Last edited on January 25th 2023
The Legal Consequences of Operating a Drone Without a License
If you are planning on flying a drone in Canada, it is important to first obtain a drone pilot license. Operating a drone without a license can result in serious legal consequences, including fines and potentially even jail time. In this post, we will go over the different fines that you could face if you fly a drone without a license in Canada, as well as the requirements for obtaining a basic or advanced drone license.
Operating a drone without a license can result in serious legal consequences, including fines and potentially even jail time.
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Fines for Flying a Drone Without a License
Individuals who fly a drone without a drone pilot certificate could face a fine of up to $1,000. The same fine applies for flying an unregistered or unmarked drone, or for flying where you are not allowed. If you put aircraft or people at risk while flying a drone without a license, you could be fined up to $3,000.
Corporations that fly a drone without a drone pilot certificate could face a fine of up to $5,000. The same fine applies for flying an unregistered or unmarked drone, or for flying where you are not allowed. If a corporation puts aircraft or people at risk while flying a drone without a license, they could be fined up to $15,000.
It is important to note that if you break more than one rule, you could receive multiple penalties.
Do I Need a Drone License in Canada?
In Canada, obtaining a drone license is now a necessity for anyone operating a drone in the country, regardless of whether you are flying for fun or for business purposes. Just as with a driver's license, obtaining a drone license is necessary for anyone operating a drone in the country.
There are two options for obtaining a drone license in Canada: a basic license or an advanced license. In order to obtain a basic drone license, you must pass Transport Canada's basic online exam. To obtain an advanced license, you must first pass the advanced online exam and then pass an in-person flight review.
Basic vs Advanced Drone Licenses
There are only a few differences between what basic and advanced drone operators are allowed to do. Basic drone operators are not permitted to fly their drones in controlled airspace, but advanced operators are. Basic operators must keep their drones at least 30 meters away from the public, while advanced operators have more flexibility in this regard.
The type of certificate required for your drone operation is not based on whether it is for professional or recreational purposes. It is important to carefully consider your needs and the type of operations that you will be conducting before deciding which license to obtain.
How to Obtain a Basic Drone License
If you are interested in obtaining a basic drone license in Canada, there are two steps:
- Complete a Course: Transport Canada recommends taking a course before attempting their online exam. Our online course at FlightPhoto covers all of the topics required by Transport Canada and will prepare you for the basic drone exam. There are about ten hours of course materials.
- Pass the Exam: Once you have completed the course and feel prepared, you can take the Basic Exam online through Transport Canada. The exam consists of 35 multiple choice questions and you must get 65% to pass. If needed, you can retake the exam after 24 hours and as many times as you wish.
Before conducting basic operations, you must be 14 years or older, unless you are under the direct supervision of someone who is 14 years or older and has a basic or advanced license.
How to Obtain an Advanced Drone License
If you are interested in obtaining an advanced drone license in Canada, there are three steps:
- Complete a Course: Our online course at FlightPhoto covers all of the topics required by Transport Canada and will prepare you for the advanced drone exam. There are about fifteen hours of course materials.
- Pass the Exam: Once you have completed the course and feel prepared, you can take the Advanced Exam online through Transport Canada. The exam consists of 50 multiple choice questions and you must get 80% to pass. If needed, you may retake the exam after 24 hours and as many times as you wish.
- Pass a Flight Review: A flight review is done in-person and takes about 30 minutes. You will be required to demonstrate your knowledge of the rules and regulations for flying a drone and your ability to safely operate the drone.
Before conducting advanced operations, you must be 16 years or older, unless you are under the direct supervision of someone who is 16 years or older and has an advanced RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems) operators certificate.
The Importance of Obtaining a Drone License
Obtaining a drone license has a number of benefits, both for personal and professional use. For personal use, obtaining a drone license allows you to legally fly your drone in Canada and avoid the potential fines and legal consequences of flying without a license.
For professional use, obtaining a drone license can open up new job opportunities and allow you to legally fly your drone in controlled airspace. If you are a professional photographer or videographer, for example, having a drone license can give you the ability to capture aerial footage that would otherwise be impossible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I fly my drone without a license for personal use?
A: No, in Canada it is illegal to fly a drone without a license for any purpose.
Q: Do I need a different license for professional and recreational use?
A: No, the type of license that you need is not based on whether you are using your drone for professional or recreational purposes. The basic and advanced licenses cover both types of use.
Q: How long does it take to obtain a drone license?
A: The amount of time it takes to obtain a drone license will depend on how quickly you are able to complete the course and pass the exam. It is generally recommended to allow at least a few weeks to study and prepare for the exam.
Q: Can I fly a drone without a license if I am under the age of 14 for basic or 16 for advanced operations, respectively?
A: No, you must be 14 years or older to obtain a basic drone license and 16 years or older to obtain an advanced drone license. If you are under the age of 14 or 16, you can still fly a drone if you are under the direct supervision of someone who is 14 or 16 years or older and has a basic or advanced license, respectively.
Q: How often do I need to renew my drone license?
A: In Canada, drone pilots must complete the recency requirements set out by Transport Canada once every 24 months. View the recency questionaire form from Transport Canada's website.
Conclusion
If you are planning on flying a drone in Canada, it is important to first obtain a drone pilot license. Operating a drone without a license can result in serious legal consequences, including fines and potentially even jail time. There are two options for obtaining a drone license in Canada: a basic license or an advanced license. In order to obtain a basic drone license, you must pass Transport Canada's basic online exam. To obtain an advanced license, you must first pass the advanced online exam and then pass an in-person flight review. Obtaining a drone license has a number of benefits, both for personal and professional use, and it is important to carefully consider your needs and the type of operations that you will be conducting before deciding which license to obtain.
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Become a certified drone pilot and unlock the skies. Click here to learn more.