Transport Canada Regulations Limit Model Aviation Activities

MAAC Members and Clubs See Exemptions

BURLINGTON, ON, March 16, 2017 /CNW/ - Transport Canada's announcement of interim regulations for drone use will impact model aviation enthusiasts across the country that are flying any model aircraft between 250g and 35kg. The regulations place restrictions on how high model aircraft can be flown, and minimum distances from people and buildings when flying that will severely limit how and where people can enjoy the hobby. A press release from Transport Canada states that not only must recreational users put their contact information on drones, but also that they may not fly higher than 90 metres, within 150 metres of buildings, vehicles or people, or within 9 kilometers of the centre of any aerodrome.

However, within the regulations is an exemption for Model Aeronautics Association of Canada (MAAC) Members flying at MAAC sanction fields and/or events. The exemption granted to MAAC members and sanctioned events is crucial to the continued operation of hundreds of clubs across the country.

"The Model Aeronautics Association of Canada acknowledges Transport Canada's safety concerns and is appreciative for the clear recognition of the long history of safe operations by our membership," says MAAC President Rodger Williams. "One of MAAC's primary goals is keeping our members informed on how to enjoy the hobby while keeping safety in the forefront. Those efforts have paid off with this exemption." 

MAAC offers flying venues through more than 350 existing clubs across the country, always welcoming new members and clubs. MAAC Regulations and safety guidelines are openly available on the association's website (maac.ca) and are subject to change through member feedback and experience.

About The Model Aeronautics Association of Canada (MAAC):
MAAC is Canada's internationally and federally recognized model aviation sanctioning body. Additionally, MAAC is a sitting member of Canadian Aviation Regulatory Advisory Council, holds corporate membership with Unmanned Systems Canada, and is a voting member of the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale and the Aero Club of Canada.

For over 65 years MAAC has provided leadership, safety guidelines, and liability insurance to individual members, clubs, and field owners. MAAC serves over 11,500 members across Canada. MAAC members are active in all disciplines of model aviation from free-flight models through radio controlled scale and competition models, including multi-rotor aircraft and rocketry.

SOURCE Model Aeronautics Association of Canada

Rodger Williams, President, [email protected] [phone]