Language selection

Government of Canada / Gouvernement du Canada

Search

8030-13 Unoccupied Aircraft Systems

Cadets and Junior Canadian Rangers Group Order (CJCR Gp O)

On this page

  1. Identification
  2. Abbreviations
  3. Definitions
  4. Policy
  5. Conditions to Operate UAS
  6. Roles and Responsibilities
  7. Publication
  8. References

1. Identification

Date of Issue: 2021-10-25

Date of Verification: N/A

Application: This is an order that applies to members of the Canadian Armed Forces and a directive that applies to Civilian Instructors and employees of the Department of National Defence employed within the Cadets and Junior Canadian Rangers, and cadets.

Supersession: N/A

Approval Authority: This order is issued under the authority of the Comd CJCR.

Office of Primary Interest (OPI): DCOS Ops

Enquiries: DNCA Ops O

2. Abbreviations

Abbreviation Complete Word or Phrase
CAF Canadian Armed Forces
CJCR Cadets and Junior Canadian Rangers
Comd Commander
DCOS Ops Deputy Chief of Staff – Operations
Dir Air Ops Director Air Operations
DNCA Ops O Deputy National Cadet Air Operations Officer
DND Department of National Defence
NOTAM Notice to Airmen
TCCA Transport Canada Civil Aviation
UAS Unoccupied Aircraft System

Back to top

3. Definitions

Class 1 Unoccupied Aircraft System. A Class 1 UAS is a UAS weighing between 250 grams and 15 kilograms.

Director Air Operations. The Dir Air Ops is the person who is responsible for all UAS flying activities and UAS flying operations and has the authority to ground any operators with cause.

Grounding. Grounding is the act of prohibiting a person from further participation in a UAS activity.

Sub-micro Unoccupied Aircraft System. A sub-micro unoccupied aircraft system is a UAS weighing 250 grams or less.

Unoccupied Aircraft System. A UAS is a power-driven aircraft that is designed to fly without a human operator on board and all of the equipment and personnel necessary to control the unmanned aircraft (eg, a drone).

4. Policy

Policy

4.1 Corps/squadrons are authorized to use non-CAF procured sub-micros UAS.

4.2 UAS operators will adhere to all TCCA requirements in conjunction with this policy.

Requirements

4.3 Procurement of sub-micro UAS is restricted in accordance with CANFORGEN 220/15, Unmanned Air Systems (UAS) Activities and may only be purchased using non-public funds.

Back to top

5. Conditions to Operate UAS

CAF Operated UAS

5.1 A UAS operator will ensure safe operations that do not pose a risk to aviation safety, nor endanger, or be likely to endanger, the life or property of any person.

5.2 All UAS flights will be conducted under the authority of an appointed Dir Air Ops who should be easily identifiable. The Dir Air Ops is responsible for all UAS flying operations and has the authority to ground any UAS operator.

5.3 Operation of a UAS overhead or behind a person or assembly of persons is prohibited. A UAS operator will ensure visual line-of-sight at all times.

5.4 UAS flights will be flown at least 6 metres (19 feet) away from the UAS operator and 14 metres (47 feet) from any spectators.

5.5 The UAS must not be flown directly at spectators with such speed that the aircraft could cause a hazard to the spectators in the event of loss of control. Any acceleration maneuvers will be directed perpendicular to or away from the spectator area.

5.6 The use of DND or airport property for UAS flights must be pre-authorized by the appropriate authority.

5.7 Permission of the aerodrome operator is required when operating a UAS within 9 kilometres (5.5 miles) of the centre of an aerodrome (eg, any airport, helipad, seaplane base or area where aircraft take off and land).

5.8 A UAS operator will give way to manned aircraft at all times.

5.9 The operation of a UAS is not permitted in controlled or restricted airspace which includes prisons, security, forest fire or emergency operation areas.

5.10 No person will operate a UAS at airshows or aerobatics competitions.

5.11 A UAS operator will cease operations if at any time the safety of other airspace users, or persons or property on the ground is in jeopardy, or if the operator is unable to comply with applicable policies.

5.12 No person will operate a UAS if they have any reason to believe that they are suffering or are likely to suffer from fatigue, or suffering from any other condition which would render them unfit to safely perform their duties.

5.13 No person will operate a UAS within 12 hours after consuming an alcoholic beverage or while under the influence of alcohol, or while using any pharmaceutical or drug that impairs the person’s faculties to the extent that the safety of the operation is endangered in any way.

5.14 A UAS operator will ensure that the UAS system is in a fit and safe state for flight prior to take-off and launch.

5.15 A UAS operator will know and understand the relevant aeronautical information that is appropriate to the intended flight, before the commencement of that flight (eg, weather, airspace, NOTAMs, local restrictions).

5.16 A UAS operator will not conduct a take-off or launch of a UAS if explosive, corrosive, flammable, bio-hazard, or bright light emitting (laser) payloads are carried onboard.

5.17 A UAS operator will operate only one UAS at a time.

5.18 If more than one UAS is to be operated indoors, a pattern direction (eg, clockwise) will be established to avoid collisions. In a typical gymnasium space, two operators would be the norm. This may increase to 12 in an indoor soccer field space.

5.19 Only electrically powered UAS operations are permitted indoors.

5.20 No cadet or supervisory personnel will climb ladders or other elevated structures or devices to retrieve a UAS that has become lodged. The appropriate building custodial authority must be contacted.

Class 1 UAS Training

5.21 Class 1 UAS training must be conducted by a contracted UAS training provider, using the contractor’s equipment and training program as approved by TCCA.

Non Compliance and Fines

5.22 Flight outside of allowed areas or contrary to the rules contained within Transport Canada Civil Aviation – Flying your drone safely and legally could result in significant fines by TCCA. Individuals will be personally responsible to pay any fine they receive.

Safety

5.23 All incidents of injuries or property damage occurring as a result of UAS operations must be reported to CJCR HQ NCA Ops O through the processes outlined in CJCR Gp Order 2008-3, Issues and Crisis Management.

Back to top

6. Roles and Responsibilities

Position Responsibilities
UAS Operator
  • Review and follow the requirements of Transport Canada at Transport Canada Civil Aviation – Flying your drone safely and legally.
  • Report any injury or property damage occurrences to the corps/squadron CO.
Dir Air Ops
  • Supervise the UAS activity on behalf of the corps/squadron CO.
  • Cease the activity or ground personnel as required.
Corps/Squadron CO
  • Ensure CJCR and TCCA requirements are followed during the activity.
  • Report any injury or property damage occurrences to the RCSU in accordance with CJCR Gp Order 2008-3, Issues and Crisis Management.
RCSU
  • Report any injury or property damage occurrences in accordance with CJCR Gp Order 2008-3, Issues and Crisis Management.
NCA Ops O
  • Trend UAS injury and property damage occurrences.
  • Ensure policy is updated in accordance with CAF and Transport Canada requirements.

Back to top

7. Publication

Frequency of Publication

7.1 Annual or more frequent review and updates, as required.

Errors/Omissions or Suggestions

7.2 Users of CJCR Orders are encouraged to identify any errors, omissions or suggested orders to the attention of CJCR HQ J1 Policy.

8. References

Source References

Related References

Back to top

Page details

Date modified: