Can I Fly
a Drone at
Night in Canada

Last edited on January 25th 2023

Expert Tips and Advice from FlightPhoto's Online Exam Preparation Courses

Flying drones at night can present a range of unique challenges and opportunities. From capturing stunning aerial footage after dark to performing critical search and rescue missions, there are many valid reasons to want to operate a drone at night. However, it's important to be aware of the specific regulations and safety considerations that apply to flying drones at night in Canada.

As a leading provider of online exam preparation courses for Transport Canada's drone exams, both basic and advanced, FlightPhoto is here to help you navigate the rules and best practices for flying drones at night. In this blog post, we'll cover the legal requirements for operating a drone at night in Canada, the safety considerations you should keep in mind, and some tips for successfully flying a drone at night. We'll also discuss the various applications for flying drones at night and compare the regulations in Canada to those in other countries.

One of the most significant challenges is the limited visibility that is inherent to night-time flying.

Legal Requirements for Operating a Drone at Night in Canada

According to Transport Canada, the federal agency responsible for regulating the operation of drones in Canada, there are a few key requirements that must be followed when flying a drone at night.

First and foremost, the drone must be equipped with lights that are sufficient to allow the aircraft to be visible to the pilot and any visual observer. These lights must be turned on at all times during the flight.

In addition, if the pilot plans to use night-vision goggles while flying the drone, the goggles must be capable of, or the pilot must have another means of, detecting all light within the visual spectrum. This is to ensure that the pilot has sufficient visibility to safely operate the drone.

It's also worth noting that all other regulations and guidelines for flying drones in Canada, such as maintaining a visual line of sight and flying below 122 meters (400 feet), still apply when flying at night.

Safety Considerations for Flying a Drone at Night

In addition to following the legal requirements outlined by Transport Canada, there are a number of safety considerations to keep in mind when flying a drone at night.

One of the most significant challenges is the limited visibility that is inherent to night-time flying. It can be much more difficult to see and avoid obstacles, other aircraft, and people on the ground when flying at night. As a result, it's important to exercise extra caution and use all available tools and technology, such as lights and night-vision goggles, to ensure safe operation.

It's also a good idea to thoroughly plan and prepare for your night-time flight in advance. This can include scouting the area to identify potential hazards, conducting a thorough pre-flight inspection of your drone and equipment, and having a clear understanding of your flight plan and emergency procedures.

Tips for Flying a Drone at Night

If you're planning to fly a drone at night, here are a few expert tips to help you have a successful and safe flight:

• Make sure your drone is equipped with proper position lights and that they are turned on at all times during the flight.
• Plan and prepare thoroughly for your night-time flight, including scouting the area, conducting a pre-flight inspection, and having a clear understanding of your flight plan and emergency procedures.
• Exercise extra caution when flying at night, as it can be more difficult to see and avoid obstacles and other aircraft.
• Use all available technology and tools, such as lights and night-vision goggles, to ensure safe operation.
• Stay up to date with the latest regulations and guidelines for flying drones in Canada, including those specific to night-time operation.

Reasons for Flying a Drone at Night

There are many practical applications for flying a drone at night, including:

• Search and rescue operations: Drones equipped with lights and thermal imaging cameras can be used to locate missing persons or animals in difficult-to-access areas after dark.
• Film production: Drones can capture stunning aerial footage after dark for use in movies, TV shows, and other media.
• Agriculture: Drones can be used to monitor and survey crops at night, using specialized sensors and cameras to gather data.
• Emergency response: Drones can be deployed to assess and respond to emergency situations, such as natural disasters or accidents, after dark.

Comparing Regulations for Flying Drones at Night in Canada to Other Countries

The rules and regulations for flying drones at night vary from country to country. In Canada, as we've covered, drones must be equipped with position lights and pilots must follow specific requirements for the use of night-vision goggles.

In the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has similar requirements for flying drones at night. Drones must be equipped with anti-collision lights that are visible for at least 3 statute miles (4.8 kilometers) and pilots must obtain a waiver from the FAA in order to use night-vision goggles.

In the United Kingdom, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) allows drones to be flown at night as long as the pilot has the necessary permissions and follows certain safety guidelines, including maintaining visual contact with the drone at all times.

It's important to note that these are just a few examples and the regulations for flying drones at night may differ in other countries. As always, it's crucial to be familiar with and follow the applicable regulations in your location.

Flying drones at night can offer a range of exciting opportunities and challenges. By following the legal requirements and safety considerations outlined by Transport Canada, as well as seeking out expert advice and training, you can safely and successfully operate your drone after dark.

At FlightPhoto, we're dedicated to helping drone pilots of all levels prepare for and succeed on their Transport Canada exams. Our online exam preparation courses cover all the knowledge and skills you need to safely and legally operate a drone in Canada. Check out our courses today and take the first step towards becoming a confident and competent drone pilot.