Do You Need
a Drone License
in Canada?

Last edited on January 25th 2023

Drone Licenses in Canada

Yes, you need a license to fly a drone in Canada. The specific requirements for obtaining a drone license depend on the weight of the drone and the purpose of the flight. In order to fly a drone in Canada, you must have a drone pilot license if your drone weighs 250 grams or more. To qualify for a basic drone pilot license, you must be at least 14 years old and complete a training program and pass a written exam. To qualify for an advanced drone pilot license, you must be at least 16 years old and complete a training program, an exam, and a flight review.

Drones have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason - they offer a unique and exciting way to capture aerial photos and videos, and can be used for a wide range of purposes, from recreational to commercial. However, as with any aircraft, there are laws and regulations in place to ensure the safety of both the pilot and those around them. In this blog post, we will explore the requirements for obtaining a drone license in Canada, and provide tips for flying your drone safely and responsibly.

Obtaining a drone pilot license is essential before flying a drone for any purpose. This helps ensure Canadian drone operators are knowledgable.

Overview of drone laws and regulations in Canada

In Canada, the use of drones is regulated by Transport Canada, the federal government department responsible for transportation in Canada. The regulations for drones, known as Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), are based on the risk posed by the drone and the purpose of the flight, rather than the use of the drone (recreational or commercial).

Types of drone licenses available in Canada

Operations in Canada are divided into three categories based on the weight of their drone and the purpose of their flight:

• Basic Certificate: required when flying any drones weighing above 249 grams and outside of controlled airspace. Basic drone pilots must also remain at a distance of greater than 30 metres from people not involved in the operation.
• Advanced Certificate: required when flying any drones weighing above 249 grams and within controlled airspace or within 30 metres of people not involved in your operation.
• Specialized Operations: For drones weighing 25 kilograms or more, or for drones being used for activities such as flying beyond visual line-of-sight or flying above 400 ft above ground level (AGL).

Drone license requirements in Canada

Pilots conducting Basic Operations must hold a drone license (operators certificate), from Transport Canada, which requires passing an online exam. To qualify for basic operations, you must be at least 14 years old. Children younger than 14 years old must be supervised by someone older than 14 with a valid certificate while conducting advanced operations.

Pilots conducting Advanced Operations must hold a license (operators certificate), from Transport Canada, which requires passing an online exam and flight review. To qualify for advanced operations, you must be at least 16 years old. Children younger than 16 years old must be supervised by someone older than 16 with a valid certificate while conducting advanced operations.

Training for your Drone License in Canada

To obtain a drone pilot license, Transport Canada recommends completing a training program, after which you're required to pass an online exam. Our training courses cover topics such as aviation regulations, airspace classification, weather, and emergency procedures. The drone exam consists of multiple-choice questions and is administered online by Transport Canada.

Commercial vs Recreational

In Canada, there is no difference between the requirements for recreational and commercial drone pilots. The requirements for operating a drone, whether for recreational or commercial purposes, are governed by Transport Canada. To operate a drone in Canada, all drone pilots must hold a valid drone certificate, which demonstrates that they have the necessary knowledge and skills to operate a drone safely.

Penalties for flying a drone without a license in Canada

It is important to note that flying a drone without a valid license in Canada can result in significant penalties, including fines and even jail time in severe cases. Transport Canada takes the safety of airspace very seriously, and violations of the drone regulations can result in serious consequences. In addition to the legal penalties, flying a drone without a license can also pose a risk to the safety of those around you, and could result in property damage or injury.

Penalties

Fines for individuals

• up to $1,000 for flying without a drone pilot certificate
• up to $1,000 for flying unregistered or unmarked drones
• up to $1,000 for flying where you are not allowed
• up to $3,000 for putting aircraft and people at risk

Fines for corporations

• up to $5,000 for flying without a drone pilot certificate
• up to $5,000 for flying unregistered or unmarked drones
• up to $5,000 for flying where you are not allowed
• up to $15,000 for putting aircraft and people at risk

Tips for flying a drone safely and responsibly in Canada

Whether you are flying a drone for recreational or commercial purposes, it is important to follow the rules and regulations set out by Transport Canada to ensure the safety of yourself and those around you. Here are some tips for flying your drone safely and responsibly in Canada:

• Obtain a valid drone pilot license if your drone weighs 250 grams or more.
• Follow the rules for flying a drone in Canada, including flying at or below 400 feet AGL, remaining the required distance from people not involved in the operation.
• Basic pilots reference Nav Drone to determine distance from airports and heliports.
• Make sure to properly maintain your drone, including regularly checking for any damage or wear and tear.
• Only fly your drone in accordance with the manufacturer's weather requirements.
• Keep an eye on the battery level of your drone and make sure to land it before the battery runs out. Keep in mind that cross winds are not calculated in the drone's estimate of how much flight time is remaining.
• Stay alert and avoid distractions while flying your drone. If you're using your phone to monitor your drone, consider enabling do not disturb mode.
• Respect the privacy of others and do not fly your drone over private property without permission.

How to stay up-to-date on the latest drone laws and regulations in Canada

Drone laws and regulations in Canada can change over time, so it is important to stay up-to-date on the latest rules and guidelines. Transport Canada provides regular updates on their website, and it is a good idea to check back regularly to ensure you are following the correct rules. You can also sign up for email updates or follow Transport Canada on social media to stay informed of any changes.

Frequently asked questions about drone licenses in Canada:

Do I need a drone license to fly a drone in Canada?

Yes, if your drone weighs 250 grams or more, you need a drone operator certificate from Transport Canada.

How do I obtain a drone license in Canada?

To obtain a basic drone license in Canada, it's recommended that you complete a training program and you must pass a written exam. To obtain an advanced drone license in Canada, it's recommended that you complete a training program, then you must pass a written exam and a flight review.

Can I fly a drone for commercial purposes without a license in Canada?

No, in Canada, you must obtain a drone operator certificate from Transport Canada. It does not matter whether you're operating for work or pleasure.

Conclusion

It is important to follow the rules and regulations set out by Transport Canada when flying a drone in Canada. Obtaining a drone pilot license is essential before flying a drone for any purpose. This helps ensure Canadian drone operators are knowledgable. By following the guidelines and tips outlined in this blog post, you can enjoy flying your drone safely and responsibly in Canada.