Operations of Drones/UAVs

Remotely Piloted Aerial Systems

The operations of all drones/UAVs, now commonly known as Remotely Piloted Aerial Systems (RPAS), around airports is regulated by Transport Canada.

Visit Transport Canada Drone Safety for more information, including how to operate safely and legally.

Operating in North Bay and Area

The Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) IX details the operation of Remotely Piloted Aerial Systems.

The area around the airport, and through much of North Bay, is classifed as 'Advanced Operations'. Operators should therefore refer to Transport Canada for more specific information.

250g or Greater RPAS

Using a drone/UAV that is 250g or greater within 3NM (5.6km) of the North Bay Jack Garland Airport is strictly prohibited for any purpose unless permission is granted by Transport Canada (such as the drone being registered and the operator has a certificate to operate in an advanced operational setting) or you have permission from air traffic control (NAV CANADA or the Department of National Defence) to fly in the controlled airspace around the airport (request an RPAS Flight Authorization from NAV CANADA).

If your drone weighs over 25 kg or you want to fly outside the rules, you will need to get special permission from Transport Canada before you fly.

Less Than 250g RPAS (Micro Drones)

Drones/UAVs under 250g (also known as micro drones) are discouraged from operating near the airport in order to ensure continued airspace safety. As stated by Transport Canada and outlined in Canadian Aviation Regulation (CAR) 900.06 drones/UAVs shall not be operated in a reckless or negligent manner as to endanger or be likely to endanger aviation safety or the safety of anyone. There is an expectation that the pilot of a micro drone always uses good judgment, identifies all potential hazards, and takes all necessary steps to avoid any risks associated with flying your drone. For additional information on hazards and mitigation's the operator refer to Transport Canada. It is important that you follow these guidelines to avoid flying in a negligent or reckless manner and being subject to fines.

Use of Airspace Authorization Application

Regardless of size all drone/UAV operators must have approval from Nav Canada to operate within the 15NM controlled airspace around the North Bay Jack Garland Airport. For information on the RPAS Authorization Application visit Nav Canada.

For more information visit Transport Canada Drone Safety.

All registrations, licensing, assessments/reviews, and approvals are conducted by Transport Canada.

National Research Council of Canada UAV Site Selection Tool.

Nav Drone by Nav Canada

Fly your drone safely and legally in Canada’s controlled airspace using NAV Drone, a mobile app from NAV CANADA. Review important guidelines, discover where you can fly, schedule flights, and receive automatic authorization responses from NAV CANADA when you’re approved to fly — all from your mobile device.

Learn more about Drone Flight Planning.

Make sure you've checked in, have your boarding pass and have dropped off your bags before the end of the check-in period for your flight. Arriving after this time will result in reassignment of reserved seats, cancellation of your reservations, or disqualification from denied boarding compensation.