Last edited on March 3rd 2024
Rules for Micro / Mini Drones
Micro drones, or drones that weigh less than 250 grams, are not subject to many of the regulations for drones in Canada. Instead, they are only subject to CAR 900.06, which states that no person shall operate a remotely piloted aircraft system in a reckless or negligent manner that endangers or is likely to endanger aviation safety or the safety of any person. In other words, fly with common sense and be cautious of other aircraft, approach paths, drones, people, privacy, and property while flying. We often hear people ask - "Do I need a drone license if I'm flying a DJI Mini?"" The answer is you do not need a license to fly drones weighing below 250 grams. In this blog post we will cover the regulations and guidelines for operating a sub 250 gram drone in Canada, as well as what activities are allowed and prohibited with such a drone, recommended guidelines for safe operation, where you can fly, and considerations for privacy and local laws.
The drone must not be operated in a reckless or negligent manner that endangers aviation safety or the safety of others.
What If I Want to Fly a Drone That Weighs 250 Grams or More?
If you're flying a drone that weighs 250 grams or more, you will need to follow a different set of rules and regulations for drone operation in Canada. The drone will have to be registered with Transport Canada and you must put the registration number on the drone. You will also need to obtain a drone pilot certificate, either basic or advanced. Read our blog post on the differences between basic and advanced drone pilot certificates. To get a basic certificate, you will need to pass an online exam and follow the rules for basic operations. To get an advanced certificate, you will need to pass an online exam, a flight review, and follow the rules for advanced operations. Flying a drone that weighs more than 250 grams requires more responsibility and knowledge, so it's important you are equipped with the necessary knowledge before you take off.
Pick Your Drone License
Become a certified drone pilot and unlock the skies. Click here to learn more.
Good Practice
In addition to CAR 900.06, Transport Canada introduced "Good Practice" measures for Micro RPAS in October 2020. Good practices for flying micro drones include maintaining the drone in direct line of sight, not flying above 400 feet in the air, keeping a safe lateral distance between the drone and bystanders, staying far away from aerodromes and critical infrastructure, avoiding flying near aircraft, conducting a pre-flight inspection of the drone, maintaining a connection with the remote controller, and avoiding special aviation or advertised events. These practices ensure the safety of the drone operator and those around them, as well as the safety of aircraft and critical infrastructure. It is important to follow these guidelines and any applicable laws and regulations when operating a drone.
What Can You Do With a Micro Drone in Canada?
What you can do with your micro (sub 250 gram) drones in Canada is fairly unrestricted. According to Transport Canada, micro drone pilots are allowed to fly their drones higher than 122 metres (400 feet) and within 3 nautical miles of an airport, as well as closer than 30 metres horizontally from bystanders. They are also permitted to fly in controlled and uncontrolled airspace, and above or near advertised events. It's important to note that these privileges are subject to the requirement that the drone must not be operated in a reckless or negligent manner that endangers aviation safety or the safety of others. Micro drone pilots are also subject to any other applicable laws and regulations related to drone operation, such as those related to privacy and property.
What You Cannot Do With a Micro Drone
There are also some things that you cannot do with a micro drone in Canada. You cannot fly in Restricted Class F airspace, in areas where a NOTAM for Forest Fire Aircraft Operating Restrictions has been issued, or in areas where the use of airspace has been restricted to all aircraft by Transport Canada or NAV Canada (such as during the Olympics or an airshow). You also cannot exceed 249 grams, including all fixed attachments, and you cannot take off or land in national, provincial, or municipal parks where it is prohibited.
Recommended Guidelines
It is important to note that while these regulations outline what you can and cannot do with a micro drone in Canada, it is always best to follow "Good Practice" outlined by Transport Canada, which include maintaining a visual line of sight, flying only during daylight hours, staying at least 30 metres away from people and property, and following all local laws and regulations. This will help ensure the safety of yourself and others while flying your micro drone.
What Are the Best Micro Drones?
The DJI Mini 4 Pro is easily one of the best micro drones. It weighs just 249 grams. Despite its small size, it offers impressive features like a 34 minute flight time, a 48 MP camera, intelligent flight modes, and can record in 4K at 100 fps. If you're planning to buy a DJI Mini 4 Pro please support our blog by using our affiliate link. Another great drone below 250 grams is the DJI Mini 3 Pro. It’s great for learning the basics of drone flying. It has 34 minutes of flight time, a 48 MP camera, a range of 12 km, and can record in 4K at 60 fps. If you want to buy a DJI Mini 3 Pro please use our affilate link. Lastly, the most affordable option on the list, the DJI Mini 2 SE, strikes a balance between practicality and functionality. Weighing less than 250 grams, it has 31 minutes of flight time, a 12 MP camera, a range of 10 km, and records in 2.7K at 30 fps. If you're planning to buy a DJI Mini 2 SE please use our affilate link.
Local and Provincial Laws
In addition to the regulations outlined by Transport Canada, there are also provincial, territorial, and municipal laws and regulations that may apply to the operation of micro drones. It is important to familiarise yourself with the laws and regulations specific to your location, as well as any additional restrictions that may be in place due to current events or circumstances.
Privacy Considerations
In addition to following the regulations and laws, it is also important to be mindful of the privacy of others while flying a micro drone. In Canada, the Privacy Act and the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) provide protections for individuals' personal information, including images captured by drones. It is recommended to obtain consent before capturing images of individuals or their property, and to respect any "No Trespassing" signs or private property boundaries.
Conclusion
In summary, while micro drones (below 250 grams) are not subject to the same regulations as small drones (250 grams to 25 kg) in Canada, there are still important rules and guidelines to follow to ensure the safety and privacy of others. It is important to familiarise yourself with the regulations and laws specific to your location, and to follow the "Good Practice" outlined by Transport Canada. By flying responsibly and with common sense, you can enjoy the many benefits of flying a micro drone while also respecting the rights and safety of others.
Pick Your Drone License
Become a certified drone pilot and unlock the skies. Click here to learn more.