RESTRICTED OPERATOR – COMPLEX December 14, 2018
Transport Canada Quebec Region Restricted Operator
Complex SFOC Application Guidance
YOU MUST REVIEW AND UNDERSTAND THE STAFF INSTRUCTION (SI) 623-001_2en FOR THE PROCESSING OF AN UNMANNED AIR VEHICLE (UAV) SYSTEM SPECIAL FLIGHT OPERATIONS CERTIFRICATE (SFOC) PRIOR TO COMPLETING AND SUBMITTING THIS APPLICATION TEMPLATE.
Applicability
This checklist is applicable to Restricted SFOC applications (complex or simplified applications) for UAVs 25 kg or less operated within visual line-of-sight (VLOS). This template is not applicable to compliant operator SFOC applications.
Purpose
This document is unofficial and is meant as a guide to help clients to prepare and inspectors to review Special Flight Operations Certificate Applications (SFOC) for Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV) operations within the Transport Canada Quebec Region. This guide is not all inclusive and the Minister reserves the right to request more information or clarification of information provided. Once completed, this guide shall be attached to SFOC applications to aid in expediting the SFOC review process. This guide may also be submitted as an SFOC UAV application.
Content
Effective January 1, 2016 for an initial SFOC application (for your first application in 2016), each section (RED and YELLOW) MUST be filled with as much detail as possible. If a section is found to be Not Applicable, the applicant must provide a justification.
For all subsequent SFOC applications, only the RED sections MUST be filled without exception. Incomplete applications will be returned automatically. YELLOW sections will only be filled if changes or amendments were made after the initial SFOC request (e. g., Change of name , business name , key personnel, contact information, add or remove UAV, amendment of manual operations, emergency procedures, safety procedures, etc..)
Note: If you already have a company operation manual and/or a manual of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and/or a maintenance manual and/or a training manual and/or a flight manual of the UAV and/or a maintenance manual of the UAV, etc., simply attach your documents with your initial application and reference the appropriate manuals in the RED/YELLOW sections.
Note: It is not mandatory to create or provide the above mentioned documents for an SFOC application for a specific site. However, operators who wish to obtain a Standing SFOC (seesection 7.5 of SI 623-001_2en concerning eligibilities criteria) for the Quebec region must submit their documents with their initial SFOC request.
Note: For a Standing SFOC application, you must provide a copy of your Flight Logs and/or a copy of the first and last page of the Pilot Log Book(s) in order to demonstrate you have gained sufficifient UAV operations experience as per the SI 623-001 Section 6.28(3) and Section 7.5(1).
If this is an SFOC application for a specific site, site specific information must be included. But if it's an application for a Standing SFOC for a wider geographical area and/or a prolonged period of time, the applicant must provide procedures where the section applies for each flight operation.For example, an application to operate at a specific site will need the security details of that site whereas an application to work within a geographic area will require a process and/or a standardized way of determining security details for every site.
If you have questions about an SFOC application, please contact Transport Canada, Quebec Region, at
Note: Completion of this template does not guarantee the issuance of an SFOC. The Minister reserves the right to request more information.
Note: Incomplete applications will be returned with a request for additional information. If you are asked to amend your application, please return it as soon as you are able. Failure to respond within 30 days will result in the application being considered abandoned with the assumption that the proposed operation will not occur. Should you wish to operate at a future date, your application will be treated as a new application and may be subject to delays due to application volumes
Note: The Minister may refuse to issue an SFOC if it is determined that the UAV operator is not able to satisfactorily mitigate the risks of the proposed operation.
Note: Here is an example of annexes for this guide:
Appendix A - Proof of corporation, Company information/individual, etc..
Appendix B - Proof of insurance liability
Appendix C - Evidence of skills (eg Training Certificate, Restricted Operator Certificate - Aeronautical (ROC- A), etc.- see Section 10.4 and Annex B of the 623-001_2fr IP)
Appendix D - Company Operations Manual (Ex: see section CAR 722.82)
Appendix E - Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) (Ex: see section CAR 722.84)
Appendix F - Training Manual
Appendix G - Flight Manual or the UAV system (s)
Appendix H - Flight register or pilot (Log Books)
Appendix I - Maintenance Manual or UAV (s)
Appendix J - Maintenance register or UAV(s)
Appendix K - Statement of compliance
Appendix L - Statement of Compliance
Appendix K - Report Form of accidents/incidents
TYPE OFAPPLICATION
COMPLEXSIMPLIFIED
SPECIFICSTANDING
COMPANY’S NAME, APPLICANT’S NAME AND E-MAIL ADRESS:
FILL IN INFORMATION HERE
Note: The name of a person is required as is the company name, but the “certificate holder” will be a person (e.g. the President or owner of the company, Insured person, etc.)Also include the name and e-mail adress of the person to whom the SFOC will be sent to.
DATE OF APPLICATION:
FILL IN INFORMATION HERE
Note: if the application is modified or amended indicate the amendment number of the final application upon which the SFOC will be based (e.g. September 5, 2013 amendment 2).
THE DATES, ALTERNATE DATES AND TIMES OF PROPOSED OPERATION:
ENTER THE PLANNED DATES, ALTERNATE DATES AND TIMES HERE
PLANNED OPERATION SITES:
ENTERTHE FULL CIVIC ADDRESSINCLUDING THE POSTALCODE ANDGPSCOORDINATESINDEGREES, MINUTES,SECONDSHERE
Note: Each different site requires a different SFOC application.
UAV TYPE(S) FOR THE PROPOSED FLYING OPERATIONS
ENTER THE TYPE(S) OF UAV HERE
CLASS OF AIRSPACE:
ENTER THE CLASS OF AIRSPACE FOR THE OPERATION HERE
PROOF OF LIABILITY INSURANCE
Name of insurance company: ENTER INFORMATION HERE
Insurance contract number:ENTER INFORMATION HERE
Insurance contract effective date:ENTER INFORMATION HERE
Insurance contract expiry date:ENTER INFORMATION HERE
Note:No SFOC will be issued without a valid proof of civil liability insurance.
RESTRICTED OPERATOR – COMPLEX December 14, 2018
SI SECTION8.1
"The name, address, and where applicable, the telephone number and facsimile number of the applicant."
a)The Certificate applicant must provide the name, address, telephone and facsimile numbers, and any other pertinent contact information (e.g. email address).
b)As applicable to manned aviation, the Certificate applicant must be the individual/organization that has possession of the UAV system as owner or lessee. This person or company has complete responsibility for the operation and safety of the UAV flight operation and responsibility for compliance with the conditions contained in the SFOC.
c)It is essential that the UAV operator is aware of the responsibility to ensure that the UAV operation is conducted in such a way that the safety of persons and property on the ground and other airspace users is not jeopardized.
ENTER INFORMATION HERE
SI SECTION 8.2
"The name, address, and where applicable the telephone number and facsimile number of the person designated by the applicant to have operational control over the operation (Operation Manager)."
a)The Certificate applicant must provide the name, address, telephone and facsimile numbers and any other pertinent contact information (e.g. email address) of the person designated to have operational control over the operation.
b)The SFOC application must describe how/why this person is qualified to act as the Operation Manager.
ENTER INFORMATION HERE
Note: SI 623-001 is not intended to confine a UAV operator to a mandatory management structure, including position titles. A UAV operator may or may not use position titles such as "Operation Manager" and "Ground Supervisor" within their organization, however someone must have operational control over the operation and someone must be responsible for supervision of the operation area. It must be clearly indicated in the SFOC application who has been designated these responsibilities. In small operations, the Operation Manager and the Ground Supervisor could be the same person.
SI SECTION 8.3
"Method by which the Operation Manager may be contacted directly during the operation."
a)TC must be able to immediately contact a responsible person at the site of the operation. The Certificate applicant will provide the contact information for the responsible person on-site (e.g. Operation Manager, Ground Supervisor) who can be contacted directly during the operation.
b)If the contact information provided above is for a mobile device, the UAV operator must be confident that the contact information provided will be functional in all the proposed operating area(s) so that the responsible person can be contacted. If it is determined that contact with the responsible person cannot be established using the information provided, the UAV operator shall provide TC with updated contact information prior to commencing operations.
ENTER INFORMATION HERE
Note: If the operation area is remote, the Operation Manager must provide a means of contact. Some areas may require Satellite Telephone coverage if other (cell or landline etc.) methods are not practicable
SI SECTION 8.4
"The type and purpose of the operation."
a)The Certificate applicant must provide a description of the type(s) (e.g. VLOS, BVLOS, day, night, VFR, IFR) and the purpose(s) of the operation (e.g. aerial photography, geophysical surveying, aerial demonstration, aerial inspection, wildlife management, search and rescue).
b)The Certificate applicant must be specific when describing the purpose(s).
c)Where a UAV system will be used for multiple purposes, all these purposes and the associated risk mitigations must all be detailed in the SFOC application.
ENTER INFORMATION HERE
SI SECTION 8.5
"The dates, alternate dates and times of the proposed operation."
a)The Certificate applicant must provide the dates, alternate dates and times of the proposed operation.
Note: The Inspector works with the Certificate applicant to determine an appropriate validity period for the operation,while minimizing theexposureofpeople not related to UAV flight operations(egearly morning, weekends, etc.) and the effects onthe general public(egroad closures) and taking into account potential delays for inclement weather, etc. As there may be circumstances where the applicant is unable to complete the operation within a tightly defined validity period, it is recommended that a buffer be added to the validity period rather than issuing a second SFOC.
ENTER INFORMATION HERE
SI SECTION 8.7
"The security plan for the area(s) of operation and security plan for the area(s) to be over flown to ensure no hazard is created to persons or property on the surface."
- The Certificate applicant must describe the security plan for the area(s) of operation and for the areas to be over flown.
Note:Security plan pertains to safety and security of persons and property on the ground. Physical and control station security issues (e.g. unlawful interference) are addressed in UAV System Security section below.
- The following should be considered when developing the security plan:
- Proposed safe altitudes and distances for the operation (e.g. from members of the public, structures, vehicles, vessels etc.);
Note: Flight within 100 feet horizontally of persons not involved in the operation of the UAV will not be permitted. Flight within 100’ horizontally of buildings and occupied vehicles or vessels will not be permitted without the owners consent and lack of objection from the occupants. The fact that flight within 100 feet of occupied vehicles (without the occupants’ permission) also serves to preclude operation of the UAV within 100 feet of roads and rights of way unless the applicant can demonstrate how and under what authority they plan to prevent such incursions of the UAV (e.g. road closure).
ENTER INFORMATION HERE
- Isolation of bystanders during take-off/launch, in-flight and landing/recovery (e.g. fences, barriers, removal of people from operating area, etc.);
ENTER INFORMATION HERE
Note: Use of warning signs only is not considered acceptable in areas with a reasonable possibility of spectator incursion. The applicant must outline how they intend to secure the site. If the applicant intends to close public roadways, sidewalks or other public spaces, they must show proof that they have the authority of the controlling agency to do so. In the case of a large geographic area, a process must be shown whereby these permissions may be obtained.
- Permission to access private property;
ENTER INFORMATION HERE
Note: The application must indicate that permission has been or will be obtained before flight for all properties over which and from or to which flights of the UAV will take place.
- Permission from aerodrome authorities; and
ENTER INFORMATION HERE
Note:The applicant must demonstrate that the aerodrome authorities and/or controlling agencies for both the aerodrome and the surrounding airspace have been contacted and have approved of the operation. The applicant must provide documentation to that effect including names and contact numbers of the parties concerned and details of the operational security plan.
- Permission for land use from other jurisdictions (e.g. civic authorities, government held property, DND, etc.).
ENTER INFORMATION HERE
Note: Similar to private property in that the application must indicate that permission has been or will be obtained before flight for all affected properties over which and from or to which flights of the UAV will take place. Depending on the level of safety mitigation required, the inspector may or may not require the applicant to provide documentation granting permission. Documentation of coordination with DND, Parks Canada, City or Provincial Governments and any other affected agencies is required to be attached to the application.
SI SECTION 8.8
"Describe the emergency contingency plan to deal with any disaster resulting from the operation."
- The Certificate applicant must describe the emergency contingency plan(s).
ENTER INFORMATION HERE
- The Certificate applicant will:
- Have an emergency plan in place describing the personnel and equipment available to respond to anticipated emergencies, including incidents and accidents, or medical emergencies;
ENTER INFORMATION HERE
- Have the equipment and personnel described in the emergency plan readily available during flight operations;
ENTER INFORMATION HERE
- Coordinate the emergency contingency plan with applicable emergency agencies and authorities (e.g. airport operator, etc.);
ENTER INFORMATION HERE
- Ensure that all persons associated with the operation who may be required to respond to an emergency situation are briefed in advance of the operation (e.g. available emergency services, methods of contacting emergency services, checklists); and
ENTER INFORMATION HERE
- Where applicable, ensure access routes are available for emergency vehicles.
Note:It is expected that the emergency contingency plan will be well thought out and detailed in the SFOC application. Relying on calling 911 would not, meet the standard expected of an emergency contingency plan.
Note: If the emergency contingency plan includes contacting 911, the Certificate applicant must identify that calling 911 is only related to the emergency contingency plan actions and that it is not appropriate to call 911 for aircraft-related emergencies (e.g. lost link, fly-away, damage to UAV, etc.)
SI SECTION 8.9
"The name, address, telephone and facsimile numbers of the person designated to be responsible for supervision of the operation area (Ground Supervisor), if different from the Operation Manager during the operation."
- The Certificate applicant must provide the name, address, telephone and facsimile numbers, or any other contact information (e.g. email) of the person designated to be responsible for supervision of the operation area.
ENTER INFORMATION HERE
- If a Ground Supervisor is utilized, the SFOC application must describe how/why this person is qualified to act as the Ground Supervisor.
ENTER INFORMATION HERE
Note: The UAV Staff Instruction is not intended to confine a UAV operator to a mandatory management structure, including position titles. A UAV operator may or may not use position titles such as "Operation Manager" and "Ground Supervisor" within their organization. However, someone must have operational control over the operation and someone must be responsible for supervision of the operation area. It must be clearly indicated in the SFOC application who has been designated these responsibilities. In small operations, the Operation Manager and the Ground Supervisor could be the same person.
SI SECTION 8.10
"A detailed plan describing how the operation shall be carried out. The plan shall include a clear, legible presentation of the area to be used during the operation. The presentation may be in the form of a scale diagram, aerial photograph or large scale topographical chart and must include at least the following information:"
Note: For those UAV operators eligible for a Standing SFOC, you are required to provide a description of your procedures for conducting a site survey as per Section 6.19 of the UAV Staff Instruction and provide an example of a detailed flight plan. (see example at the end of this guide)
- The altitudes and routes to be used on the approach and departure to and from the area where the operation will be carried out;
ENTER INFORMATION HERE
Note: As a general rule, flights within 3nm (5.5km) of any aerodrome will be limited to 100 feet AGL. Flights outside of 3nm (5.5km) will normally only be permitted as high as 400 feet AGL.
- The location and height above ground of all obstacles in the approach and departure path to the areas where the operation will be carried out;
ENTER INFORMATION HERE
Note: To be clear, authorization to fly at a certain height ABOVE GROUND LEVEL (AGL) means the actual height above the ground directly below the UAV. If higher altitudes are needed to provide safe clearance over obstacles, the applicant must detail these. Additionally, if the obstacles are other than naturally occurring,