What Are The
Rules For Flying
A Drone In Canada?

Last edited on February 22nd 2024

Introduction

Drones are becoming more popular and accessible for recreational and commercial purposes. However, flying a drone in Canada is not as simple as buying one and taking it to the sky. You need to follow certain rules and regulations to ensure the safety and privacy of yourself and others.

You need either a basic or advanced certificate to fly a drone between 250g-25kg.

In this blog post, we will explain the basic rules for flying a drone in Canada, such as:

• Who can fly a drone and what kind of license they need
• Where to fly a drone and what areas to avoid
• How to fly a drone safely and legally
• What penalties you may face if you break the rules

By the end of this post, you will have a better understanding of what the rules are for flying a drone in Canada and how to comply with them.

Who Can Fly A Drone And What Kind Of License Do They Need?

The use of drones in Canada is regulated by Transport Canada, which is the agency in charge of all transportation in the country, including aviation. In Canada, you need either a basic or advanced certificate to fly a drone between 250g-25kg. Read our blog post about the differences between basic and advanced drone pilot certificates. You must register your drone and follow the Canadian Aviation Regulations or CARs.

To get a basic certificate, you need to be at least 14 years old and pass an online exam. A basic certificate allows you to fly your drone in uncontrolled airspace, away from people and airports.

To get an advanced certificate, you need to be at least 16 years old and pass an online exam and a flight review. An advanced certificate allows you to fly your drone in controlled airspace, near people and airports. You must have a drone with the appropriate manufacturer safety declaration and get permission from the air navigation service provider. You must have the ability to communicate with the air traffic control authority while flying in controlled airspace.

If you are flying a drone that is less than 250 grams, you do not need to register the drone or get a drone pilot certificate. Read our blog post all about micro drones.

Where Can I Fly My Drone And What Areas Should I Avoid?

Drones share airspace with other drones and aircraft. Knowing where to fly your drone is an important part of keeping the skies safe. You can use the interactive map in the Nav Drone app to find out where you can and cannot fly your drone. You can fly in most places with the right pilot certificate and authorization.

Areas to avoid:

• Airports and heliports: You must stay at least 5.6 km (3 nautical miles) away from any airport and 1.9 km (1 nautical mile) away from any heliport unless you have an advanced certificate and airspace authorization.
• National parks: Flying drones in any national park is prohibited. You must get permission from Parks Canada before flying your drone in any national park. You must also follow the park’s rules and regulations.
• Emergency sites: You must not fly your drone near or over any emergency site, such as a fire, a police operation, an accident or a disaster area. You may interfere with the emergency response or put people at risk.
• Forest Fires: You must keep your drone 9.3 km (5 nautical miles) away from any forest fires. This is an important rule to follow otherwise you might interfere with the water bombers operation.
• Advertised events: You must not fly your drone near or over any advertised event, such as a concert, a festival, a parade or a sporting event.
• Indoors and underground: The Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) do not apply to indoor or underground drone operations. Transport Canada does not impose any regulations on these types of flights.

How To Fly A Drone Safely And Legally

To keep yourself and others safe, you need to follow some basic rules when flying your drone. Here are some of the rules you need to follow:

• Register your drone with Transport Canada.
• Put your registration number on your drone.
• Have your drone pilot certificate on you. (Keeping it on your phone is ok)
• Know your drone. Read the manual.
• Fly only within visual line of sight.
• Stay below 122 metres (400 feet) in the air.
• Stay away from emergency operations, advertised events, and manned aircraft.
• Respect the privacy rights of others when you fly.

What Are The Penalties For Breaking The Rules?

If you break the rules for flying a drone in Canada, you may face serious consequences. Depending on the severity of the violation, you may face:

• Fines ranging from $1,000 to $15,000
• Criminal charges such as mischief, trespassing, voyeurism or endangering aviation safety

Transport Canada and local police have the authority to investigate and enforce the drone laws in Canada.

Conclusion

You’ve just learned the essential rules for flying a drone in Canada. You now know who can fly a drone, where to fly a drone, how to fly a drone safely and legally, and what penalties you may face if you break the rules.

But knowing the rules is not enough. You also need to master the skills and knowledge required to pass the Canadian drone exams and get your drone license. This is where FlightPhoto’s online course can help you.

FlightPhoto’s online course is the ultimate guide to acing the Canadian drone exams. It covers everything you need to know, from the basics of drone operation to the advanced topics of airspace management and emergency procedures. It also provides you with practice tests.

By enrolling in FlightPhoto’s online course, you are on your way to passing the exams with flying colors, while also becoming a confident and competent drone pilot. You will be able to use your drone for fun, for business, or for both. You will also join a community of like-minded drone enthusiasts who share your passion and vision.

Don’t miss this opportunity to take your drone hobby to the next level. Sign up for FlightPhoto’s online course today and get ready to soar!