Specifically Canadian laws in Ontario in the Greater Toronto Area.
The reason I’m asking is that I’m interested in getting a RC aircraft (small park flier) and was told on another message board that using RC craft in a public park is “technically” illegal.
Now, other than noise ordinances (it’s electric so it shouldn’t be a problem) and general things like not flying near people, are there any laws regarding the tree-top level flight of a RC aircraft in a public park?
Does anyone had any clue how to search for such a law? I googled for several hours and checked out Toronto’s web page along with several law search engines. Nothing under Canadian federal laws or Ontario Provincial laws.
badmana, unfortunately, I don’t know much (read: anything) about Canadian laws on the topic but I certainly do know quite a bit about it in the US. Speaking generally, the bottom line is that flying electic airplanes is legal in public parks as long as it hasn’t been specifically prohibited, and general safety rules are observed. In fact, members of The Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) will cover it’s members flying in public parks with liability insurance as provided the two points above. Seems that there is a Cadaian equivalent here – MAAC. Maybe you can check with them.
My suggestion is to post over at RC Groups. It’s basically SDMB caliber, but specifically related to Radio Controlled Hobby. People there are from around the world.
[DAMN, I just noticed that you’ve posted there already. Well I’ll post this anyway for purposes of future reference] :smack:
Yeah, I looked over the MAAC and will join them once my model is near completion. I won’t be able to learn with a trainer as the nearest fields are just too far (although if I crash too many times I might just bite the bullet and take the 45 minute drive each way).
I probably will “get my wings” though after I master general flight so that the MAAC coverage will allow me to fly with spectators. Right now I’m only going to fly in an empty field .
They outline their own rules but do not mention any official legal requirements. They have common sense rules that I would follow anyhow (not flying over public roads etc) but nothing that states any law issues in Canada.
I’m hoping it’s a non-issue. I intend to only fly alone and no where near my car
