Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems Procedure

1.1. The College will protect the safety of all persons present at Humber campuses by:

1. Communicating the approval process for the use of RPAS on College property
2. Ensure that RPAS are used on college property only in accordance with Transport Canada and Canadian Aviation Regulations, as applicable.
3. Support RPAS education, skills, and training as required.
4. Support practical application of RPAS services to Humber.
5. Ensure safe operation of RPAS on Humber campuses through policy, procedure, and monitoring.

1.2. All RPAS pilots are required to comply with this procedure as well as all other applicable college policies, federal, provincial, and municipal laws relating to RPAS.

2. Approval

2.1. Anyone seeking to operate an RPAS at any Humber campus (indoors or outdoors), must complete the Request to Operate A Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems online form to the Director, Public Safety and Emergency Management (or designate) within three (3) days of operation.

2.2. Upon satisfaction of all requirements, Director, Public Safety and Emergency Management (or designate) shall at their discretion, authorize the RPAS activity as detailed on the request form.

2.2.1. Permission to fly may be withheld or revoked for any reason at the discretion of the Director, Public Safety and Emergency Management (or designate).

2.3. Campus Security will be notified of the approved activity.

3. Safety

3.1. All pilots must follow the requirements for Advanced Operations due to the controlled airspace around each campus.

3.1.1. All RPAS with a minimum takeoff weight of 250 grams (g) up to and including 25 kilograms (kg) must be registered with Transport Canada (TC).

3.1.2. Pilots must mark their RPAS with their TC registration number before they fly.

3.1.3. RPAS must have the appropriate safety declaration for the intended operation

3.1.4. Pilot must possess a valid Pilot Certificate – Advanced Operations.

3.1.5. Pilot must be able to always show their Pilot Certificate - Advanced Operations and proof of registration when operating their RPAS.

3.1.6. Request permission from air traffic control (NAV Canada) using the NAV Drone web version or mobile app to operate in the restricted airspace.

3.2. A Transport Canada Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC) is required to fly at an advertised event, a drone weighing more than 25 kg, flight above 122 meters (400 ft) and/or outside the rules of Basic and Advanced Operations.

3.2.1. A SFOC is also required for foreign pilots.

3.3. Prior to operation, all pilots must conduct a site survey that considers the following factors:

• The boundaries of the area of operation
• The type of airspace and applicable regulatory requirements
• The altitude and routes to be used on the approach to and departure from the area of operation.
• The proximity of manned aircraft operations
• The proximity of aerodromes, airports, and heliports
• The location and height of obstacles, including wires, masts, buildings, cell phone towers and wind turbines.
• The predominant weather and environmental conditions for the area of operation
• The horizontal distances from persons not involved in the operation

3.4. Pilots must always have their RPAS within their visual line of sight (VLOS) during operation.

3.5. Pilots must ensure that they have chosen the right drone for the type of operation that will be conducted.

3.6. RPAS weighing less than 250 grams (g) are exempt from the above requirements, but they must be operated in a way that does not pose a danger to aircraft, property or people or infringe on the privacy of individuals.

3.6.1. When operating an RPAS exempt from these regulations, the pilot is still required to contact the Department of Public Safety Security Operations Centre (416-676-8500) to inform of the time and location of the flight and to provide an emergency contact.

3.7. Indoor flight operations of RPAS must receive approval from the Director, Public Safety and Emergency Management or designate and undergo a rigorous safety planning process that will include at minimum:

• Pilot with Advanced Operations Pilot Certification.
• Controlled indoor space with spotters and/or security to ensure no RPAS conflicts with bystanders.
• Appropriate supervision as deemed necessary by the college.

4. Record Keeping

4.1. The Department of Public Safety will maintain a register of all approved RPAS operations for a minimum of two (2) years.

4.2. All College departments or faculties that operate RPAS will maintain a registry of all certified pilots including all training records, certification dates and expiries for a minimum of two years from expiry or exit from the college.

4.3. College departments and faculties that own/operate a RPAS will maintain equipment and maintenance logs for each individual RPAS for a minimum of two (2) years following the aircrafts removal from active flight operations.

4.4. All pilots must maintain records for all NAV Canada permissions and SFOC’s for a minimum of two (2) years from the flight date.

5. Responsibilities

5.1. The Director of Public Safety and Emergency Management (or designate) will have authority to approve or deny requests to operate RPAS on college properties.

5.2. Senior Deans, Deans, Directors, Managers and Supervisors of departments or Faculties will ensure that all employees, contractors, students, and volunteers operating RPAS, do so in compliance with the RPAS Policy and Procedures.