4 Wing issues reminder: Drone use prohibited in Cold Lake airspace

4 Wing is reminding the Lakeland community that unauthorized drone or Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) operations are strictly prohibited within the 4 Wing Control Zone, which includes all Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Cold Lake property. Signs posted throughout the base clearly state that drone flights are not permitted. These restrictions are in place to ensure the safety of military and civilian aircraft operating in the area.

The CYOD Control Zone (see map below) extends 11 nautical miles from the base, covering Cold Lake North and South, the Cold Lake Municipal Airport, and the southwestern portion of Cold Lake. This airspace falls under Transport Canada’s Canadian Aviation Regulations Part IX, which governs all drone and UAS activity.

The CYOD Control Zone extends 11 nautical miles from the base, covering all of Cold Lake North and South, the Cold Lake Municipal Airport, and the southwestern portion of Cold Lake itself. This zone is subject to Transport Canada Canadian Aviation Regulations Part IX regarding UAS or drone flying.

Anyone wishing to fly a drone within this area must first obtain an approved Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Prior Permission Request (PPR) and hold a valid Transport Canada Advanced Operations Pilot Certificate.

Violating these regulations can result in severe penalties, including fines and potential jail time, under Transport Canada’s enforcement measures.