Drone License Ontario:
Obtaining Your Drone
License in Ontario

Last edited on December 06 2023

Introduction

If you want to fly a drone in Ontario, or anywhere else in Canada, you need to obtain a drone license from Transport Canada. There are two types of drone licenses: basic and advanced. The type of license you need depends on the weight of your drone, the distance from the public, and the airspace you want to fly in. In this blog post, we will explain the differences between the basic and advanced drone licenses, the steps to obtain them, and how to find a flight reviewer in your area if you need one.

Do I need a Drone License in Ontario?

Yes, you are likely to need a drone license. Canada has two drone certificates: basic and advanced. Transport Canada’s drone regulations do not differentiate between recreational and commercial drone operations. If you are operating a drone that weighs 250 grams or more in Canada, obtaining a license is now a necessity, rather than a choice. It does not matter whether you are flying a drone for fun or for business purposes – if you plan to fly a drone in Ontario, you must obtain either a basic or advanced operations license. Just as with a driver’s license, obtaining a drone license is necessary for anyone operating a drone in the country.

How to Obtain a Basic Drone License in Ontario

To obtain a basic drone license, you need to pass an online exam administered by Transport Canada. The exam consists of 35 multiple choice questions and you must get 65% or more to pass. You can retake the exam after 24 hours if you fail. You must be 14 years or older. The exam covers topics such as air law, navigation, meteorology, and drone operations. You can prepare for the exam by taking an online course that covers all the required topics. We offer an online exam preparation course for basic drone pilots that includes approximately 15 hours of material. Our course will help you pass the exam with confidence and ease.

How to Obtain an Advanced Drone License in Ontario

To obtain an advanced drone license, you need to pass an online exam and a flight review. The online exam is similar to the basic exam, but it has 50 questions and you need to get 80% or more to pass. The exam covers more advanced topics such as airspace classification, risk management, and emergency procedures. You can prepare for the exam by taking an online course that covers all the required topics. We offer an online exam preparation course for advanced drone pilots that includes approximately 15 hours of material. Our course will help you pass the exam with flying colors.

The flight review is an in-person assessment of your drone piloting skills and knowledge by a certified flight reviewer. You need to demonstrate that you can operate your drone safely and legally in real-life situations. You also need to have a brief conversation with the flight reviewer about the rules and your responsibilities. The flight review takes about 30 minutes and you can schedule it with a flight reviewer in your area. You can find a flight reviewer by using the online directory of drone flight schools provided by Transport Canada. You can filter the list by province, city, or postal code to find a flight school near you. You can then contact the flight school and ask if they offer flight reviews and how to book one.

What are the Benefits of Having a Drone License in Ontario?

Having a drone license in Ontario, or anywhere else in Canada, allows you to fly your drone legally and safely. It also opens up more opportunities for drone operations. With a basic drone license, you can fly your drone in uncontrolled airspace and at least 30 meters away from the public. With an advanced drone license, you can fly your drone in controlled airspace and closer to the public. You can also fly your drone in more places, such as cities and near airports, as long as you follow the rules and regulations. Having a drone license also shows that you are a responsible and knowledgeable drone pilot who cares about the safety and privacy of others.

Conclusion

If you want to fly a drone in Ontario, you need to obtain a drone license from Transport Canada. There are two types of drone licenses: basic and advanced. The type of license you need depends on the distance from the public, and the airspace you want to fly in. To obtain a basic drone license, you need to pass an online exam. To obtain an advanced drone license, you need to pass an online exam and a flight review. You can prepare for the exams and the flight review by taking an online course that covers all the required topics. You can also find a flight reviewer in your area by using the online directory of drone flight schools. Having a drone license allows you to fly your drone legally and safely in Ontario and opens up more opportunities for drone operations. We hope this blog post has helped you understand how to obtain your drone license in Ontario and why it is important to do so. Happy flying!