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FAQ's

Agriculture FAQ's

a
What documentation must a drone pilot have to legally fly a drone in Canada?

To legally fly a drone in Canada (that has a take off weight of 250g or more) ‘anywhere’ in the open air, the drone operator MUST have the following documentation in place (as an absolute minimum)…

  • A valid Pilot Certificate for RPAS operations (appropriate for the airspace and location)
  • A certificate of RPAS Registration (with the number clearly visible on the drone)
  • Established procedures for pre-flight, take-off, launch, approach, landing and recovery
  • Emergency procedures in place, with respect to…
    • (i) a control station failure
    • (ii) an equipment failure
    • (iii) a failure of the remotely piloted aircraft
    • (iv) a loss of the command and control (C2) link
    • (v) a fly-away
    • (vi) a flight termination
  • A detailed Site Survey
  • A copy of the RPAS Operation Manual
  • A maintenance record for the RPAS

If a drone operator does not have ALL of these documents/procedures in place, then they are NOT operating legally, or in accordance with the Canadian Aviation Regulations for ‘Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems’.

Additional rules for ALL drones (of any size and weight) can be found here…

a
What is Vegetation Index?

A ‘Vegetation Index’ is a measurement of plant health that uses the ‘Near Infrared’ and the ‘Visible Light’ spectrums to detect a plants health and stresses, long before it can be seen by the naked eye (by which time irrecoverable damage to the plant may have occurred!). Ground moisture, field irrigation, weed counts, crop disease, Nitrogen levels and soil conditions can all be quickly analyzed with professionally collected vegetation indices data.

There are many indices that are used in plant analysis, NDVI, NDRE, GNDVI, OSAVI, GVI, PVI etc., and understanding what spectral measurements are required for a particular crop, at a specific time of the growth cycle (and in what light conditions and altitudes), is essential for the collection of accurate and reliable data for the farmer to make the right pro-active decisions for their crop management.

a
What data export types can you offer?

The data export is compatible with existing agriculture data analytic tools including the John Deere Operations Center, APEX, SST, SMS, FarmWorks, Encirca, FieldView + moren Export Map Projections – Web Mercator EPSG:3857 (WGS84); EPSG:4326 (WGS84); 2D Orthomosaic – RGB Image .tif (GeoTIFF); .kml (Web Mercator). Plant Health Mapping (NDVI) – RGB Image; .tif or .kml; Surface Modelling – .tif; .kml; .shp; .dxfn3D Point Cloud – .las; .obj surface (with .jpg); .xyzn. For a more detailed list of file types and data analysis services, please contact us.

a
How long can a drone fly for?

How long a drone can fly for depends on the type of drone and its payload weight, but we can typically expect a flight time of 20 to 30 minutes. We carry sufficient spare batteries to conduct several flights in one day and always have mobile charging systems for each drone on location.

a
How often should I collect aerial data for my crops?

RGB/NIR aerial data should ideally be collected regularly throughout the growing season, in order to fully understand the growth cycle and stresses of your crops. However, if you feel your crops and field irrigation is generally good, then we recommend a minimum of six datasets over the course of the growth cycle. This will give you some overall data to reference in the future, and may highlight some areas of concern that you may wish to follow up with when ground truthing the field.

a
When can you collect NDVI data?

To collect NDVI data and multispectral data reliably, depends on environmental conditions such as sun angles etc.. Additionally, the wind speed, air temperature, field elevation and surrounding obstacles will determine the type of drone and gimbal payload we need to use at the location.

Note: The data collection requests are scheduled on a ‘first come first serve’ basis, and we endeavour to accommodate your request as close to the requested date as possible.

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Can I just fly a drone myself with an NDVI sensor on it?

Yes you can. However, you will need to follow the same processes and procedures that we do (and use the same equipment), before you can expect the same quality and consistency with the results using an NDVI sensor. This is what we do best, leaving you to do what you do best.

Cinematography FAQ's

a
What documentation must a drone pilot have to legally fly a drone in Canada?

To legally fly a drone in Canada (that has a take off weight of 250g or more) ‘anywhere’ in the open air, the drone operator MUST have the following documentation in place (as an absolute minimum)…

  • A valid Pilot Certificate for RPAS operations (appropriate for the airspace and location)
  • A certificate of RPAS Registration (with the number clearly visible on the drone)
  • Established procedures for pre-flight, take-off, launch, approach, landing and recovery
  • Emergency procedures in place, with respect to…
    • (i) a control station failure
    • (ii) an equipment failure
    • (iii) a failure of the remotely piloted aircraft
    • (iv) a loss of the command and control (C2) link
    • (v) a fly-away
    • (vi) a flight termination
  • A detailed Site Survey
  • A copy of the RPAS Operation Manual
  • A maintenance record for the RPAS

If a drone operator does not have ALL of these documents/procedures in place, then they are NOT operating legally, or in accordance with the Canadian Aviation Regulations for ‘Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems’.

Additional rules for ALL drones (of any size and weight) can be found here…

a
Can you fly drones over people?

Recreational drone operators must remain at least 100ft horizontally from the public. For Advanced Professional drone operators, if the people are part of the operation (or bystanders) AND they can be briefed on the safety and emergency procedures for the drone operations, we can operate the drone in and around the location without restrictions. However, to fly drones over people in public (or less than 15ft from the general public), for safety and legal reasons we need to use specialized drone equipment and additional planning, and would typically attach a small parachute to the drone for enhanced safety (and to comply with Transport Canada regulations), more…

a
How long can a drone fly for?

How long a drone can fly for depends on the type of drone and its payload weight, but we can typically expect a flight time of 20 to 30 minutes. We carry sufficient spare batteries to conduct several flights in one day and always have mobile charging systems for each drone on location.

a
How does the weather affect drone operations?

The biggest limiting factor to affect drone operations is wind speed, it becomes difficult (and more time consuming) to produce good results with wind speeds gusting more than 35kph (note also that at 100ft the wind is typically around double than on the ground!). We can operate in light rain and snow to a degree (providing we have good visibility), as we have a fully waterproof and submersible drone in our fleet, capable of taking off and landing on water. We can operate the Inspire 2 drones below freezing, at air temperatures down to -10C (but with limited range and flight times). In short, the nicer the weather, the better the results.

a
Can you fly a drone in sub-zero temperatures?

Some of our Drones are designed to operate in temperatures as low as -10c. However, if there is a potential for ice to form on the surfaces of the drone (or the air temperature is beyond the drone manufacturers recommendations), we will not be able to fly for safety reasons.

Note: We only use the forecasted air temperature as a guide, we always measure the temperature of the drone surfaces before a flight, to determine if it is safe to fly.

a
What is the maximum distance a drone can operate at?

Transport Canada require ‘Line of Sight’ operations to be within 500mtrs of the operator/observer. However, with strategically placed observers (who are in direct radio comms with the Pilot), we can operate at greater distances if needed (the signal strength of our drones allow them to be safely controlled from even a few kilometres away), more…

a
How close can the drone get to a subject?

After a short safety briefing with all personnel involved with the operation, and any other people who may be in the area, we can operate the Drone as close as a few feet away from the subject, depending on the location and weather conditions. For close proximity flights our Risk Assessment will ensure we mitigate potential dangers to an acceptable level, and would typically attach propeller guards to the Drone.

a
How much space is needed for a drone to take off and land?

Ideally, for a drone to take off and land safely we like to cordon off at least 20ft of unobstructed, flat ground for both our primary and secondary landing sites. Caution tape, signage and ground crew will also be used if there is potential for people not involved in the operation to enter the areas.

a
What if you are unable to fly the drone on the pre booked date?

In case we are unable to fly the drone on the pre-booked date (i.e. due to bad weather), we will try our best to capture some useable footage on another day to make the best of the situation.

Note: If we are required to remain on standby (in case there is an opportunity to fly the drone at all), a reduced rate for a ‘Bad Weather Day’ will be charged.

Drone Law FAQ's

a
What documentation must a drone pilot have to legally fly a drone in Canada?

To legally fly a drone in Canada (that has a take off weight of 250g or more) ‘anywhere’ in the open air, the drone operator MUST have the following documentation in place (as an absolute minimum)…

  • A valid Pilot Certificate for RPAS operations (appropriate for the airspace and location)
  • A certificate of RPAS Registration (with the number clearly visible on the drone)
  • Established procedures for pre-flight, take-off, launch, approach, landing and recovery
  • Emergency procedures in place, with respect to…
    • (i) a control station failure
    • (ii) an equipment failure
    • (iii) a failure of the remotely piloted aircraft
    • (iv) a loss of the command and control (C2) link
    • (v) a fly-away
    • (vi) a flight termination
  • A detailed Site Survey
  • A copy of the RPAS Operation Manual
  • A maintenance record for the RPAS

If a drone operator does not have ALL of these documents/procedures in place, then they are NOT operating legally, or in accordance with the Canadian Aviation Regulations for ‘Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems’.

Additional rules for ALL drones (of any size and weight) can be found here…

a
Can you fly drones over people?

Recreational drone operators must remain at least 100ft horizontally from the public. For Advanced Professional drone operators, if the people are part of the operation (or bystanders) AND they can be briefed on the safety and emergency procedures for the drone operations, we can operate the drone in and around the location without restrictions. However, to fly drones over people in public (or less than 15ft from the general public), for safety and legal reasons we need to use specialized drone equipment and additional planning, and would typically attach a small parachute to the drone for enhanced safety (and to comply with Transport Canada regulations), more…

a
What is the maximum distance a drone can operate at?

Transport Canada require ‘Line of Sight’ operations to be within 500mtrs of the operator/observer. However, with strategically placed observers (who are in direct radio comms with the Pilot), we can operate at greater distances if needed (the signal strength of our drones allow them to be safely controlled from even a few kilometres away), more…

a
Is a drone allowed to fly over moving vehicles?

Yes a drone is allowed to fly over moving vehicles, providing the drone does not endanger the safety of people (i.e. by distracting the drivers!), and all Transport Canada CARs Part IX rules and regulations are followed, more…

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Can I shoot a drone out of the sky?

Absolutely Not! Attempting to interfere with an aircraft in flight is a criminal offense and you will be liable for all damages, even if its flying over your property! more…

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Can a drone be used in a National Park?

No drone, regardless of its size and weight, may be operated in a park without a Special Permit!

Parks Canada have very strict rules about drones operating within a park, there are many sensitive wildlife areas and park visitors expect  to be able to enjoy the park without any safety concerns of drones in the air. You can be fined up to $25,000 for using a drone in a park without a special permit issued by Parks Canada, more…

a
What if a drone injures someone?

First call 911 to contact the emergency services.

A drone hitting and injuring a person is a very serious event and the drone pilot will be 100% liable for all damages (easily running into tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars), as well as fines and imprisonment for reckless or negligent operations.

Note: Recreational drone pilots do not typically hold Liability Insurance to cover such an accident, so operating anywhere near people without careful risk planning and safety procedures carries great risks, more…

 

a
There’s a drone flying over my property, what can I do?

Unfortunately, you do not have any legal ownership rights to the airspace above your property. However, Provincial Laws relating to Trespass, Nuisance and Privacy may be applicable, depending on the drones activities and its location, more…

Events FAQ's

a
What documentation must a drone pilot have to legally fly a drone in Canada?

To legally fly a drone in Canada (that has a take off weight of 250g or more) ‘anywhere’ in the open air, the drone operator MUST have the following documentation in place (as an absolute minimum)…

  • A valid Pilot Certificate for RPAS operations (appropriate for the airspace and location)
  • A certificate of RPAS Registration (with the number clearly visible on the drone)
  • Established procedures for pre-flight, take-off, launch, approach, landing and recovery
  • Emergency procedures in place, with respect to…
    • (i) a control station failure
    • (ii) an equipment failure
    • (iii) a failure of the remotely piloted aircraft
    • (iv) a loss of the command and control (C2) link
    • (v) a fly-away
    • (vi) a flight termination
  • A detailed Site Survey
  • A copy of the RPAS Operation Manual
  • A maintenance record for the RPAS

If a drone operator does not have ALL of these documents/procedures in place, then they are NOT operating legally, or in accordance with the Canadian Aviation Regulations for ‘Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems’.

Additional rules for ALL drones (of any size and weight) can be found here…

a
Can you fly drones over people?

Recreational drone operators must remain at least 100ft horizontally from the public. For Advanced Professional drone operators, if the people are part of the operation (or bystanders) AND they can be briefed on the safety and emergency procedures for the drone operations, we can operate the drone in and around the location without restrictions. However, to fly drones over people in public (or less than 15ft from the general public), for safety and legal reasons we need to use specialized drone equipment and additional planning, and would typically attach a small parachute to the drone for enhanced safety (and to comply with Transport Canada regulations), more…

a
How long can a drone fly for?

How long a drone can fly for depends on the type of drone and its payload weight, but we can typically expect a flight time of 20 to 30 minutes. We carry sufficient spare batteries to conduct several flights in one day and always have mobile charging systems for each drone on location.

a
How does the weather affect drone operations?

The biggest limiting factor to affect drone operations is wind speed, it becomes difficult (and more time consuming) to produce good results with wind speeds gusting more than 35kph (note also that at 100ft the wind is typically around double than on the ground!). We can operate in light rain and snow to a degree (providing we have good visibility), as we have a fully waterproof and submersible drone in our fleet, capable of taking off and landing on water. We can operate the Inspire 2 drones below freezing, at air temperatures down to -10C (but with limited range and flight times). In short, the nicer the weather, the better the results.

a
Can the video downlink be broadcast live?

Yes, all our drones have video downlink (and our property walkthrough video cameras) and have live streaming capability and can be made available for live broadcasting platforms, such as Facebook Live and YouTube Live.

Note: Some of our drone equipment have fully encrypted video downlinks, in case sensitive information is required to be filmed.

a
Can you fly a drone in sub-zero temperatures?

Some of our Drones are designed to operate in temperatures as low as -10c. However, if there is a potential for ice to form on the surfaces of the drone (or the air temperature is beyond the drone manufacturers recommendations), we will not be able to fly for safety reasons.

Note: We only use the forecasted air temperature as a guide, we always measure the temperature of the drone surfaces before a flight, to determine if it is safe to fly.

a
How close can the drone get to a subject?

After a short safety briefing with all personnel involved with the operation, and any other people who may be in the area, we can operate the Drone as close as a few feet away from the subject, depending on the location and weather conditions. For close proximity flights our Risk Assessment will ensure we mitigate potential dangers to an acceptable level, and would typically attach propeller guards to the Drone.

a
How much space is needed for a drone to take off and land?

Ideally, for a drone to take off and land safely we like to cordon off at least 20ft of unobstructed, flat ground for both our primary and secondary landing sites. Caution tape, signage and ground crew will also be used if there is potential for people not involved in the operation to enter the areas.

a
Can you fly a drone inside a Church?

No, we will not typically fly a drone inside a Church or building with people inside. The only time we would operate a drone inside a building would be if it was first evacuated, and would require specialist planning and crowd control etc.. However we can safely use special gyro-stabilized camera equipment to simulate ‘flying’ around inside a building.

a
What if you are unable to fly the drone on the pre booked date?

In case we are unable to fly the drone on the pre-booked date (i.e. due to bad weather), we will try our best to capture some useable footage on another day to make the best of the situation.

Note: If we are required to remain on standby (in case there is an opportunity to fly the drone at all), a reduced rate for a ‘Bad Weather Day’ will be charged.

Inspection FAQ's

a
What documentation must a drone pilot have to legally fly a drone in Canada?

To legally fly a drone in Canada (that has a take off weight of 250g or more) ‘anywhere’ in the open air, the drone operator MUST have the following documentation in place (as an absolute minimum)…

  • A valid Pilot Certificate for RPAS operations (appropriate for the airspace and location)
  • A certificate of RPAS Registration (with the number clearly visible on the drone)
  • Established procedures for pre-flight, take-off, launch, approach, landing and recovery
  • Emergency procedures in place, with respect to…
    • (i) a control station failure
    • (ii) an equipment failure
    • (iii) a failure of the remotely piloted aircraft
    • (iv) a loss of the command and control (C2) link
    • (v) a fly-away
    • (vi) a flight termination
  • A detailed Site Survey
  • A copy of the RPAS Operation Manual
  • A maintenance record for the RPAS

If a drone operator does not have ALL of these documents/procedures in place, then they are NOT operating legally, or in accordance with the Canadian Aviation Regulations for ‘Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems’.

Additional rules for ALL drones (of any size and weight) can be found here…

a
What data export types can you offer?

The data export is compatible with existing agriculture data analytic tools including the John Deere Operations Center, APEX, SST, SMS, FarmWorks, Encirca, FieldView + moren Export Map Projections – Web Mercator EPSG:3857 (WGS84); EPSG:4326 (WGS84); 2D Orthomosaic – RGB Image .tif (GeoTIFF); .kml (Web Mercator). Plant Health Mapping (NDVI) – RGB Image; .tif or .kml; Surface Modelling – .tif; .kml; .shp; .dxfn3D Point Cloud – .las; .obj surface (with .jpg); .xyzn. For a more detailed list of file types and data analysis services, please contact us.

a
How long can a drone fly for?

How long a drone can fly for depends on the type of drone and its payload weight, but we can typically expect a flight time of 20 to 30 minutes. We carry sufficient spare batteries to conduct several flights in one day and always have mobile charging systems for each drone on location.

a
How does the weather affect drone operations?

The biggest limiting factor to affect drone operations is wind speed, it becomes difficult (and more time consuming) to produce good results with wind speeds gusting more than 35kph (note also that at 100ft the wind is typically around double than on the ground!). We can operate in light rain and snow to a degree (providing we have good visibility), as we have a fully waterproof and submersible drone in our fleet, capable of taking off and landing on water. We can operate the Inspire 2 drones below freezing, at air temperatures down to -10C (but with limited range and flight times). In short, the nicer the weather, the better the results.

a
Can the video downlink be broadcast live?

Yes, all our drones have video downlink (and our property walkthrough video cameras) and have live streaming capability and can be made available for live broadcasting platforms, such as Facebook Live and YouTube Live.

Note: Some of our drone equipment have fully encrypted video downlinks, in case sensitive information is required to be filmed.

a
How is the data and Inspection Report presented and delivered to the client?

The most important thing for a report is for it to clearly identify and help prioritize defects, and document them to monitor trends over time. The precise location and direction of every image must be recorded and the data must be easy to access from a database. It is equally important to record areas that are in a good condition and present an overview of the structure, so the client can make assessments and analysis for preventive maintenance measures.

Our reports include a fully interactive cloud based report service, together with a pdf summary document, with details and annotations of the observations.

a
What is the best drone to use for inspection services?

Typically, for industrial inspection work, a professional grade inspection drone with interchangeable payloads would be used, providing a good, stable platform for dual camera payloads (for Thermal & Extreme Zoom capabilities for example), and RTK GNSS positioning if required. It is essential that the drone is capable of operating around high energy and Electro Magnetic Interference. Every inspection job is assessed to determine the best UAV and payload systems for that specific application.

a
What kind of inspection experience and knowledge is required by a drone Inspection team?

First and foremost, the inspection team must understand the structure being inspected. A professional drone inspection company will…

Understand the tensile and compressive stresses and strain areas of a structure

Identify types of concrete and masonry cracks, scaling, flaking and crazing etc.

Understand fibreglass and composite material deterioration (stress cracks, oxidation, de-lamination etc.)

Know how to identify types of corrosion and where it may be of concern

Have the skills to inspect weld defects, cracks, porosity, weld profiles etc.

Be able to quickly identify structural safety issues and concerns

Know how to identify lightning strike damage and corona discharge etc.

Be able to suggest appropriate followup NDT inspection (MPI, PT, UT, etc.)

a
What level of piloting competency and experience is required to carry out inspection flights?

A licence to fly a drone can be obtained in just a few hours (without the need to actually fly a drone!). However, complex inspection services require highly specific training and piloting skills.

An inspection pilot needs to be able to fly a drone smoothly and safely, (without using automated flight management systems such as GPS), and have the experience and knowledge to quickly react to situations as they arise.

Exactly how sensors and equipment are affected by RFI (or the proximity of ferrous materials) are just some of the many factors a competent drone inspection pilot will understand and mitigate during their risk assessment.

a
What Are Ground Control Points (GCP’s)?

Ground control points are large marked targets on the ground, spaced strategically throughout the area of interest, referenced to RTK GPS coordinates. The ground control points and their coordinates are then used to help drone mapping software accurately position the map in relation to the real world around it.

a
How important is it to have a background in structural inspections (rather than just aerial photography)?

A skilled inspection engineer who understands your requirements, together with drone piloting skills able to deliver CVI (Close Visual Inspection) imagery, is essential for effective results. Unlike aerial photography, flying very close to dangerous structures and expensive assets, such as wind turbines, power lines and communication masts, requires many years of experience, good spatial awareness and a complete understanding of the constantly changing environment.

Real Estate FAQ's

a
What documentation must a drone pilot have to legally fly a drone in Canada?

To legally fly a drone in Canada (that has a take off weight of 250g or more) ‘anywhere’ in the open air, the drone operator MUST have the following documentation in place (as an absolute minimum)…

  • A valid Pilot Certificate for RPAS operations (appropriate for the airspace and location)
  • A certificate of RPAS Registration (with the number clearly visible on the drone)
  • Established procedures for pre-flight, take-off, launch, approach, landing and recovery
  • Emergency procedures in place, with respect to…
    • (i) a control station failure
    • (ii) an equipment failure
    • (iii) a failure of the remotely piloted aircraft
    • (iv) a loss of the command and control (C2) link
    • (v) a fly-away
    • (vi) a flight termination
  • A detailed Site Survey
  • A copy of the RPAS Operation Manual
  • A maintenance record for the RPAS

If a drone operator does not have ALL of these documents/procedures in place, then they are NOT operating legally, or in accordance with the Canadian Aviation Regulations for ‘Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems’.

Additional rules for ALL drones (of any size and weight) can be found here…

a
Can the Realtor media be used anywhere?

In order to remain cost effective, our copyright provides the Realtor with the limited right to reproduce, publicly display, and distribute the Realtor media only for promotional or advertising purposes directly related to the sale of the Property. Media used for any purpose not directly related to the sale of the Property must be with the express permission of Skygate Videography Inc.

a
How long can a drone fly for?

How long a drone can fly for depends on the type of drone and its payload weight, but we can typically expect a flight time of 20 to 30 minutes. We carry sufficient spare batteries to conduct several flights in one day and always have mobile charging systems for each drone on location.

a
Can anyone legally make and sell aerial drone videos and photographs?

In order to collect data, or legally take aerial photographs and aerial drone videos from remotely piloted aircraft (even for recreational purposes), the operator must have passed an examination and hold an ‘RPAS Pilot Certificate for Basic Operators as a minimum (Note: your drone must also be registered with Transport Canada).

This demonstrates of a level of competency and safe practices, and include the requirements for you to make detailed flight plans, risk assessments, emergency procedures and maintenance logs etc.. Failure to comply with Transport Canada CARS section IX regulations can result in fines up to $25,000 and/or jail time.

Note: Some (but not all) of the Transport Canada drone regulations are not applicable to very small drones (lighter than 250g). However, you must still operate them safely and responsibly.

a
How does the weather affect drone operations?

The biggest limiting factor to affect drone operations is wind speed, it becomes difficult (and more time consuming) to produce good results with wind speeds gusting more than 35kph (note also that at 100ft the wind is typically around double than on the ground!). We can operate in light rain and snow to a degree (providing we have good visibility), as we have a fully waterproof and submersible drone in our fleet, capable of taking off and landing on water. We can operate the Inspire 2 drones below freezing, at air temperatures down to -10C (but with limited range and flight times). In short, the nicer the weather, the better the results.

a
Can the video downlink be broadcast live?

Yes, all our drones have video downlink (and our property walkthrough video cameras) and have live streaming capability and can be made available for live broadcasting platforms, such as Facebook Live and YouTube Live.

Note: Some of our drone equipment have fully encrypted video downlinks, in case sensitive information is required to be filmed.

a
Can I edit the Multimedia Listing?

No, The URL link provided is for viewing only. However, you will be given the opportunity to review the video before publishing, and we can always edit it directly for you at any time.

a
How do you capture video of dark and poorly lit rooms?

To capture video of dark spaces, we have a few options to ensure we present areas in the best light. Apart from choosing a bright and sunny day for the shoot, we typically film using a special Low Light Camera and lens. We can set up remote LED lighting to provide subtle and reflected light to dark areas of a room, or we can take still panoramic images with a flash and ‘animate’ them into the walkthrough presentation.

a
How much space is needed for a drone to take off and land?

Ideally, for a drone to take off and land safely we like to cordon off at least 20ft of unobstructed, flat ground for both our primary and secondary landing sites. Caution tape, signage and ground crew will also be used if there is potential for people not involved in the operation to enter the areas.

a
Do you shoot the Aerial and Walkthrough Video together?

Yes, we always try to shoot both the aerial and the walkthrough video in one visit. However, since drone flights are limited to certain weather conditions, we may choose to get the interior walkthrough video completed first, returning later for the drone flight. This also allows us to deliver an initial video to you quickly, and provide the full multimedia for upload later.

Note: There is no additional charge for making more than one visit to a property for a single job order.

Surveillance FAQ's

a
What documentation must a drone pilot have to legally fly a drone in Canada?

To legally fly a drone in Canada (that has a take off weight of 250g or more) ‘anywhere’ in the open air, the drone operator MUST have the following documentation in place (as an absolute minimum)…

  • A valid Pilot Certificate for RPAS operations (appropriate for the airspace and location)
  • A certificate of RPAS Registration (with the number clearly visible on the drone)
  • Established procedures for pre-flight, take-off, launch, approach, landing and recovery
  • Emergency procedures in place, with respect to…
    • (i) a control station failure
    • (ii) an equipment failure
    • (iii) a failure of the remotely piloted aircraft
    • (iv) a loss of the command and control (C2) link
    • (v) a fly-away
    • (vi) a flight termination
  • A detailed Site Survey
  • A copy of the RPAS Operation Manual
  • A maintenance record for the RPAS

If a drone operator does not have ALL of these documents/procedures in place, then they are NOT operating legally, or in accordance with the Canadian Aviation Regulations for ‘Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems’.

Additional rules for ALL drones (of any size and weight) can be found here…

a
Can you fly drones over people?

Recreational drone operators must remain at least 100ft horizontally from the public. For Advanced Professional drone operators, if the people are part of the operation (or bystanders) AND they can be briefed on the safety and emergency procedures for the drone operations, we can operate the drone in and around the location without restrictions. However, to fly drones over people in public (or less than 15ft from the general public), for safety and legal reasons we need to use specialized drone equipment and additional planning, and would typically attach a small parachute to the drone for enhanced safety (and to comply with Transport Canada regulations), more…

a
How long can a drone fly for?

How long a drone can fly for depends on the type of drone and its payload weight, but we can typically expect a flight time of 20 to 30 minutes. We carry sufficient spare batteries to conduct several flights in one day and always have mobile charging systems for each drone on location.

a
How does the weather affect drone operations?

The biggest limiting factor to affect drone operations is wind speed, it becomes difficult (and more time consuming) to produce good results with wind speeds gusting more than 35kph (note also that at 100ft the wind is typically around double than on the ground!). We can operate in light rain and snow to a degree (providing we have good visibility), as we have a fully waterproof and submersible drone in our fleet, capable of taking off and landing on water. We can operate the Inspire 2 drones below freezing, at air temperatures down to -10C (but with limited range and flight times). In short, the nicer the weather, the better the results.

a
Can the video downlink be broadcast live?

Yes, all our drones have video downlink (and our property walkthrough video cameras) and have live streaming capability and can be made available for live broadcasting platforms, such as Facebook Live and YouTube Live.

Note: Some of our drone equipment have fully encrypted video downlinks, in case sensitive information is required to be filmed.

a
Can you fly a drone in sub-zero temperatures?

Some of our Drones are designed to operate in temperatures as low as -10c. However, if there is a potential for ice to form on the surfaces of the drone (or the air temperature is beyond the drone manufacturers recommendations), we will not be able to fly for safety reasons.

Note: We only use the forecasted air temperature as a guide, we always measure the temperature of the drone surfaces before a flight, to determine if it is safe to fly.

a
What is the maximum distance a drone can operate at?

Transport Canada require ‘Line of Sight’ operations to be within 500mtrs of the operator/observer. However, with strategically placed observers (who are in direct radio comms with the Pilot), we can operate at greater distances if needed (the signal strength of our drones allow them to be safely controlled from even a few kilometres away), more…

a
How much space is needed for a drone to take off and land?

Ideally, for a drone to take off and land safely we like to cordon off at least 20ft of unobstructed, flat ground for both our primary and secondary landing sites. Caution tape, signage and ground crew will also be used if there is potential for people not involved in the operation to enter the areas.

a
What if you are unable to fly the drone on the pre booked date?

In case we are unable to fly the drone on the pre-booked date (i.e. due to bad weather), we will try our best to capture some useable footage on another day to make the best of the situation.

Note: If we are required to remain on standby (in case there is an opportunity to fly the drone at all), a reduced rate for a ‘Bad Weather Day’ will be charged.

Training FAQ's

a
Cancellation Policy

For our cancellation policy your registration will be fully refunded when notice of withdrawal is given fourteen (14) days before the course start date. When notification is received less than fourteen (14) days before the course start date, the registration fee is forfeited. If you are unable to attend your course, you may arrange for someone to take your place by contacting us.

a
Do I need to bring my own Drone?

For Flight Reviews, we recommend you use a drone that you are familiar with and have some experience with the settings and controls. However, Skygate can supply a DJI drone for the review process for a small additional fee.

For classroom based courses, although the courses do not include actual drone flying, you may wish to bring your own drone in order to understand the specific setup processes and how they may differ from the classroom equipment (*we will be working mainly with DJI drones).

a
How long does the RPAS Flight Review process take?

On average it takes approx. 1.5 hours to complete the assessment of the flight planning and the actual RPAS flight review. Your status will be uploaded to the TC Drone Portal within 24 hours

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What happens if I fail the RPAS Flight Review?

If you fail the RPAS flight review, you must wait at least 24 hours before you can retake the test. Note: There may be a small additional charge for the retake, depending on the test location and the availability of the flight reviewer

a
What documentation must a drone pilot have to legally fly a drone in Canada?

To legally fly a drone in Canada (that has a take off weight of 250g or more) ‘anywhere’ in the open air, the drone operator MUST have the following documentation in place (as an absolute minimum)…

  • A valid Pilot Certificate for RPAS operations (appropriate for the airspace and location)
  • A certificate of RPAS Registration (with the number clearly visible on the drone)
  • Established procedures for pre-flight, take-off, launch, approach, landing and recovery
  • Emergency procedures in place, with respect to…
    • (i) a control station failure
    • (ii) an equipment failure
    • (iii) a failure of the remotely piloted aircraft
    • (iv) a loss of the command and control (C2) link
    • (v) a fly-away
    • (vi) a flight termination
  • A detailed Site Survey
  • A copy of the RPAS Operation Manual
  • A maintenance record for the RPAS

If a drone operator does not have ALL of these documents/procedures in place, then they are NOT operating legally, or in accordance with the Canadian Aviation Regulations for ‘Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems’.

Additional rules for ALL drones (of any size and weight) can be found here…

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Do I need to be an experienced drone pilot?

Absolutely not! Although having some experience with flying drones would be useful, the course is designed to help guide you and develop your skills at your own pace, with knowledge, techniques and practice drills that will improve your own skills right away.

Video Production FAQ's

a
What documentation must a drone pilot have to legally fly a drone in Canada?

To legally fly a drone in Canada (that has a take off weight of 250g or more) ‘anywhere’ in the open air, the drone operator MUST have the following documentation in place (as an absolute minimum)…

  • A valid Pilot Certificate for RPAS operations (appropriate for the airspace and location)
  • A certificate of RPAS Registration (with the number clearly visible on the drone)
  • Established procedures for pre-flight, take-off, launch, approach, landing and recovery
  • Emergency procedures in place, with respect to…
    • (i) a control station failure
    • (ii) an equipment failure
    • (iii) a failure of the remotely piloted aircraft
    • (iv) a loss of the command and control (C2) link
    • (v) a fly-away
    • (vi) a flight termination
  • A detailed Site Survey
  • A copy of the RPAS Operation Manual
  • A maintenance record for the RPAS

If a drone operator does not have ALL of these documents/procedures in place, then they are NOT operating legally, or in accordance with the Canadian Aviation Regulations for ‘Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems’.

Additional rules for ALL drones (of any size and weight) can be found here…

a
Can you fly drones over people?

Recreational drone operators must remain at least 100ft horizontally from the public. For Advanced Professional drone operators, if the people are part of the operation (or bystanders) AND they can be briefed on the safety and emergency procedures for the drone operations, we can operate the drone in and around the location without restrictions. However, to fly drones over people in public (or less than 15ft from the general public), for safety and legal reasons we need to use specialized drone equipment and additional planning, and would typically attach a small parachute to the drone for enhanced safety (and to comply with Transport Canada regulations), more…

a
Can anyone legally make and sell aerial drone videos and photographs?

In order to collect data, or legally take aerial photographs and aerial drone videos from remotely piloted aircraft (even for recreational purposes), the operator must have passed an examination and hold an ‘RPAS Pilot Certificate for Basic Operators as a minimum (Note: your drone must also be registered with Transport Canada).

This demonstrates of a level of competency and safe practices, and include the requirements for you to make detailed flight plans, risk assessments, emergency procedures and maintenance logs etc.. Failure to comply with Transport Canada CARS section IX regulations can result in fines up to $25,000 and/or jail time.

Note: Some (but not all) of the Transport Canada drone regulations are not applicable to very small drones (lighter than 250g). However, you must still operate them safely and responsibly.

a
Can the video downlink be broadcast live?

Yes, all our drones have video downlink (and our property walkthrough video cameras) and have live streaming capability and can be made available for live broadcasting platforms, such as Facebook Live and YouTube Live.

Note: Some of our drone equipment have fully encrypted video downlinks, in case sensitive information is required to be filmed.

a
Can you fly a drone in sub-zero temperatures?

Some of our Drones are designed to operate in temperatures as low as -10c. However, if there is a potential for ice to form on the surfaces of the drone (or the air temperature is beyond the drone manufacturers recommendations), we will not be able to fly for safety reasons.

Note: We only use the forecasted air temperature as a guide, we always measure the temperature of the drone surfaces before a flight, to determine if it is safe to fly.

a
What is the maximum distance a drone can operate at?

Transport Canada require ‘Line of Sight’ operations to be within 500mtrs of the operator/observer. However, with strategically placed observers (who are in direct radio comms with the Pilot), we can operate at greater distances if needed (the signal strength of our drones allow them to be safely controlled from even a few kilometres away), more…

a
How close can the drone get to a subject?

After a short safety briefing with all personnel involved with the operation, and any other people who may be in the area, we can operate the Drone as close as a few feet away from the subject, depending on the location and weather conditions. For close proximity flights our Risk Assessment will ensure we mitigate potential dangers to an acceptable level, and would typically attach propeller guards to the Drone.

a
Can you fly a drone inside a Church?

No, we will not typically fly a drone inside a Church or building with people inside. The only time we would operate a drone inside a building would be if it was first evacuated, and would require specialist planning and crowd control etc.. However we can safely use special gyro-stabilized camera equipment to simulate ‘flying’ around inside a building.

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