Professional Drone Operators

Flight Operations & Safety Limits

Our priority in any filming endeavour is to ensure safety at all times.  We operate within the guidelines set by Aviation Canada and to a strict operational protocol.  This allows us to focus on delivery and capturing the best possible footage, while keeping crew safe and clients satisfied. 

Operational Standards

*** Please note that special permission can be obtained for certain operations outside of these limits.  This may include night time, urban or in proximity to buildings or infrastructure.  We work with our clients to identify their needs, location parameters, obstacles, hazards and permissions required for a successful operation. ***

The remote controlled helicopter will be flown within self-imposed safety limits at all times.

Weather information will be checked prior to operations using the closest station(s) to the location of operations. Weather conditions will again be checked visually upon arrival at the location. These safety limits are as follows (and are well below the maximum operating characteristics of the aircraft):

• Flying no higher than 400 feet in altitude.(Transport Canada Regulation)
• Flying no further than line of sight from the Pilot, maximum 500 metres.
• When flying outside Class G Airspace action will be taken to inform and be in contact with nearby aerodromes and ATC about the operation.
• Flying in winds of no more than 30 km/h.
• No flying in rain or snow.
• Flying night and day. 
• Flying within line of sight of the Pilot or an observer involved in the operation at all times.
• Flying no closer than 30m from buildings, property or people not associated with the operation.
• Flying no closer than 10m from buildings, property or people that are associated with the operation and for which provisions have been made for their safety.
• Flying for no more than 10 minutes of continuous flying time without landing for battery replacement.

Each flight maneuver to be executed will be carefully planned. The Pilot will coordinate with Camera Operator, Primary Safety Spotter and the producer on the precise maneuver to be performed and will have the right to refuse executing the maneuver, or appropriately modifying it, if he deems it to be unsafe.

Each flight maneuver will be carefully visualized and communicated prior to execution and will be planned and with safety in mind, including clearly identifying:

• The precise path to be flown and all obstacles in proximity of the flight path including
• Wind and weather conditions affecting the flight.
• Any geographic conditions affecting the flight (updrafts from terrain or heating, obstacles causing wind swirling, etc)
• Light conditions affecting the ability of the pilot to see the aircraft
• A primary landing location and procedures and safe landing locations in the event of an emergency.