MAAC gives bad news to canadian RC flyers

[Burkeomatic]

Mar 16, 2023 18:09:20 GMT droneflyer200 said:

Well I got a reply from Transport Canada I will post it later today but it basically just says it is what it is. I think we are in for a real fight here in Canada I had better get myself some Log books if I want to fly.

here is the reply I got.


Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems / Systèmes d’aéronef télépilotés (TC) <[e-mail]>



UNCLASSIFIED / NON CLASSIFIÉ

Hello,


Thank you for your inquiry on March 10, 2023.

In 2019, with the coming into force of Part IX of the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs), Transport Canada issued an Exemption to the Model Aircraft Association of Canada (MAAC) that allowed its members to operate RPAS between 250 grams and 35 kilograms while abiding by all applicable safety guidelines and conditions set out in the Exemption.

The decision to issue an Exemption to MAAC was based on an assessment of MAAC's safety policies and procedures, which were assessed as providing an equivalent level of safety to Part IX of the CARs. The Exemption included several conditions designed to further mitigate potential safety risks, including that the Exemption would no longer be valid should any of the conditions be breached.

On February 3, 2023, MAAC was notified that the Exemption was rendered invalid due to a breach of a condition of the Exemption. Since MAAC did not receive written authorization from the controlling agency (NAV CANADA) prior to sanctioning some fields in controlled airspace, as required by a condition in the Exemption, the Exemption is no longer valid. As such, MAAC members are now required to follow the rules set out in Part IX of the CARs, which allow for VLOS RPAS operations up to 25kg in controlled and uncontrolled airspace below 400 feet above ground level. CAR 101.01(1) defines a remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) as “a navigable aircraft, other than a balloon, rocket, or kite that is operated by a pilot who is not on board.” This includes drones and model aircraft.

All drone pilots, including recreational operators, must understand that they are sharing the skies with other aircraft and follow the rules set out in Part IX of the CARs. Canadian drone pilots are encouraged to consult Transport Canada’s drone safety resources to ensure their operations are safe, legal, and avoid harming others.

Transport Canada will continue to work with MAAC to determine appropriate next steps and facilitate the safe and legal use of Canadian airspace by its members.

Thank you,

RPAS Task Force

So to summarize, "A couple of MAAC chartered fields didn't play by the rules, so we will punish everything."

Collective punishment at it's finest. Truly Fidel Castro's bastard son. All though sleepy China Joe isn't any better. 

[droneflyer200]

As you can see this is just a canned scripted reply sent to me by some lower functionary basically saying it is what it is. MAAC is falling apart The Zone Director for this area has just resigned . I was told the Local Club here is thinking of going independent of MAAC and purchasing their own bulk insurance Its beginning to look like there is no advantage to being a member of MAAC any more.

[Burkeomatic]

Mar 17, 2023 22:33:16 GMT droneflyer200 said:

As you can see this is just a canned scripted reply sent to me by some lower functionary basically saying it is what it is. MAAC is falling apart The Zone Director for this area has just resigned . I was told the Local Club here is thinking of going independent of MAAC and purchasing their own bulk insurance Its beginning to look like there is no advantage to being a member of MAAC any more.

Yeah, there is barely any advantage to AMA here, the insurance really. But hopefully FTCA or FPVFC will come up with insurance and then the AMA will be obsolete. They are already a shadow of their former self. 

[droneflyer200]

Well I Received an email from MAAC yesterday afternoon admonishing members for writing Their elected officials and Transport Canada officials and bypassing Them (MAAC) The wording of the email illustrated the disconnect between the MAAC leadership and it's members.I also came to the conclusion that Transport Canada has nothing but distain for Modelers and hobbyist they see Us as children.They seek to eliminate they hobby anyway posable as it is just a looming headache for them.Im convinced that the MAAC leadership are in bed with TC and NAV Canada and are advocating for their own political agenda.This whole affair has left a very bad taste in my mouth.The political posturing is totally palatable and sickening.