Understanding
Canadian RPAS
License Requirements

Last edited on January 28th 2023

Eligibility Criteria and Guidelines for Obtaining a RPAS License

As the use of drones becomes more prevalent, it's important to understand the regulations and requirements for operating them in Canada. The Canadian government introduced new rules for Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) on June 1, 2019, which introduced the need for RPAS pilot licenses (aka operators certificate). In this article, we'll discuss the eligibility criteria for obtaining a Canadian RPAS license, the history of RPAS license requirements, and the differences between basic and advanced RPAS operator certificates.

Once you have passed the required exam and met all other eligibility criteria, you will be issued a RPAS license.

Eligibility Criteria for Obtaining a Canadian RPAS License

Before conducting basic operations, you are required to hold either a basic or advanced drone license and must be 14 years or older unless under the direct supervision of someone who is 14 years or older who has a basic or advanced license. Before conducting advanced operations, you are required to hold an advanced RPAS operators certificate and must be 16 years or older unless under the direct supervision of someone who is 16 years or older who has an advanced RPAS operators certificate.

History of RPAS License Requirements

Prior to June 1st, 2019, commercial RPAS pilots had to submit lengthy SFOC-RPAS applications to Transport Canada in order to operate legally. There was no license or certification for drone pilots prior to June 1st, 2019. After June 1st, 2019, Transport Canada removed the distinction between commercial and recreational drone operators. Anyone in Canada operating a drone weighing 250 grams or more now has to get a RPAS license.

Differences between Basic and Advanced RPAS Operator Certificates

Basic operations involve flying in uncontrolled airspace and avoiding flying over bystanders while keeping the drone at least 100 feet (30 metres) away horizontally from them. Advanced operations involve flying in controlled airspace, over bystanders and within 100 feet (30 metres) of them horizontally. The drone also has to meet the Remote Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) safety assurance rating system.

General Drone Flight Guidelines

Regardless of whether you're flying in a basic or advanced capacity, there are standard guidelines that must be followed. These include maintaining line-of-sight at all times, and not flying higher than 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level. Additionally, it is important to not fly in restricted airspace, near forest fires or outdoor events, or where it could interfere with police or first responders. Drones should also not be flown into clouds, and registration numbers must be clearly marked on the drone. It is also prohibited to fly a drone in any National Park across Canada. The fine for breaking any of these rules ranges from $1,000-$3,000. Flying without a certificate or with an unregistered or unmarked drone will incur a $1,000 fine, and it can go up to $3,000 if aircraft or people are put at risk. For corporations, the monetary penalty for these infractions is between $5,000-$15,000.

The Process for Obtaining a Canadian RPAS License

To obtain the basic RPAS license, you must pass a "small basic exam" that costs $10 to complete, and you must be 14 years or older to get one. The exam is administered online by Transport Canada. To obtain the advanced RPAS license, you need to pass the "small advanced exam" and an in-person flight review to assess piloting ability. Transport Canada recommends taking a course before attempting their online exam.

Obtaining an RPAS license in Canada requires some preparation and commitment on your part. The first step is to determine whether you need a basic or advanced license. If you are planning to fly in uncontrolled airspace, avoid flying over bystanders, and keep your drone at least 100 feet (30 metres) away from them, then you will likely only need a basic license.

On the other hand, if you plan to fly in controlled airspace, over bystanders, or within 100 feet (30 metres) of them, then you will need to obtain an advanced license. Keep in mind that you must also be at least 16 years old to apply for an advanced license, unless you are under the direct supervision of someone who is 16 years or older and holds an advanced license.

Once you have determined which type of license you need, you can begin the process. To obtain a basic license, you must pass a "small basic exam" administered by Transport Canada. This exam can be completed online and costs $10 to take.

The process for obtaining an advanced license is more involved. In addition to passing the "small advanced exam," you will also be required to pass an in-person flight review to assess your piloting abilities. This will typically involve demonstrating your knowledge of drone safety and regulations, as well as your ability to safely operate a drone.

Transport Canada recommends that you take a training course before attempting their online exam. Our online courses (ADD LINK) are available that will prepare you for Transport Canada's drone exams.

Once you have passed the required exam and met all other eligibility criteria, you will be issued a RPAS license. It is important to note that you must carry your valid RPAS license on you at all times while operating a drone.

Transport Canada requires all RPAS pilots complete recency reviews every 24 months in order to maintain a valid remote pilot certificate. This means that both Basic and Advanced RPAS pilot certificate holders must fill out this form (ADD LINK) and keep it in their records once every 24 months.

Conclusion

Obtaining a RPAS license in Canada is an essential step for anyone who wants to legally operate a drone. By understanding the eligibility criteria, exam requirements, and general flight guidelines, you can take the necessary steps to become a licensed RPAS operator and safely enjoy the many benefits of drone technology.