If you're planning to fly drones at a mine site or integrate them into your mining operations, here are four key considerations:
Transport Canada (TC) is the governing body for all drone operations across the country. Whether you’re using drones for professional purposes or leisure, it’s essential to adhere to Canadian Aviation Regulations Part IX.
Fortunately, operating drones in rural or remote areas—common for mining operations—tends to be less complex than flying in urban settings. We offer comprehensive training courses to help get you certified.
1. Airspace Classifications for Mining Drone Operators
One of the most critical aspects of drone operations is understanding the type of airspace in which you are flying. It could be controlled, uncontrolled, or restricted.
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Controlled Airspace: Found near major airports and aerodromes. Flying here requires an Advanced Pilot Certificate and pre-authorization from Nav Canada.
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Uncontrolled Airspace: Typically around rural aerodromes without control towers. You’ll need a Basic Pilot Certificate, your drone must be registered, and you must stay vigilant for other manned aircraft. No pre-authorization is needed in most cases.
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Restricted Airspace: Areas designated for military or specialized activities such as training or skydiving. You’ll need to review the specific requirements and ensure compliance.
At a minimum, every drone operator must have a valid RPAS Pilot Certificate, and the drone must be registered with TC. (Drones under 250 grams, like the DJI Mini, are exempt from this requirement). Failing to comply with these regulations can lead to significant fines for both the operator and the organization.
For more detailed information on these airspaces and other requirements, our online Ground School course offers extensive coverage.
2. Getting Your Drone Pilot Certificate
Obtaining your RPAS Pilot Certificate is more straightforward than you might think. While it requires some time and investment, it’s comparable to acquiring any new skill.
There are two primary categories of drone certifications:
| Certification | Basic Pilot Certification | Advanced Pilot Certification |
|---|---|---|
| Fly in Controlled Airspace | No | Yes |
| Fly within 30m of people not involved in your operation | No | Yes |
| Fly over bystanders (with additional requirements like parachutes) | No | Yes |
| Fly near airports or military aerodromes | No | Yes |
| Fly near heliports | No | Yes |
Depending on your airspace and proximity to people or aerodromes, an Advanced Pilot Certificate offers the most operational flexibility. However, it may not always be necessary, depending on where you plan to fly.
Note: A "bystander" refers to anyone not directly involved in the operation. On a mine site, if the crew is aware of drone activities and has given their consent, they are considered part of your operation. Although it's advisable to avoid flying directly over people, under Basic Certification, you can fly near or over crew members who are informed and involved.
3. Drone Certification Process Breakdown
| Certification | Basic | Advanced |
|---|---|---|
|
Study Time (Online ground school course) |
2-4 hours | 4-8 hours |
| Cost (varies by provider) | <$250 for course, $5 drone registration | $250 ground school, $299 flight review, $5 drone registration |
| Online Exam (TC exam) | $10 per attempt, 35 questions, 65% passing grade | $10 per attempt, 50 questions, 80% passing grade |
| In-Person Flight Review (Practical test) | n/a | Required with a Transport Canada reviewer |
The total investment for obtaining an Advanced Pilot Certificate can be around $600, plus your time for studying, exams, and the in-person flight review.
We offer group training and certification for large organizations. Contact us for more information.
4. Airspace Identification Tools for Mining Operations
Identifying the airspace where you intend to fly is critical. One of the most effective tools for this is Nav Canada’s Drone Flight Planning app (available on iOS, Android, and web). This application will help you identify airspace classifications and manage your drone flights.
For example, at the Canadian Malartic Mine, one of the largest gold mines in Canada, there are no nearby aerodromes. This means you could operate under the Basic Pilot Certification. However, different organizations may have their own policies around drone use.
If you move towards more urban areas, the requirements can change due to overlapping airspace classifications and the presence of major airports, which would require an Advanced Pilot Certification.
Implementing a Drone Program for Your Mining Site
This information serves as a preliminary guide for setting up a compliant drone program on your mining site. Candrone offers customized training programs to help you and your team operate more efficiently and safely.
Contact our drone mining consultant today to discuss how we can support your operations
