Drones

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.

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. 

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@copanational.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 Drone Pilot Scholarship

COPA believes the sky is for everyone and is committed to supporting safer RPAS operations. Through the new COPA Drone 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.

Learn More

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.