Do I Need a Special Permit to Fly a Drone in Canada?

Question from Naranjagamer, Do I Need a Special Permit to Fly a Drone in Canada?

Answer from AI:

In Canada, the operation of drones, or Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), is regulated by Transport Canada under the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs). Whether you need a special permit or not depends on the weight of your drone and the purpose of its use.

Basic and Advanced Operations

Transport Canada classifies drone operations into two categories: Basic and Advanced.

• Basic Operations: If your drone weighs between 250 grams and 25 kilograms, you fly it in uncontrolled airspace, more than 30 meters horizontally from bystanders, and never over bystanders, then you are conducting a basic operation.
• Advanced Operations: If your drone weighs between 250 grams and 25 kilograms and you fly it in controlled airspace, over bystanders, or within 30 meters horizontally from bystanders, then you are conducting an advanced operation.

Requirements for Basic and Advanced Operations

For both basic and advanced operations, you must:

1. Register your drone with Transport Canada and mark the drone with its registration number.
2. Pass the Small Basic or Small Advanced Exam.
3. Be at least 14 years old for basic operations and 16 years old for advanced operations.
4. Stay below an altitude of 122 meters (400 feet) above ground level.
5. Avoid emergency operations and advertised events.

For advanced operations, you must also:

1. Pass a flight review with a flight reviewer.
2. Have a drone that meets the safety requirements for the type of operation you want to conduct.

Special Flight Operations Certificate

If your drone weighs more than 25 kilograms, or if you want to fly a drone outside the rules for basic or advanced operations, you will need to apply for a Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC). The SFOC is a permit that sets out the conditions under which you must operate your drone.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with the drone regulations can result in fines of up to $1,000 for individuals and $5,000 for corporations.

Legal Advice

This information provides a general overview of the drone regulations in Canada. If you have specific questions or concerns about your drone operations, you should consult with a legal professional.

For more information, you can visit the Transport Canada website.