Drones can offer photographers a bird's eye view unattainable from ground level – just the kind of view Julien Gramigna needed to take video of a house for sale last June.
He says he had permission from the owner and real estate agent to fly over, but Transport Canada disagreed and slapped him with a $1,000 fine. And he only received the ticket last week.
“In June, the regulations weren't as clear as they are today,” he said.
In November, Transport Canada created new rules to distinguish between commercial and recreational drone use.
Transport Canada was not available for an interview but those regulations are on its website.
Most drones being used for commercial use need a special flight operations certificate.
It can take more than 20 business days to get one and Gramigna says it often only lasts for one flight.
“What happens when we publish our videos on YouTube? We have that right, for personal use. If we watermark those videos, do they become commercial? Even if it’s just to share with friends?” he said.
Drones are garnering plenty of attention by regulators north and south of the border.
ABC News obtained a recording of a Jet Blue pilot describing a close encounter with a one on approach to New York last month.
The devices are easily bought or rented, but the rules that govern their use are unclear, Gramigna says.
He plans to contest the ticket from Transport Canada, but also says that the current regulations for commercial use of drones are far too prohibitive for a growing industry.
