Drone Regulations FAQ: Canada

Drone operations in Canada are governed by the Aeronautics Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. A-2) and the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) Part IX — Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (SOR/96-433, Division IX). These regulations establish the framework for registration, pilot certification, and operational rules for all remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) operating in Canadian airspace.

Transport Canada (TC) is the federal authority responsible for civil aviation safety, including the regulation and oversight of drone operations nationwide.

Source: Aeronautics Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. A-2); Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) Part IX, SOR/96-433

Transport Canada regulations under CARs Part IX apply to all RPAS (drones) weighing between 250 g and 25 kg (inclusive of payload). Key points:

• Micro drones under 250 g are exempt from most regulatory requirements, including registration and pilot certification, but operators must still avoid reckless operation under the Aeronautics Act.
• Drones over 25 kg require a Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC) issued by Transport Canada before any flight.
• All drones regardless of weight are prohibited from endangering aviation safety under Section 601.01 of the CARs.

Source: CARs Part IX, s. 900.01 (Definitions); CARs s. 901.01–901.71

Transport Canada classifies RPAS operations into two categories under CARs Part IX:

• Basic Operations: Flights conducted in uncontrolled airspace (Class G), more than 30 m (100 ft) horizontally from bystanders, and never over bystanders. Lower risk profile with fewer requirements.
• Advanced Operations: Flights conducted in controlled airspace (Class C, D, or E), within 30 m of bystanders, or over bystanders. Requires an Advanced Pilot Certificate, a flight review, and the drone must meet specific safety standards (RPAS Safety Assurance).

The operation type determines the level of pilot certification and drone requirements, not the purpose of the flight (recreational vs. commercial).

Source: CARs s. 901.29 (Basic Operations); CARs s. 901.35 (Advanced Operations)

No. Since June 1, 2019, Transport Canada applies the same regulatory framework to both recreational and commercial drone operations under CARs Part IX. The rules are based on the type of operation (Basic or Advanced) and the risk profile of the flight, not on whether the pilot is flying for fun or for business.

This means a hobbyist flying near people in controlled airspace faces the same certification and registration requirements as a commercial operator doing the same.

Source: CARs Part IX, s. 901.01; Transport Canada Advisory Circular AC 922-001

A Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC) is a written authorization issued by the Minister of Transport under CARs s. 903.01. An SFOC is required for drone operations that fall outside the standard Basic and Advanced frameworks, including:

• Flying RPAS over 25 kg
• Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations
• Flights in restricted or prohibited airspace
• Operations that cannot meet the conditions of Basic or Advanced rules
• Swarming operations or other non-standard configurations

The application must be submitted to the appropriate Transport Canada regional office at least 30 business days before the intended operation. The SFOC specifies conditions, limitations, and safety measures the operator must follow.

Source: CARs s. 903.01; Aeronautics Act s. 5.9; Transport Canada Staff Instruction SI 623-001

Yes. Under CARs s. 901.01, all RPAS weighing between 250 g and 25 kg must be registered with Transport Canada before any flight. Registration requirements include:

• The owner must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or corporation incorporated under Canadian law.
• Registration is done online through the Transport Canada Drone Management Portal.
• You must mark the drone with its registration number so it is visible and legible without the use of tools.
• Registration remains valid as long as ownership does not change.

Micro drones under 250 g are exempt from registration requirements.

Source: CARs s. 901.01–901.06; CARs s. 901.15 (Marking)

To obtain an RPAS Pilot Certificate — Basic under CARs s. 901.54, you must:

• Be at least 14 years of age
• Pass the Small Basic Examination online through the Transport Canada Drone Management Portal with a score of at least 65%
• The exam covers airspace rules, weather, RPAS regulations, and emergency procedures

The Basic certificate allows you to conduct Basic Operations only — flying in uncontrolled airspace, more than 30 m from bystanders, and never over bystanders. The certificate does not expire, but pilots must stay current with regulatory changes.

Source: CARs s. 901.54–901.56; Transport Canada TP 15263

To obtain an RPAS Pilot Certificate — Advanced under CARs s. 901.57, you must:

• Be at least 16 years of age
• Hold a valid RPAS Pilot Certificate — Basic
• Pass the Small Advanced Examination online with a score of at least 80%
• Successfully complete a flight review with a Transport Canada–recognized flight reviewer, demonstrating competency in advanced maneuvers and emergency procedures

The Advanced certificate allows operations in controlled airspace (with ATC authorization), within 30 m of bystanders, and over bystanders. The drone used for Advanced Operations must also meet RPAS Safety Assurance requirements (manufacturer declaration or equivalent).

Source: CARs s. 901.57–901.60; CARs s. 901.35 (Advanced Operations Requirements)

Under CARs s. 901.15, once your drone is registered, you must mark it with the registration number assigned by Transport Canada. The marking requirements are:

• The registration number must be visible and legible on the exterior of the drone without the use of tools
• It must be durable and remain affixed during flight operations
• Acceptable methods include engraving, permanent labels, or indelible markers
• The marking must be maintained in a readable condition at all times

Failure to properly mark your registered drone can result in fines under the Aeronautics Act.

Source: CARs s. 901.15; Transport Canada Drone Management Portal guidelines

No. Transport Canada does not legally mandate liability insurance for RPAS operations under CARs Part IX. However, insurance is strongly recommended for several reasons:

• Operators are personally liable for any damage to persons or property caused by their drone under the Aeronautics Act and common law
• Many commercial clients require proof of insurance before contracting drone services
• Some SFOC applications may require evidence of insurance coverage
• Provincial laws may impose additional liability requirements

Typical drone liability insurance policies range from CAD 100,000 to CAD 2,000,000 in coverage. Organizations such as the Model Aeronautics Association of Canada (MAAC) offer group insurance plans.

Source: CARs Part IX (no insurance mandate); Aeronautics Act s. 5.9; Transport Canada Advisory Circular AC 922-001

Under CARs s. 901.29 (Basic) and s. 901.35 (Advanced), the maximum altitude for RPAS operations is 122 m (400 ft) above ground level (AGL). This applies to both Basic and Advanced operations.

Flying above 122 m AGL requires a Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC) from Transport Canada under CARs s. 903.01. The altitude limit helps prevent conflicts with manned aircraft, which typically operate above 500 ft AGL.

Source: CARs s. 901.29(a); CARs s. 901.35; CARs s. 903.01

Yes. Under CARs s. 901.29 and s. 901.35, all Basic and Advanced operations require the pilot to maintain Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) with the RPAS at all times. This means:

• You must be able to see the drone with unaided vision (corrective lenses are permitted)
• You must maintain visual contact sufficient to determine the drone's altitude, attitude, and direction of flight
• You must be able to see and avoid other aircraft, people, and obstacles

Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations are only permitted with a Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC) under CARs s. 903.01. A visual observer may assist but cannot replace the pilot's VLOS requirement without an SFOC.

Source: CARs s. 901.29(b); CARs s. 901.35; CARs s. 903.01

Under CARs Part IX and related provisions, drones are prohibited or restricted from flying in the following areas:

• Controlled airspace (Class C, D, E) — without ATC authorization (Advanced certificate holders can request access via NAV CANADA)
• Within the restricted or prohibited airspace designated in the Designated Airspace Handbook (DAH)
• Near airports and heliports — specific distance restrictions apply based on airspace class
• Within 5.6 km (3 NM) of an aerodrome not listed in the Canada Flight Supplement, unless altitude stays below 30 m AGL
• Near emergency operations (forest fires, police operations, disaster response) — CARs s. 601.15
• Over or near military installations and other security-sensitive sites
• Advertised events and open-air assemblies of persons unless authorized by SFOC

Pilots must check NOTAMs and use the NAV Drone app before every flight to identify active restrictions.

Source: CARs s. 901.29; CARs s. 901.35; CARs s. 601.14–601.16; Designated Airspace Handbook (DAH)

Yes. Night flying is permitted for both Basic and Advanced operations under CARs Part IX, provided the drone is equipped with appropriate lighting. Requirements include:

• The RPAS must have position lights visible from at least 3 statute miles (5 km) — CARs s. 901.29(d)
• Lights must allow the pilot to determine the drone's altitude, attitude, and direction of flight
• The pilot must still maintain VLOS at all times, which can be achieved with proper lighting on the drone
• All other standard operating rules (altitude limits, distance from bystanders, airspace restrictions) continue to apply

For Advanced night operations in controlled airspace, NAV CANADA authorization is still required.

Source: CARs s. 901.29(d); CARs s. 901.35

To fly an RPAS in controlled airspace (Class C, D, or E), you must:

• Hold an RPAS Pilot Certificate — Advanced under CARs s. 901.57
• Use a drone that meets RPAS Safety Assurance requirements
• Obtain authorization from NAV CANADA before flight

NAV CANADA provides the NAV Drone app and online portal for requesting airspace access. The authorization process involves:

• Submitting a request specifying location, altitude, time, and duration
• Receiving confirmation or conditions from NAV CANADA air traffic control
• Following all conditions and maintaining two-way communication as required

Basic certificate holders are not authorized to operate in controlled airspace under any circumstances.

Source: CARs s. 901.35; CARs s. 901.57; NAV CANADA RPAS procedures

The rules depend on the type of operation:

• Basic Operations (CARs s. 901.29): The pilot must maintain a minimum horizontal distance of 30 m (100 ft) from bystanders and must never fly directly over bystanders. A bystander is any person not involved in the operation.
• Advanced Operations (CARs s. 901.35): The pilot may fly within 30 m of bystanders and over bystanders, provided they hold an Advanced Pilot Certificate, the drone meets RPAS Safety Assurance standards, and all other Advanced conditions are met.

Regardless of operation type, pilots must never fly over open-air assemblies of persons without an SFOC. Crew members and other persons directly participating in the operation are not considered bystanders.

Source: CARs s. 901.29(c); CARs s. 901.35; CARs s. 901.01 (definition of bystander)

Violations of drone regulations under the Aeronautics Act and CARs Part IX carry significant penalties:

• Individuals — Summary conviction: Fines up to CAD 3,000
• Corporations — Summary conviction: Fines up to CAD 15,000
• Indictable offences: Fines up to CAD 25,000 and/or imprisonment for serious violations that endanger aviation safety

Transport Canada may also issue Administrative Monetary Penalties (AMPs) under the Aeronautics Act, s. 7.7, for regulatory contraventions. Common violations include flying an unregistered drone, operating without a valid pilot certificate, flying in restricted airspace, and exceeding altitude limits.

Source: Aeronautics Act s. 7.3–7.7 (AMPs); Aeronautics Act s. 8.5 (Summary conviction); CARs Part IX

Yes. Under Aeronautics Act s. 6.9 and s. 7.1, the Minister of Transport has the authority to suspend, cancel, or refuse to renew an RPAS Pilot Certificate if:

• The holder violates any provision of the Aeronautics Act or CARs
• The holder's operation of an RPAS constitutes a threat to aviation safety
• The holder obtained the certificate through fraud or misrepresentation
• The holder is no longer medically or otherwise fit to operate safely

The certificate holder has the right to request a review of the Minister's decision before the Transportation Appeal Tribunal of Canada (TATC) under Aeronautics Act s. 6.72. Continued operation during a suspension constitutes an additional offence.

Source: Aeronautics Act s. 6.9, s. 7.1; Aeronautics Act s. 6.72 (TATC Review)

Under CARs s. 901.50 and the Transportation Safety Board Regulations (SOR/2014-37), drone operators must report incidents as follows:

• Mandatory reporting to Transport Canada: Any incident involving injury to a person, danger to aviation safety, or damage to property must be reported
• Transportation Safety Board (TSB): Notify the TSB if the incident meets the criteria under the Canadian Transportation Accident Investigation and Safety Board Act
• Report should include: date, time, location, drone registration number, pilot certificate number, description of the event, and any injuries or damage

Failure to report a reportable incident is a violation under the Aeronautics Act and may result in Administrative Monetary Penalties or criminal charges. Operators should preserve any relevant flight logs and data.

Source: CARs s. 901.50; Transportation Safety Board Regulations (SOR/2014-37); Aeronautics Act s. 7.7

No. Since June 1, 2019, Transport Canada does not require a separate commercial drone licence. The same Basic and Advanced RPAS Pilot Certificate framework under CARs Part IX applies to both recreational and commercial operations.

To fly commercially, you need:

• A valid RPAS Pilot Certificate — Basic or Advanced (depending on the operation type)
• A registered drone (250 g to 25 kg)
• Compliance with all Basic or Advanced operating conditions

The previous SFOC-based commercial regime was replaced by the current framework. However, operations that fall outside Basic/Advanced rules still require an SFOC.

Source: CARs Part IX, s. 901.01; Transport Canada Advisory Circular AC 922-001

Drone delivery services in Canada typically require authorization beyond the standard Basic/Advanced framework because they often involve BVLOS operations, flights over people, and transport of goods by air. Requirements include:

• A Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC) under CARs s. 903.01 for BVLOS operations
• Compliance with CARs Part VII if the operation constitutes a commercial air service (transport of goods for hire)
• Risk assessment and safety case documentation submitted with the SFOC application
• Potential requirement for a Canadian Aviation Document depending on the scope of operations
• Municipal and provincial regulations regarding low-altitude airspace use, noise, and privacy may also apply

Transport Canada has been issuing SFOCs for drone delivery pilot projects on a case-by-case basis and is developing permanent regulatory frameworks for routine BVLOS operations.

Source: CARs s. 903.01; CARs Part VII; Aeronautics Act s. 5.9; Transport Canada RPAS Task Force recommendations

Foreign nationals can fly drones in Canada but face specific restrictions under CARs Part IX and the Aeronautics Act:

• Drone registration: Only Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or Canadian-incorporated corporations can register drones in Canada — foreign nationals must partner with a Canadian entity or use a Canadian-registered drone
• Pilot certification: Foreign nationals can obtain a Canadian RPAS Pilot Certificate by meeting the same requirements (age, exam) as Canadian applicants
• Canada does not currently recognize foreign drone pilot certificates — there are no mutual recognition agreements for RPAS certificates
• Work permits may be required under Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for commercial drone operations by foreign nationals

Foreign operators should contact Transport Canada and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) well in advance of planned operations.

Source: CARs s. 901.01–901.06 (Registration); CARs s. 901.54–901.60 (Certification); Immigration and Refugee Protection Act

Yes. Commercial drone operators in Canada must comply with federal and provincial privacy legislation, which operates alongside Transport Canada's aviation regulations:

• Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) — applies to commercial operations that collect, use, or disclose personal information (including photos, videos, and surveillance data)
• Provincial privacy legislation — Alberta (PIPA), British Columbia (PIPA), and Quebec (Act respecting the protection of personal information in the private sector) have their own substantially similar laws
• Criminal Code s. 162 — voyeurism provisions apply to drone-based observation or recording in circumstances where a person has a reasonable expectation of privacy

Best practices include: obtaining consent where practical, displaying signage about aerial surveillance, implementing data minimization policies, and maintaining privacy impact assessments for commercial operations that capture identifiable imagery.

Source: PIPEDA (S.C. 2000, c. 5); Criminal Code (R.S.C., 1985, c. C-46), s. 162; Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada Guidelines on Drones

To legally operate a drone weighing between 250 g and 25 kg in Canada, follow these steps:

• Step 1 — Register your drone: Create an account on the Transport Canada Drone Management Portal and register your RPAS. Mark it with the registration number.
• Step 2 — Get certified: Pass the Small Basic Examination (minimum age 14, score 65%+) for Basic Operations. For Advanced Operations, also pass the Small Advanced Examination (minimum age 16, score 80%+) and complete a flight review with a recognized flight reviewer.
• Step 3 — Know before you fly: Check airspace restrictions using the NAV Drone app or NRC Drone Site Selection Tool. Review NOTAMs for temporary restrictions.
• Step 4 — Follow the rules: Fly below 122 m (400 ft) AGL, maintain VLOS, stay 30 m from bystanders (Basic), carry your pilot certificate and drone registration.
• Step 5 — Get insurance (recommended): While not legally required, liability insurance protects you from financial risk.

Source: CARs Part IX, s. 901.01–901.71; Transport Canada Drone Management Portal; NAV CANADA RPAS procedures

Transport Canada offers several official resources for new drone pilots:

• Drone Management Portal (drone.tc.gc.ca) — Online platform for drone registration, pilot certification exams, and certificate management
• Transport Canada Study Guides: TP 15263 (Knowledge Requirements for Pilots of RPAS) covers all exam topics including airspace, weather, regulations, and emergency procedures
• Know Before You Fly: Transport Canada's public education campaign with safety guidelines and regulatory summaries
• NAV Drone App: Free app from NAV CANADA for checking airspace, requesting controlled airspace access, and viewing NOTAMs
• NRC Drone Site Selection Tool: National Research Council tool for identifying safe and legal flight locations
• Advisory Circulars: AC 922-001 and related documents provide detailed guidance on regulatory compliance

New pilots should also familiarize themselves with the Designated Airspace Handbook (DAH) and relevant sections of the Canada Flight Supplement (CFS) for airspace information.

Source: Transport Canada TP 15263; Advisory Circular AC 922-001; NAV CANADA RPAS resources; NRC Drone Site Selection Tool