The vicinity of the Goose Bay airport is controlled airspace (classes C, D or E) which requires drone operators to have flight authorization from the airspace controller, in this case the 5 Wing Operations Centre. Flying a drone without proper authorization is a criminal offence and RCMP will be contacted immediately upon receiving a report of unauthorized drones. Anyone caught operating a drone outside the regulations could be subject to fines up to $15 000.
In accordance with
Transport Canada regulations, operating a drone over 250 grams within 10 nautical miles (NM) of an aerodrome requires an Advanced Operations Pilot Certificate and proper flight authorization. Drone operations outside of 10 NM of an aerodrome require a Basic Certificate. Drones below 250 grams, known as microdrones, do not require a certificate within this area with restrictions. All drone pilots, regardless of category, must fly in accordance with Transport Canada, provincial, territorial, and municipal regulations, obtaining authority as required. Visit the
NAV CAN Drone Tool website for details and to determine the requirements that apply to each drone category.
For Goose Bay Airport, the 10 NM radius is bordered by the following landmarks:
- The Community of Mud Lake
- Two miles East of Muskrat Falls Dam
- Rabbit Island
- Four miles past Birch Brook on the way to NWR
- Peter’s Falls
Individuals that see a suspicious drone are asked to report it. All members are encouraged to take a moment to visit
Understanding the security risks posed by drones to DND/CAF personnel – Canada.ca.
For more information, please see the attached Transport Canada bulletins, visit
Transport Canada’s drone website, or contact the 5 Wing Operations Centre. The regulations surrounding drone use are for the safety of aircraft and passengers and could result in serious consequences if ignored.
5 Wing Operations Centre
SERCO Canada Inc. / 5 Wing Goose Bay
5WGWOC@forces.gc.ca
Tel: 709-896-6673
Radio Frequency 129.85 VHF
10 nautical mile radius from Goose Bay Airport. Pilot license requirements will change depending on the drone category and where it is being flown within this radius.