Remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) use is growing at a rapid rate in Canada, and COPA is at the helm, working to ensure our busy skies are safe and accessible for everyone – including Canada’s RPAS pilots and operators.

Commonly referred to as drones, the world of RPAS represents an exciting development in aviation technology. And as Canada’s largest pilot association, COPA is strongly positioned to represent the growing needs of this maturing market.

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NAVIGATING CANADIAN SKIES SAFELY WITH COPA

With RPAS movements in Canada increasing – the need for safety awareness grows with it. Our safety awareness initiatives aim to help reduce the number of incidents and accidents.

COPA promotes safe operations by addressing it head-on through educational materials. From webinars focused on top safety risks related to RPAS operations, to in-person workshops featuring industry experts to guides on best practices for flying, we play an active role in building awareness of the regulations around RPAS flying. Check out some of our learning resources below:


RPAS and GA: two separate worlds connected by one sky


Curious about what’s happening with the growing number of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) applications in our skies? In this panel discussion with Transport Canada, NAV CANADA and Coastal Drone, COPA will explore what drone regulations both traditional and remote aircraft pilots should be aware of and about Canada’s plans for integrating remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) safely into Canadian airspace. The panel will begin with an overview of the CARs from Transport Canada followed by an introduction of NAV CANADA’s new app which enables drone operators to fly remote aircraft safely and legally in controlled airspace.

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RPAS (aka Drones): How to Get Started & Where to Fly


Are you curious about Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS – aka drones)? This COPA safety seminar will provide guidance on where to started and include topics such as selecting a RPAS, common RPAS issues, getting certified, your first flight, places to fly (and where not to), common RPAS incidents, a new RPAS voluntary reporting system and the need for continuous improvement.

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FLY SAFE, WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED

Through Magnes and Coverdrone, we are excited to offer our members an exclusive insurance program, for both recreational and commercial RPAS pilots.

This worldwide insurance includes physical damage coverage, public and products liability; as well as professional and privacy breach liability coverages for commercial RPAS operations.

Want to organize an event with RPAS? COPA’s Air Meet insurance, through Magnes, has you covered – must be a COPA Flight to qualify. Please contact copa@oldcopa.org for more information on becoming a COPA Flight.

 

COPA RPAS Insurance

 

BUILDING FOR TOMORROW

As the RPAS market evolves, so too will its role in the world of aviation. At COPA, we are driven to represent the needs of all recreational pilots – whether by plane or by RPAS. To date, we’ve contributed to the creation of the National Resource Council of Canada’s drone site selection tool (see resources below). We also serve on several industry and government working groups – including the Transport Canada Canadian Drone Advisory Committee (CanaDAC). Through this work, we aim to support enhancements to the current Canadian regulatory framework governing RPAS operations as well as other necessary policy development.

 

FLY SAFELY – GET TRAINED TO FLY RPAS (DRONES) SAFELY WITH A COPA MEMBERSHIP

COPA members receive free and discounted RPAS training. These courses are all compliant with TP15263 (which is Transport Canada’s document of required pilot knowledge for pilots of RPAS under 25kg).

 

COPA RPAS Pilot Scholarship

COPA believes the sky is for everyone and is committed to supporting safer RPAS operations. Through the new COPA RPAS Pilot Scholarship, three COPA members 18 and older will receive training to obtain their advanced RPAS pilot certificate. The scholarship includes access to RPAS ground school, flight reviews and exam expenses (conditions apply).

Recipients will be chosen based on their involvement and participation in General Aviation activities, events, or organizations.

 

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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

DRONE ZONE NEWSLETTER

Every two months, the Transport Canada RPAS Team puts out a newsletter called the Drone Zone. The newsletter features recent updates, safety reminders and the number of registered drones in Canada and RPAS pilot certificates issued by Transport Canada.

To read the most recent version, click here. To receive the newsletter in your inbox, click on this link to subscribe.