FLYING AT TEMAC - NEW INFORMATION

Michael · February 25, 2023, 06:01:10 PM

This notification is for members of TEMAC.

Due to problems between MAAC and related regulatory government agencies, rules for flying at TEMAC will be changing.

Currently, as we are unsure of insurance and due to other concerns, TEMAC is closed to all flying, for now.

All members who intend to fly model airplanes at TEMAC will have to apply and get a license to fly model airplanes (it is called an RPAS). I believe this is about $10, and you will have to take an online test to get this license. There will be no exceptions. We will provide all links and information soon. It will not be a difficult process.

As well, model airplanes will have to be registered (we will let you know where, when and how), I believe at a cost of $5 each. We will provide all links and information soon. It will not be a difficult process.

We are looking into acquiring our own (non-MAAC if needed) club insurance and how to get individual member insurance. It is possible that MAAC may provide insurance, but we're not sure yet. It is possible that we may not require MAAC membership/insurance in the future, but we really don't have precise information yet.

We hope to have clear answers, and a path forward within a few days.

You all know as much as I do. I have no answers to any questions you may have at this point.

We already have some good news to share with you; please wait for more information over the next few days.

I assure you, members of your board are taking these issues seriously, and are working diligently to have us flying as soon as possible.

Michael Rogozinsky
TEMAC President

Good times are coming, soon!

Michael · February 25, 2023, 06:05:56 PM

I want to assure all TEMAC members that the problems we are facing are not at all the fault of TEMAC members.

bfeist · February 25, 2023, 08:24:34 PM

Thanks for the update, Michael. As always, you're on top of the situation and are providing TEMAC members good, clear information.

I can assure everyone that getting your Small Basic RPAS is straightforward. The test contains information we should all know anyway.

Below is some info about what's involved at Transport Canada's website. Note that they call everything a "drone" but they mean all RC things that fly. https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/drone-safety/learn-rules-you-fly-your-drone/find-your-category-drone-operation#basic

davidk · February 25, 2023, 09:54:19 PM

One concern that comes up is our field location.

We are 2.52NM from Markham Airport. RPAS states that you cannot fly within 3NM of a Certified Airport.

Markham Airport is not a Certified Airport, it is a Private Registered Aerodrome.

Certified Airports around us are Buttonville, Markham Stouffville Hospital, Billy Bishop, and of course, Toronto.

Therefore, our physical place in the world is ok.

bfeist · February 26, 2023, 10:42:13 AM

I don't believe that's of concern. Transport Canada's own app for registering flights (https://www.navcanada.ca/en/flight-planning/drone-flight-planning.aspx) shows TEMAC's location in the clear (screenshot attached)

Edit: I just did a little more digging. The Transport Canada drone app is pretty buggy. Luckily they also have a website https://portal.navdrone.ca/

I just logged in, uploaded my Basic RPAS license to my profile, uploaded the profile of the one aircraft I currently have registered (My DJI FPV drone), and created a flight plan that I would be able to register with TC. This flight plan originated at TEMAC with the parameters in the attached image. I then validated the plan with the TC tool and it produced the results below (also in screen capture).

The next step would be to "publish" the operation. This makes the flight legal within Canadian Aviation Regulations Part 9. The only thing missing is insurance.

Code Select


Allowed
6 disclaimers

Contact NAV CANADA immediately if the aircraft is no longer under the pilot's control and inadvertent entry to controlled or Class F Special Use Restricted Airspace (is likely to) occur(s).
RPAS equipped with ELT or with frost, ice or snow adhering to any part are not allowed.
No flights are allowed when icing conditions are observed or reported to exist or likely to be encountered.
Pilots must ensure:
- they review all NOTAMs applicable to their area of operation prior to flight (refer to the NAV CANADA CFPS NOTAM web site: https://plan.navcanada.ca/wxrecall/ );
- the safety of their operation at all times, including no likelihood of collision with other aircrafts exists;
- the site for take-off, launch, landing and recovery is suitable;
- weather conditions permit an operation within visual line of sight at all times;
- he or she is familiar with available information relevant to the intended flight before commencing a flight;
- the RPA has sufficient fuel or energy for the operation; and
- each crew member has received appropriate instructions.
RPAS operators are responsible for ensuring that their operations are compliant with all applicable laws, including the Canadian Aviation Regulations, the Criminal Code, and legislation related to tresspass, voyeurism and privacy.
Operations in close proximity to buildings may experience RF interference and could result in unexpected equipment behavior.

4 positives
Maximum take-off weight between 250 g and 25 kg: small RPA. The RPA must be registered with Transport Canada and the registration number must be clearly marked on the RPA.
Inside uncontrolled airspace.
400 ft (122 m) above ground level (AGL) and below.
Within visual line of sight or within visual line of sight with observers.

Michael · February 26, 2023, 01:33:24 PM

I would wait a few days so we can notify all members with precise information, but the way I see it, Ben, you can fly your drone at TEMAC because it is registered, and you have your license.

MAAC has communicated that we are still insured through them.

Michael · February 26, 2023, 01:38:57 PM

So, it is law that you must have a specific basic license, and your models must be registered, to fly model airplanes. For some time, we have been exempt from that requirement due to special arrangements between MAAC and related government agencies. Those arrangements are no longer in effect.

*****

TEMAC members are now required to have their RPAS Basic Certificate, must register any RPAS flying at TEMAC with Transport Canada, and have MAAC membership/insurance, in order to fly their models at TEMAC MAAC has advised in their Feb. 25, 2023 email to members that: insurance coverage for members, clubs, and field owners continues to be in force for all operations provided you comply with all CAR Part IX regulations, where applicable, and the MAAC Safety Code.

****

Information regarding the RPAS Basic Certificate and RPAS Registration, and our (TEMAC) requirements for recording this information, will be made available to all members within a few days.

bfeist · February 26, 2023, 05:53:50 PM

Apologies if I caused any confusion, Michael. I wasn't advocating flying while the field is closed, I was only confirming that TEMAC is in the right kind of airspace that such flights would be possible once the club opens again. That's great news that MAAC can still provide insurance.

Michael · February 27, 2023, 08:32:46 AM

No confusion, as far as you are concern.

Essentially, TEMAC is closed to all flyers who don't have their RPAS flying license and registered models (and MAAC insurance and TEMAC paid membership).

We are working towards helping all members achieve this. Hopefully, we will have simple instructions, rules, and a record-keeping system, in place within a few days.

GuyOReilly · February 27, 2023, 09:45:30 AM

Passed my Drone RPAS Certificate this morning.
One step done - $10.00 paid.
Now will need to register some 15 planes... at $5.00 a pop... Money Grab.

Candu · February 27, 2023, 10:22:16 AM

I assume a TEMAC member can still fly a model under 250g at TEMAC site without a RPAS certificate. Correct?

Michael · February 27, 2023, 11:51:59 AM

I don't know. I think so, but please wait a few days for a comprehensive announcement, rules, and some other good news.

GuyOReilly · February 27, 2023, 01:35:55 PM

Thank you @Michael for the updates.
I will wait for directions from the executives (who have my full support) before flying at the field, of course!
I have in the meantime search the Internet for more information and reasons why we are now faced with these over-reacting regulations. I found this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99gp4tzbi8c

This gentleman has a point: NOBODY under the age of 14 can legally fly RC in Canada. I was 13 when I first got involved in this wonderful hobby.
I am sad to see this is what it has come down to - preventing children from enjoying a safe and educational and fun hobby.
Guy
PS: My Last port for a while on this topic.

Canuke · February 27, 2023, 04:46:19 PM

I have just emailed my MP re: the drone issue. I will see what she says.

Michael · February 28, 2023, 07:26:11 AM

Quote from: Canuke on February 27, 2023, 04:46:19 PM
I have just emailed my MP re: the drone issue. I will see what she says.

I had considered speaking to my MP when this all started, but realized there is nothing they can do. They can't force a government regulatory agency to give special treatment to a bunch of guys flying model airplanes.

I don't want more people involved than necessary. You are free to speak to anyone you want, but at this point, the board has a plan and is working on it. We only need a few more days. Please don't complicate things.