Drones and Drone Filming on Campus

NAV Canada has withdrawn all drone approvals. Air space has been handed over to the RCMP from June 11th to July 19th with possible extension. See https://www.vancouverfwc26.ca/know-before-you-go/need-to-know.

The Film & Events Office is responsible for managing and approving all drone use requests at UBC.

Drone Filming Requirements

  • All commercial and non-research drone filming requests must be submitted at least 15 business days prior to the filming dates.  

  • All UBC research-related drone use requests must be submitted at least 5 business days prior to the filming dates. 

  • Drone pilots must carry a valid drone pilot certificate and only fly drones that are marked and registered. If you are flying a drone that is less than 250 grams, you do not need to register the drone or get a drone pilot certificate. Visit the Transport Canada website to learn how to obtain a certificate and how to register your drone.  

  • When filming on campus, drones must remain in the line of sight to maintain safety of the campus community.

Drone Use Guidelines

  • There are two categories of drone operation: basic and advanced. Each one has a different set of rules drone pilots must follow. Visit the Transport Canada website to learn more. 

  • A Certificate of Insurance of $5 million with UBC named as additional insured is required.   

  • Filming of students, faculty, and staff for personal use and/or posting to social media is not permitted without the individual's prior written approval.  

  • Flying near student and/or private residents will not be considered.   

  • Drone flying and/or filming at events must have received prior written approval, a minimum of 15 business days before the event, by submitting the Drone Filming Request form to the UBC Film & Events Office.

  • A flight and safety plan must be provided when you fill out the Drone Filming Request form. This would include the proposed launch and land locations. 

Botanical Garden

  • Drones and drone filming will not be considered on the main entrance side of the Botanical Garden, except for UBC Research. 
  • Approved drones are only permitted in event areas such as the Contemporary Lawn, Main Lawn, and Amphitheatre. 
  • Drones are not permitted at the Garden Pavilion or Taylor Plaza. 
  • Drones are not permitted at Nitobe Garden.
  • Drone filming is not permitted on the Asian Garden side of the Botanical Garden. 
  • UBC will be required to obtain approval from UBC Botanical Garden management. 

Download map of the Botanical Garden here. 

 

Sub-Station

Flying of drones over and around the Main Sub-station is not permitted. Approved drones must keep 3 meters away from fencing. 

Flying of drones over and around the Main Sub-station is not permitted.

To keep yourself and others safe, please review and abide by the following:  

  • fly your drone where you can always see it  

  • you can fly at night if you have lights on your drone  

  • fly your drone below 122 meters (400 feet) in the air  

  • fly your drone away from bystanders, at a minimum horizontal distance of 30 meters for basic operations  

  • fly your drone away from emergency operations and advertised events  

  • avoid forest fires, outdoor concerts, and parades  

  • fly your drone 5.6 kilometers (3 nautical miles) from airports 

  • fly your drone 1.9 kilometers (1 nautical mile) from heliports  

  • fly your drone outside controlled airspace (for basic operations only)  

  • fly your drone far away from other aircrafts and drones 

Note: You could face serious penalties, including fines and/or jail time, if you do not follow these safety guidelines.  

If you have other questions about drone filming or about the request form, please contact the Film & Events Office: