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Transport Canada celebrates National Drone Safety Day

Drones are not mysterious objects to the public, however seeing one is rare -- almost non-existent -- in Richmond due to safety bylaws. Knowing how to safely operate a drone is equally as important as getting that money shot.
drones

Drones are not mysterious objects to the public, however seeing one is rare -- almost non-existent -- in Richmond due to safety bylaws.

Knowing how to safely operate a drone is equally as important as getting that money shot. That is the message Transport Canada wants to reiterate to hobbyists and pilots on National Drone Safety Day.

National Drone Safety Awareness Day is observed across Canada on Nov. 13 and is aimed at sharing safety stories and showcasing the different ways drones are being used throughout Canada.

Since 2015, a Richmond bylaw has banned drones and all remote-controlled aircraft from city parks and school grounds. 

And because the city is in close proximity to the Vancouver International Airport, it makes it difficult for hobbyists to fly in the city unless a permit and approval is given from Nav Canada -- a company that operates Canada’s civil air navigation service.

Drones have been used by the RCMP, paramedic services as well as search and rescue workforces, according to Transport Canada.

Recently, a B.C.-based company has also received approval to use drones as a cargo shipping service.

There are many rules for operating a drone in Canada including having a drone pilot licence, flying below 122 metres in the air, flying away from bystanders , flying at least 5.6 kilometres away from airports and more.

Transport Canada is also hosting a question and answer period on their Twitter page on Friday, Nov. 13 at 1 p.m. (EST). Ask a question and use the hashtag #TCDrone.