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Last edited on January 25th 2023

The Ins-and-Outs of Obtaining a Drone License in Canada

Are you interested in flying drones in Canada but not sure where to start? If so, you're in the right place. In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know about obtaining a drone license in Canada, including the age requirements, the different types of licenses available, and the steps you need to take to get your license. By the end of this article, you'll be well-equipped to embark on your journey to becoming a licensed drone operator in Canada.

You must be 14 years or older to get a basic drone license. And you must be 16 years or older to get an advanced drone license.

Basic vs Advanced Drone Licenses: What's the Difference?

In Canada, there are two types of drone licenses available: basic and advanced. So what's the difference between the two?

First, let's clarify that the type of certificate required for your drone operation is not based on whether it is for professional or recreational purposes. Instead, the main difference between basic and advanced drone licenses is the privileges that each type of operator has.

Basic drone operators are not permitted to fly their drones in controlled airspace, but advanced operators are. This means that if you have a basic license, you'll need to avoid flying your drone in areas with a lot of air traffic, such as near airports.

Basic operators must also keep their drones at least 30 meters away from the public, while advanced operators have more flexibility in this regard. This means that if you have an advanced license, you'll have more freedom to fly your drone closer to people, depending on the specific circumstances and equipment.

It's important to note that these are just a few of the key differences between basic and advanced drone licenses. For a full list of the privileges and restrictions that apply to each type of license, we recommend consulting Transport Canada's guidelines.

What is the Age Requirement for Basic Drone Pilots

The age requirement for getting a basic drone license in Canada is 14 years or older. Individuals under 14 years old cannot operate drones unless under the direct supervision of someone who is 14 years or older and has a basic or advanced license.

Once you meet the age requirement, there are two steps to take to obtain a basic drone license:

1. Complete a course: Transport Canada recommends taking a course before attempting their online exam. Companies like FlightPhoto offer online course materials that are designed to prepare you for Transport Canada's basic drone exam. These courses typically cover all of the topics required by Transport Canada and take around ten hours to complete.
2. Pass the exam: Once you've completed your course, you'll be ready to take the basic exam. This exam is administered online by Transport Canada and consists of 35 multiple choice questions. To pass the exam, you'll need to achieve a score of 65%. If you don't pass on your first attempt, you can retake the exam after 24 hours and as many times as you wish.

Once you've successfully passed the basic exam, you'll be ready to fly your drone!

What is the Age Requirement for Advanced Drone Pilots

The age requirement for getting an advanced drone license in Canada is 16 years or older. Individuals under 16 years old cannot operate drones unless under the direct supervision of someone who is 16 years or older and has an advanced RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems) operator's certificate.

Obtaining an advanced drone license involves three steps:

1. Complete a course: As with the basic license, Transport Canada recommends taking a course before attempting the advanced exam. FlightPhoto offers online course materials that are designed to prepare you for Transport Canada's advanced drone exam. These courses typically cover all of the topics required by Transport Canada and take around fifteen hours to complete.
2. Pass the exam: Once you've completed your course, you'll be ready to take the advanced exam. This exam is also administered online by Transport Canada and consists of 50 multiple choice questions. To pass the exam, you'll need to achieve a score of 80%. As with the basic exam, you can retake the advanced exam after 24 hours and as many times as you wish if you don't pass on your first attempt.
3. Pass a flight review: After you've passed the advanced exam, you'll need to complete a flight review to obtain your advanced drone license. This review is conducted in-person and typically takes around 30 minutes. During the review, you'll need to demonstrate that you know how to operate your drone safely by performing a short flight. You'll also be expected to have a conversation with the flight reviewer about the rules and your responsibilities as a drone operator.

Once you've successfully completed all three steps, you'll be awarded your advanced drone license and be able to fly your drone in controlled airspace and with more flexibility around the public.

The Benefits of Taking a Course Before Attempting the Exams

While it's certainly possible to study for the basic and advanced exams on your own, many aspiring drone pilots find that taking a course beforehand helps to ensure that they are fully prepared for the exams. Here are a few benefits of taking a course before attempting the exams:

Comprehensive coverage of all required topics: A good course will cover all of the topics that you'll be tested on in the exams, giving you a solid foundation of knowledge to build upon.

Practice exams and quizzes: Many courses offer practice exams and quizzes to help you get a feel for the types of questions you'll encounter on the real exams. This can be a great way to gauge your understanding of the material and identify any areas where you might need to spend extra time studying.

Expert instruction: A course typically includes instruction from experienced drone pilots who can provide insight and guidance on the material. This can be especially helpful if you have questions or are struggling to understand a particular concept.

In short, while it's not strictly required that you take a course before attempting the exams, many aspiring drone pilots find that it gives them a significant advantage in terms of their knowledge and confidence going into the exams.

Tips for Successfully Passing the Exams

If you're planning on taking the basic or advanced exams, here are a few tips to help you succeed:

• Practice with practice exams: As mentioned above, many courses offer practice exams and quizzes to help you get a feel for the types of questions you'll encounter on the real exams. Take advantage of these resources and use them to identify any areas where you might need to spend extra time studying.
• Get a good night's sleep: Make sure you get a good night's sleep before the exam. You'll be more alert and focused if you're well-rested.
• Pace yourself: Don't rush through the exam. Take your time and carefully read each question before answering. Make sure you understand what is being asked before selecting your answer.
• Don't worry too much: It's natural to feel some anxiety before taking an exam, but try not to let it get the best of you. Remind yourself that you have studied and prepared as best you can, and that it's okay to not know every answer. Just do your best and remember that you can always retake the exam if needed.
• Seek help if needed: If you're struggling to understand the material or have questions about the exams, don't be afraid to ask for help. Many courses offer support from instructors or other resources, such as study groups or online forums. Utilizing these resources can be a great way to get the help you need to succeed.

With these tips in mind, you'll be well-prepared to take on the basic or advanced exams and earn your drone license.

In conclusion, obtaining a drone license in Canada is a necessary step for anyone looking to fly a drone in the country. Whether you opt for a basic or advanced license will depend on the privileges and restrictions that are most relevant to your needs. Regardless of which type of license you choose, the process for obtaining it involves completing a course, passing an exam, and in some cases, completing a flight review. By following the steps outlined in this article and seeking out additional resources like course materials and practice exams, you'll be well-equipped to embark on your journey to becoming a licensed drone operator in Canada.