I do aerial photography withmy buddy Andy here in Calgary. We go all over the province, and even out of province, to shoot commercial projects with an 8 prop octocopter and a D800. He flies, I shoot.
We're restricted by Transport Canada as to height and distance from any airport (5 miles), location (country vs city). When in restricted or tight areas, we use a 43' mast with a remote controlled gimbal. Again, he controls the camera/gimbal...I shoot.
I think rules and regulations are necessary to fly these things just because of the safety required to fly and control these things. They can be very dangerous in inexperienced hands....and we all know how some people like to operate 'outside the law', as it were.
The company has to have mandatory insurance, and yes, we have to be licenced to operate, too.
New Heights Aerial Photograp