Transport Canada fining drone flyer nearly $3K for Raptors celebration coverage

Aug 30 2019, 1:29 pm

It looks like the person responsible for flying a drone over two of the Toronto Raptors’  championship celebrations is facing a hefty fine.

Transport Canada says the individual, whose name has not yet been released, operated a drone during the celebrations after the Raptors won the championship in Game 6 of the NBA Finals on June 13, and then again during the Raptors’ victory parade on June 17.

 

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The federal government says the individual responsible has since been fined for 11 separate violations under the Canadian Aviation Regulations.

Following an investigation into the two incidents, Transport Canada says the individual has been served fines totalling $2,750.

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“Transport Canada is committed to enhancing aviation and public safety while encouraging innovation and economic growth in the drone sector, but operating a drone in Canadian airspace is a regulated activity and the department will enforce the regulations to ensure compliance,” said Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport.

“The safety of Canadians is our number one priority. Drone pilots must fly responsibly and must never put people or aircraft in danger.”

Transport Canada says federal drone regulations came into effect this year on June 1, which makes it mandatory for anyone operating one weighing more than 250 grams and less than 25 kilograms to register their aircraft and obtain a drone pilot certificate.

Drone operators must also obey specific requirements around flying in controlled airspace or over bystanders, including:

  • Holding an Advanced Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems Pilot certificate
  • Passing a flight review
  • Seeking NAV CANADA’spermission to fly in the airspace
  • Flying a drone that has been declared safe for the intended purpose by the manufacturer

Those who receive a Notice of Assessment of Monetary Penalty may file a request with the Transportation Appeal Tribunal of Canada for a review of the facts of the alleged violation(s) or of the amount of the penalty, according to Transport Canada.

Ainsley SmithAinsley Smith

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