Canada set to launch new #drone regulations #drones #UAS #UAV #quadcopters

While this is Canada, I’m not sure how the “30 meters from people” restriction would work. It would effective shut down operations at many certified model aircraft airfields as visitors are permitted within about 10 meters of our runway.

Notable – requires that everyone pass a written exam, carry liability insurance and operate at least 30 m away from people. And that’s for drones less than 1 kg in mass (2.2 pounds in weight). Drones over 1 kg could not fly within 1 km of built up areas – which means they can be flown inside any city limit unless the operator has a Canadian’s pilot’s certificate. Drones over 1 kg must meet “a design standard” (how does this impact home made hobby aircraft?)

The proposed regulation changes are as follows:

Very small drone more than 250 g to 1 kg: Most recreational users will fit into this category.

-Pilot must be 14 years old or older and will be required to:
-mark their device with their name and contact information;
-pass a basic knowledge test;
-have liability insurance; and
fly at least:
-5.6 km from airports
-1.9 km from heliports
-30 m from people

Small drone more than 1 kg to 25 kg: This category is for users operating in rural areas (e.g., agricultural purposes, wildlife surveys, natural resources).

-Pilot must be 16 years old or older and will be required to:
-mark their device with their name and contact information;
-pass a basic knowledge test;
-have liability insurance; and
fly at least:
-5.6 km from airports
-1.9 km from heliports
-150 m from open-air assemblies of people (i.e. outdoor concert)
-76 m from people, vehicles, vessels
-1 km from built-up areas

Small drone more than 1 kg to 25 kg: This category is for users who intend to fly in urban areas, within controlled airspace or close to anywhere that airplanes, helicopters and float-planes land and take off.

-Pilot must be 16 years or older and will be required to:
-hold a pilot permit that is specific to small drones;
-have liability insurance;
-register and mark their device with a unique identification Transport Canada will provide;
-operate a drone that meets a design standard;
-follow a set of flight rules;
-get approval from air traffic control when flying in controlled airspace or near aerodromes; and
fly at least:
-150 m from open-air assemblies of people (i.e. outdoor concert) unless at least 90 m high
-30 m from people, vehicles, vessels

IMAX to close its “VR experience” centers

The company behind the biggest screens in cinema is giving up on bringing VR screens within a few inches of users’ faces. The company announced today in a SEC filing that it will be shutting down its three remaining virtual reality centers including its flagship location in Los Angeles.

Source: IMAX pulls the plug on its dream of VR arcades | TechCrunch

VR is cool, but I am not so sure it is going to be the mass market that many hoped. VR has its place though, but apparently this was not one of them.