From coast to coast, Canada has ample scenic beauty just waiting to be captured with a drone. From nature to cityscapes, the country has it all. But before you take flight, there are some rules to follow. Canada has some of the strictest laws in the world and knowing them will help you avoid some hefty fines as much as $5,000.
In this article, we outline the rules for Canadian drone pilots in the Great White North. As a bonus, we provide advice on how to transport your drone to the jaw-dropping locations.
Canadian Drone Laws: What Are the Rules for Flying Drones in Canada?
Legal requirements for flying drones are set by Canada’s national aviation authority: Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA). Your drone is categorized as an aircraft, and though you aren’t wearing the fancy hat and jacket, you are indeed a pilot.
Let’s take a look at the drone rules for Canada. To start, we discuss basic and advanced operations, as each has its own set of drone regulations and permissions.
Rules for Basic Drone Operations
Drones weighing 250 grams or more require each of the following conditions. (For lighter-weight drones, review our section on microdrones below). Unless each and every condition is met, you will be considered an advanced operator. There is no distinction between drone hobbyists vs professionals.
The basic rules are:
You use uncontrolled airspace more than 5.6 kilometers (3 nautical miles) from a certified airport or military aerodrome (small airport or field) and 1.9 kilometers (1 nautical mile) from a certified heliport.
The drone remains 30 meters (100 feet) from bystanders (when measured horizontally). You can’t fly your drone over bystanders.
You will need a license.
You must be at least 14 years old or supervised by someone with a license.
You will need to register your drone with Transport Canada before flying your first time, and the drone must contain an official registration number. You must also pass an exam of 35 questions to receive your basic drone license and become a valid drone pilot. The test costs $10, and you only need a score of 65% to pass. If you fail, you can retake it after 24 hours and as often as needed. Results are provided immediately online and you can print the certificate yourself. You will need to keep your certificate on hand when you fly.
Rules for Advanced Drone Operations
For advanced operations for drones 250 grams or more, the rules are similar. However, you only need to meet one of the following requirements to be an advanced operator.
You will fly inside controlled airspace.
You will fly over bystanders or within 30 meters (100 feet) of bystanders when measured horizontally.
You will fly less than 5.6 kilometers (3 nautical miles) from a certified airport or military aerodrome (small airport or field) and 1.9 kilometers (1 nautical mile) from a certified heliport.
You are 16 years old or older.
Again, there is no distinction regarding purpose (drone photographer vs drone newbie).
Like basic operations, you must register your drone before flight and have the number visible on your drone. You must also indicate on the drone a Safety Declaration indicating how you will use it.
You will need to pass an exam to obtain an advanced drone license for $10. Once you pass, you must pass a flight review with an official reviewer for advanced certification. You must keep the advanced certificate and proof of registration with you while you fly.
If you are flying within air space, you will need permission from air traffic control (NAV CANADA or the Department of National Defense.).
“No Drone Zones” for Your Aircraft
There are other geographic areas in which require special permissions from the TCCA. These areas include:
Busy, populated locations
National Parks
Border Crossings
Around airports and aerodromes
In areas with special events
In addition, special permissions are required by the SFOC for people doing basic operations with drones exceeding 400 feet in the air and less than 30 meters from bystanders (when measured horizontally).
How to get your RPAS Pilot Certificate
Go to the TCCA official website to take the test and obtain your certificate.
How Much Can You Be Fined for Flying a Drone in Canada?
The following fines are given per infraction:
Fines for an Individual
A $1,000 fine is given for
flying without a drone pilot certificate
flying an unregistered or unmarked drone
flying where not permitted
A $3,000 fine applies when putting aircraft and people at risk
Fines for a Corporation (Employer of drone technology)
A $5,000 fine is given for
flying without a drone pilot certificate
flying unregistered or unmarked drones
flying where you are not allowed
A $15,000 fine is given when you put aircraft and people at risk
Keeping Your License Up-to-Date
Every 2 years (24 months), you must do one of the following:
Retake and pass the exam
Complete a flight review
Do training through a seminar endorsed by Transport Canada Aviation
Complete a training program from a drone flight school (also known as Drone U’s)
Completion of a Transport Canada endorsed self-paced study program.
Flying Within the Country for Commercial Purposes
As stated above, commercial drone pilots (those adopting all kinds of drone usage for professional purposes such as for drone footage, drone mapping, and drone deliveries, and other drone services) are not designated differently than those of hobby pilots. All drones are categorized as either basic or advanced.
What Drones Can You Fly Without a License? Welcome to the World of Micro Drones!
You won’t need to register or obtain a drone pilot certificate for any category of drone less than 250 grams, known as micro drones. This weight must include any cameras or objects it carries.
You are still required to avoid reckless or negligent flying that could cause danger to people or other aviation. It is recommended to follow the same 400-foot-high flight rule.
What is Expected of All Micro Drone Flyers
Much like larger drone models, micro drones are considered aircraft through the Aeronautics Act and Canadian Aviation Regulations (CAR). In addition to a non-legal recommendation of adhering to the previous dedicated drone laws for safe flying, you are restricted in use in certain circumstances, such as in:
Class F Special Use Restricted Airspace
Zones where a NOTAM for Forest Fire Aircraft Operating Restrictions has been emitted
Zones where 5.1 of the Aeronautics Act restricting the use of airspace to all aircraft has been emitted
How the Right Bag Helps You Get Where You Want to Go.
With your certifications in place, you are ready to hit the skies, but what good does it do if you damage your drone in transport?
Given today’s expensive drone technology and the fragility of drone blades, it pays to invest in a bag designed to protect drones. BrighLine Bags offers a full line of bags for the task.
Each bag is expandable and can be reconfigured to fit multiple needs, which is great for going smaller to fit overhead bins of a plane. You can add more sections to carry your drone and other items like a laptop, clothing, and toiletries.
The company specializes in making quality flight bags for pilots and flight crew, and this same quality construction goes into each drone bag. Plus, special foam inserts ensure your drone and all related parts are fully protected, even providing protection for batteries in the rare event they become hot or ignite during transport.
To review the full line of drone bags, click here. (include link).