Before You Fly
- Understand the difference between Basic Operations and Advanced Operations because that relates to where you can fly and how close you can get to people
- Register your drone if it is greater than 250g
- The regulations require you to follow your drone manufacturer’s instructions. You should read them thoroughly and have a copy of them with you when you fly (a physical copy or electronic)
- Inspect your drone and batteries for damage before flying and ensure you have the latest software updates
- Consider the area where you will fly to see if it’s suitable. CAR 901.901 lists the specific things you should look for during your site survey:
- the boundaries of your flight operation
- the airspace you are going to fly in
- your take-off and departure and arrival and landing routes
- proximity to aircraft, airports and heliports
- location and height of obstacles, such as buildings, wires, towers, power lines
- the weather conditions, especially wind and temperature
- the locations of persons not involved in your flight (bystanders)