Last edited on March 4th 2024
Are there different types of drone licenses?
Yes, there are two types of drone licenses in Canada: Basic and Advanced. A Basic license only requires the completion of an online basic written exam and allows for basic operations. An Advanced license requires the completion of an online advanced written exam and an in-person flight review. With an Advanced license, a pilot can conduct both basic and advanced operations.
With enough coordination, advanced drone pilots can operate drones within controlled airspace and even within the vicinity of an airport or heliport.
Pick Your Drone License
Become a certified drone pilot and unlock the skies. Click here to learn more.
The type of license you need depends on how you want to fly your drone. For example, if you want to fly your drone for advanced operations such as flying near people or in controlled airspace, you will need to obtain an Advanced license.
What's Different Between Basic and Advanced?
The list of differences between what basic and advanced drone operators are allowed to do is fairly short. Basic drone operators are not allowed to operate in controlled airspace, whereas advanced drone operators are allowed in controlled airspace. Basic drone operators may not fly within 30 metres of the public. While advanced operators have more freedom when operating drones near the public. Deciding which certificate you need does not depend on whether you're flying for work or for fun.
Basic Drone Licenses
Basic drone pilots are limited to only flying in uncontrolled airspace. Basic pilots can't fly within 3 nautical miles from the centre of airports and 1 nautical mile from the centre of heliports. Basic pilots must also keep their drones 30 metres (100 feet) from any bystanders while flying, regardless of altitude. Getting your basic drone pilot certificate involves completing a course and passing Transport Canada's basic exam.
Advanced Drone Licenses
With enough coordination, advanced drone pilots can operate drones within controlled airspace and even within the vicinity of an airport or heliport. Advanced drone pilots can also fly drones on this list at distances of less than 30 metres (100 feet) from other people. Getting your advanced drone license involves completing a course, passing Transport Canada's advanced exam and passing a flight review.
What's Similar About Basic and Advanced Licenses?
Both basic and advanced drone pilots have the same aircraft weight restrictions (250g - 25kg). Basic and advanced drone licenses share many of the same rules. For example, regardless of whether you get a basic or advanced license you cannot legally operate your drone above 400 feet above ground level or beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS), unless you get a special flight operations certificate (SFOC).
Pick Your Drone License
Become a certified drone pilot and unlock the skies. Click here to learn more.