the agreement with the controlling agency or user agency for the area.”
 
NOTES:
 
  • This condition binds the member to any applicable agreement with any controlling agency.
 
  • This should already be common practice for any clubs or members operating in controlled or restricted airspace.
 
  1. “The member of MAAC operating a RPAS within 3NM of an aerodrome outside of controlled airspace and identified in the Canadian Flight Supplement (CFS) or the Canadian Water Aerodrome Supplement (CWAS) shall, take-off, launch, land, or recover from either:
 
  • a field sanctioned by MAAC; or
  • a field which is not sanctioned by MAAC and establish procedures to ensure that remotely piloted aircraft systems do not conflict with or pose a hazard to other aircraft in the vicinity.”
 
NOTES:
  • As with condition 12 above, this exemption, in addition to extending the privilege for a MAAC club to operate within controlled airspace or within 3 NM (5.55km) of a CFS recognized aerodrome, maintains a pathway for the privilege to be extended to the individual member outside of a sanctioned club/field.
 
  • Although, MAAC resources are available to assist, it is the responsibility of the individual member to know what type of airspace you are intending to fly in and meet any necessary requirement related to these conditions.
 
  1. “The member of MAAC shall not operate a RPAS in such a reckless or negligent manner as to endanger or be likely to endanger aviation safety or the safety of any person.”
 
NOTES:
  • This final condition states the historical foundation of MAAC’s exemplary safety record and is the basis upon which the exemption was granted.
 
  • Protect yourselves and your fellow MAAC members by exercising your due diligence as your individual actions, or lack thereof, will be under examination in the event of an accident.
 
“VALIDITY 
This exemption is in effect until the earliest of the following:
  1. the date on which any of the conditions set out in this exemption is breached; or,
 
(b) the date on which this exemption is cancelled, in writing, by the Minister, where he is of the opinion it is no longer in the public interest or is likely to adversely affect aviation safety.”
NOTES:
  • Subsection “(a)” – No, this DOES NOT mean that any single condition breach voids this exemption for all MAAC members. It is the legal standard wording used by Transport Canada and means that during any breaches of the conditions of this exemption, those directly involved in the breech are not covered by the exemption and are instead subject to rules, and any subsequent legal jeopardy, related to the new Part IX of the CARs.
 
  • Subsection “(b)” – All exemptions remain the direct responsibility of the Minister and subject to his privilege. This exemption is only as permanent as our continued responsible use dictates. By ensuring all members comply with the MAAC safety code and guidelines, and the conditions of the exemption, we will ensure we do not give the Minister cause to cancel the exemption.
 
Final NOTES:
  • Clubs and members need to review and understand your responsibilities under the MAAC safety code and guidelines on a regular basis.  It is your legal responsibility to know them.
 
  • All members and clubs should have a copy of the exemption, paper or electronic, readily accessible whenever they are operating.
 
  • Clubs and members need to know what type of airspace they are operating in and their proximity to land and water aerodromes. MAAC has resources to assist clubs and individual members – if in doubt CHECK IT OUT. Ignorance of the rules will not be a valid reason for not following them.
 
  • Finally, members need to speak up whenever they see individuals operating outside the MAAC safety code and guidelines.  Its everyone’s responsibility to help educate others, protect our privileges and maintain our seven (7) decade culture of safety so we can all enjoy aeromodelling for decades to come.
 

See Some Examples