Flying Drones Safely in Toronto’s Downtown Area
If you’re planning to fly your drone in the downtown area of Toronto, you need to be extra careful and responsible. Flying in a densely populated area like downtown Toronto poses many challenges and risks for drone pilots, such as potential collisions with other aircraft or buildings, interference with radio signals or GPS navigation, or privacy complaints from residents or businesses. To fly your drone safely and legally in downtown Toronto, you need to follow all local laws and regulations. You will need an advanced RPAS operator certificate to operate in downtown Toronto, as it is considered controlled airspace. You will also need airspace authorization from NAV CANADA before you fly your drone there. You can request airspace authorization by using the Nav Drone app, which allows advanced drone pilots to request authorization to operate in controlled airspace. You will also need permission from the property owner if you want to take off or land your drone on private property.
If you’re flying for work, you may need a film permit particularly if you’re operating off of City of Toronto property. You should also respect the privacy rights of others when flying your drone, and avoid capturing or sharing any images or videos of people without their consent. When flying in downtown Toronto, it is best to choose a location that is safe and legal. Always be sure to have property owner’s permission, airspace authorization, and remain a safe distance from bystanders. You should also avoid flying near critical infrastructures, such as power plants, bridges, or government buildings, as they may have additional security measures or restrictions.