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Canada’s airports are pleased with Transport Canada’s launch of an Interim Order that will help to address the growing threat unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) pose to commercial aircraft near airports or in restricted airspace.
“Canada’s airports welcome the introduction of additional safety rules for UAVs near airports,” said Daniel-Robert Gooch, the president of the Canadian Airports Council. “The proliferation of UAVs operating in airspace around airports has been frightening, and we are pleased the Government of Canada has taken concrete steps to keep Canada’s airspace safe.”
Canada’s airports support the effort to educate distributors, retailers and purchasers of UAVs of the requirements and responsibilities of owning these aircraft systems. Enforcing compliance to the rules, and identifying an owner’s contact information on drones are essential for accountability.
“It’s important to have a multi-layered approach to raise awareness of the safety risks of UAVs operating near manned aircraft operations,” said Steve Maybee, the chair of the CAC’s operations safety and technical affairs committee, and vice-president of operations at the Edmonton International Airport. “Today’s announcement is a positive first step that will help users understand the risk associated with flying UAVs, and learn the rules of responsible use for the safety and security of Canada’s airspace.”
Canada’s airports are encouraged to hear the Government of Canada’s continued commitment to developing comprehensive regulations. Airports have been working with other aviation sector partners across Canada who share concerns about UAVs, and they look forward to working with Transport Canada on the development of permanent regulations.
