I don't mean this statement to be a wise crack or ignorant. Believe me I'm upset about this myself. I'm a metal detectorist and they tell me where I can detect as well. I'm telling you we must stand up for something we are being regarded a puppets do as your told or you may go to jail and fined. Government is to much we must follow rules yes, but damit its time to put our foot down. Oh so many people would like to profit from some sort of photo / video work and cant um. So some say next year 2017 if we are patient you will not need a so-called commercial pilots license. Hell they seen this coming. If you get permission, fly safe obviously, you should be able to be compensated for basic photo / video taking. Enough I'm like most of you, following rules responsible but again, money talks ******** walks, the land of opportunity only works for a small few like always. And when you do nothing you get stepped on. Thankyou and god bless
It's getting tougher by the day it seems in the US - I suppose based on population and maybe the opportunity in many places/states to fly year round - not to mention a few "bad apples" who disregard basic common (or rather lack off) sense and respect for others and the hobby.
Up here in Canada the restrictions are not as tough (yet) and
so far no mandatory registration (dependent on size, weight and use of UAV) i.e. if it is for commercial use or over 25kg (55 lbs) - then registration for a SFOC (special flight operations certificate) is required. Transport Canada is the governmental body that takes charge of these things - not unlike your FAA.
We have what is called "Exemption Conditions" for UAV's 2kg - 25kg (2.4lbs - 55lbs) and as long as you can meet those you don't need permission or registration to fly recreational UAV's (
of course there are rules as to flying safely and being knowledgeable as to flying UAV's). If the UAV is to be used for a business most UAV operators must get Transport Canada’s permission to use a UAV for any type of work or research. However, under very specific, lower-risk circumstances, you may qualify for an exemption (
dependent on where you will be flying and the type of work). You must have at least $100,000.00 commercial liability insurance if used for work (
no exemption there).
Thankfully the Phantom 3's fall below the 2kg weight restriction and are bound by none of the above if used for recreation only! The Inspire 1 is 2.395 kg and would be relative to the above, again however it would not require Transport Canada (TC) permission to fly or registration - provided it met the conditions as laid out in the exemptions. At least that is how I read and understood the language for UAV's up in the "Great White North"!
If you're interested here is a link to Transport Canada's "info graph" as related to UAV's
http://www.tc.gc.ca/media/documents...-_Find_out_if_you_need_permission_from_TC.pdf