Recreational Use of UAVs in Alberta Parks
In Alberta’s provincial parks, the use of any drone, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) or Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS), regardless of size, is prohibited for recreational use.
Research or Commercial Use of UAVs in Alberta Parks
UAV or drones may be approved in certain circumstances for research purposes or commercial filming. You must apply for permission through Alberta Parks Research & Collections Permit or Filming & Photography Permit.
For reference, conditions of the permit will include, but are not limited to:
- Authorized use of RPAS/Drone for Supervised Filming only (not currently permitted for Public Use)
- CO coverage required (off duty)
- Payment of fees for supervised filming ($110/ hour)
- Conditions (at Application Stage) must be met prior to approval for Use of a RPAS/Drone on Protected Land
- User will be required to hold an Advanced Pilots licence or have a Special Flight Operations Certificate (no basic pilot’s licences will be considered).
- User will provide the following information in writing:
- Contact Information (RPAS Advanced licence or SFOC)
- RPAS model and registration number
- Description of Operation
- Geographical Boundaries of Operation (include map)
- RPAS System Limitations
- User will provide proof of Liability Insurance covering the risk of public liability ($100,000)
- User must provide a detailed safety and emergency plan
- Plan must include how you will retrieve your RPAS in the event of a crash
- Emergency communications plan
- RPAS unit must be clearly identifiable and externally labelled with contact information and registration number (photo required for file)
- User must provide written permission from other agencies, private land owners or businesses that may be impacted by the use of RPAS in approved locations
- User must provide in writing how they will satisfy Public Privacy requirements under FOIP, PIPA, PIPEDA
- User must provide a statement about how they will ensure wildlife is not compromised by their RPAS use
More information about Transport Canada’s UAV requirements can be found at Drone Safety.
