Remote Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS)

The use of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), is increasingly valuable in research, teaching, and operational activities. To ensure safe, legal, and insured use of RPAS, the University maintains a comprehensive framework that includes mandatory registration, regulatory compliance, and liability insurance coverage.

What Is Covered?

The University maintains a dedicated RPAS liability insurance policy that applies to approved and registered RPAS operations conducted by authorized University personnel.

RPAS Insurance Coverage Includes:

Third-party liability for bodily injury and property damage
Coverage for legal defence costs

Note: Insurance does not extend to personal or recreational drone use. All RPAS operations must be pre-approved and conducted strictly for University business, research, or instruction.

Operator Requirements

All operators must be:

Certified by Transport Canada (Basic or Advanced RPAS Certificate, as required by operation class)
In possession of a valid RPAS Pilot Certificate
Registered through the University’s RPAS Approval and Registration Process
Approved by the Department of Risk Management

Pre-Flight Requirements

Before any RPAS flight, the following must be completed

Any external parties or entities requesting to operate a drone on Carleton University property first must obtain permission from an Carleton University sponsor or representative for any work on campus (in this case that is you and I assume that permission will be provided to the contractor

For all drone activities, full compliance with all of the legal requirements noted on the Transport Canada website regarding the flying of a drone, safety tips, penalties, first time pilot advice and terminology. Canadian law mandates these requirements, and compliance is required in order to fly a drone on Carleton University property.
Any external parties or entities requesting to operate a drone on Carleton University property first must obtain permission from an Carleton University sponsor or representative for any work on campus (in this case that is you and I assume that permission will be provided to the contractor
Only pilots registered with Transport Canada are permitted to operate drones on Carleton University property.
External parties are required to provide a Certificate of Insurance evidencing drone liability insurance.
All parties should send the following information 5 to 10 business days prior to planned flight to the ORM office for review (risk@carleton.ca):

– Date of flight

– Purpose of flight (research, photography, etc.)

– Time frame (e.g., 11am to 2pm)

– Location/flight area (provide an aerial map with area shaded)

– Weight of the UAV, registration number, make and model

– Provide name, phone number, email address of Carleton University contact or sponsor for the requested flight

– Advise if the UAV/Drone is equipped with equipment for taking photos, video or if filming is planned

– Copy of the operator’s pilot certificate

Restricted & Prohibited Operations

RPAS operations are not permitted:

For personal or recreational use
Near or over people without appropriate certification and drone classification
In controlled or restricted airspace without prior authorization
Outside of Canada without special approval and international insurance coordination

Unauthorized drone flights may result in legal action, fines, and loss of University privileges