Failsafe Landing Systems: What Transport Canada Expects
Failsafe = Automatic safe landing if critical systems fail. Examples:| Failure Type | Failsafe Mechanism |
|---|---|
| GPS loss | Drone descends slowly to ground using visual/inertial navigation |
| Communication link loss | Drone auto-returns to base (pre-programmed return-to-home) |
| Motor failure (single rotor) | Multi-rotor drones: remaining rotors maintain flight, emergency descent activated |
| Battery failure (single battery) | Redundant battery system: 2nd battery takes over, or auto-landing triggered |
| Software crash | Watchdog timer triggers safe-mode landing |
- Consult aircraft documentation (manufacturer's failsafe specs)
- Conduct bench test (simulate failure scenarios, verify safe response)
- Flight test (test failsafe in controlled environment, document results)
- Include results in SFOC application
FAQ: Flying Drones Over People Canada
Q: Can I fly over people without a waiver?A: No, not intentionally. Default rule prohibits it. Incidental over-people (person walks under your flight path) is tolerated if you maintain altitude + use spotters. Planned over-people requires SFOC.
Q: How long does over-people SFOC approval take?A: 4–8 weeks for a single operation. 6–10 weeks for blanket (multi-event) authorization. Start 12 weeks in advance to be safe.
Q: What's the minimum insurance for over-people flying?A: varies by coverage level and operations type public liability. Some insurers offer varies by coverage level and operations type for controlled environments (private estates, closed sets). Verify with your insurer that over-people is explicitly covered.
Q: Do I need spotters for all over-people operations?A: Yes, minimum 2 spotters for events with crowds. 1 spotter may suffice for controlled environments (studio, private estate) with fewer people.
Q: What if a drone malfunctions and hits someone?A: Insurance covers medical expenses (up to policy limit). You file an incident report with Transport Canada within 24 hours. Criminal liability is unlikely unless negligence is proven (e.g., you knowingly operated with failed equipment).
Q: Can I use a smaller drone (under 250 g) to avoid regulations?A: Regulations apply regardless of weight. Even a 100 g drone can cause injury. Transport Canada applies the same over-people rules to all drones over 100 g.
Q: How much does it cost to get over-people approval?A: SFOC application: varies by coverage level and operations type–$3,000 (legal/consulting). Insurance add-on: varies by coverage level and operations type–$5,000/year. Total upfront: varies by coverage level and operations type–$8,000. Per-operation: varies by coverage level and operations type–$500 (spotters, safety setup).
Q: Can I get a blanket over-people waiver?A: Yes, if you demonstrate regular operations (weekly or monthly). Blanket SFOC covers multiple events within defined parameters, valid for 12–24 months. Higher upfront cost (CA$5,000–$8,000), lower per-event cost.
Q: What happens if I fly over people without approval?MmowW Over-People Operations Support
MmowW (CA$7.70/drone/month) includes:
- SFOC documentation templates — Risk assessment, operational manual, crew briefing
- Failsafe verification checklist — Aircraft redundancy verification, emergency procedures
- Spotter training materials — Guide for training spotters, coordination procedures
- Flight logging for events — Automatic capture of event operations (crowd size, duration, incidents)
- Incidental over-people (person walks under flight path): No waiver needed, follow safety rules
- Planned over-people (events, filming): SFOC required (4–8 weeks approval)
- Controlled environments (studios, private estates): May not need SFOC (check with TC)
Summary
Flying drones over people is restricted but permitted under Transport Canada authorization. Three categories of operations exist: