Through its School of Continuing Learning, Bow Valley College helps UAS enthusiasts and professional UAS operators alike prepare for new and updated aviation laws that will limit where and how UAS can be flown. So with this in mind, two comprehensive certification courses will be offered at Bow Valley College’s Okotoks and High River campuses in Alberta, Canada starting May 4.

The courses will provide theory and practical knowledge through a variety of measurers including in-class instruction, labs, seminars, two tests, and a certificate that requires renewal every five years.

According to Bow Valley College, the minimum age for participation and certification is 14 years for Very Small/Rural and 16 years for Small Complex, and is applicable to all UAS recreational and professional users.

​One of the course instructors at Bow Valley College is Chris Healy, who has operated professional commercial UAS for five years. With more than 4,000 hours of combined flight experience in recreational and commercial markets, Healy is not the least bit shocked that rules have become stricter when it comes to this technology.

“Every drone operator is considered an airspace user, just like an airliner, helicopter, ballooner or any other type manned aircraft,” says Healy, who is also the owner/operator of a Canadian company called In-Flight Data.

“The risks of flying UAVs are obvious and potentially expensive.”

​Healy says that UAS pilots and organizations who fail to follow regulations can receive stiff penalties, from $1,000 up to $15,000 and their equipment can be confiscated.

Healy says that UAS operators and organizations can get in trouble for a variety of reasons, as UAS can easily fly out of sight of an operator, they can stay in the air longer or reach heights that can interfere with low-flying manned aircraft, and they can also run out of power and crash, causing potential harm to individuals and property.

​Healy says that ultimately, the courses will help make sure that people are operating the technology legally, and safely.

“Our courses will make it easier for people to enjoy their drones legally as well as operate them safely,” Healy says.