2024-01 MAAC RPAS

Events and SFOC

In consultation with Transport Canada, MAAC has obtained increased clarity on MAAC RPAS Event SFOC requirements. The following information supplements MAAC policy which will be amended in the following months. (See the MAAC Event Q and A on the website for more detail and examples)

Effectively May 01, 2024:

1. ALL MAAC events that require approval or want MAAC insurance must occur at SOC sites and be approved by MAAC. All outdoor events with operable RPAS must be approved by MAAC.

2. Outdoor events that are clearly listed as “member-only” events regardless of reason such as competitions, fun-fly’s, fly-in’s, airshows, air racing, demonstrations or any other organized gatherings do not require MAAC Event SFOC compliance. All advertising/notice including internal to MAAC must include the following phrase:

This event is closed to the public – only MAAC members and crew may attend. Invited guest(s) of a MAAC member are permitted provided they are supervised.

3. “Advertised events” – regardless of what you “named” your event, if your outdoor event includes operable (flying) RPAS and is open/advertised to the general public in any fashion, you must meet the MAAC SFOC requirements (the SAG will work with clubs on the rules required). All advertising/notice, including internal to MAAC must include the following phrase:

This event is open to the public and all MAAC members, crew, and their invited guests. MAAC Event SFOC compliance is required.

Foreign RPAS Pilots (US or other)
MAAC has already obtained Transport Canada approval for foreign RPAS pilots to operate RPAS at our MAAC sites and events (MPPD14 approved July 2023). Foreign pilots simply join MAAC and follow the provisions of MPPD14 (on the website). Also see the RPAS Wilco NOTAM (2024-02).

Over 400’agl and above 25kg
MAAC is aware of which clubs/sites qualify for above 400’agl and will soon begin to issue approvals site by site, with conditions specified in the rule’s packages. Where there are events requesting over 400’ or over 25kg, the Event SFOC rules listed above also apply, as well as the “higher and heavier” SFOC requirements. Clubs/sites that want to operate RPAS weighing more than 25kg should contact their Zone Director now. Also see Higher Heavier NOTAM to follow (2024-03).

A new rules template has been developed to ensure all MAAC Clubs and personal flying sites rules meet the CAR, and SFOC requirements. All club/site or event(s) wanting access to the new SFOC related flying privileges are required to adopt the new rules template. The SAG will assist all clubs transitioning to the new rules.

CAR Compliance remains an individual responsibility.