Flying Rc planes, helis and drones~What You need to know

Drone pilots must follow the rules in the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs). Part IX – Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems contains most of the rules that apply to drones up to 25 kilograms. You  should read these regulations in full before you fly your drone for the  first time.

Drone pilots must carry a valid drone pilot certificate and only fly  drones that are marked and registered. 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.

Drone pilots must always carry a valid drone pilot certificate while  operating their drone. A valid drone pilot certificate is a printed or  electronic document issued by Transport Canada. No other form of  certification will be accepted.

You must respect all other laws when flying your drone. We encourage  you to read the following documents before you fly for the first time:

• Relevant sections of the Criminal Code, including Offences against Air or Maritime Safety, Breaking and Entering, and Mischief
• your province’s trespass act
• laws related to voyeurism and privacy

You must respect the privacy rights of others when you fly.

We investigate reports of unsafe flying. We may involve local police if you break other laws.

It’s important that you fly your drone responsibly to avoid harming others. Here are the rules you need to follow.

You need a drone pilot licence to fly drones that weigh 250 grams (g) up to and including 25 kilograms (kg).

You need to be 14 years old to get a basic licence and 16 years old  to get an advanced licence. Children younger than 14 must be supervised  by someone with a licence. This includes clubs, camps and other youth  groups.

1. Understand your legal requirements when flying drones
2. Understand the difference between basic and advanced operations (find your category of drone operation)
3. Get the necessary knowledge requirements
4. Get a drone pilot certificate
5. Choose the right drone if you want to perform advanced operations
6. Register your drone
7. Follow your drone manufacturer’s instructions
8. Survey the area where you will fly
   • Take note of any obstacles, such as buildings and power lines

1. Advanced operations only - to operate in controlled airspace (Classes C, D or E) you need to ask NAV CANADA for an RPAS Flight Authorization

To keep yourself and others safe, fly your drone:

• where you can always see it 
  • You can fly at night if you have lights on your drone
• below 122 metres (400 feet) in the air
• away from bystanders, at a minimum horizontal distance of 30 metres for basic operations
• away from emergency operations and advertised events
  • Avoid forest fires, outdoor concerts and parades
• away from airports and heliports
  • 5.6 kilometres (3 nautical miles) from airports
  • 1.9 kilometres (1 nautical mile) from heliports
• outside controlled airspace (for basic operations only)
• far away from other aircraft
  • Don’t fly anywhere near airplanes, helicopters and other drones

You could face serious penalties, including fines and/or jail time, if you break the rules.

• up to $1,000 for flying without a drone pilot certificate
• up to $1,000 for flying unregistered or unmarked drones
• up to $1,000 for flying where you are not allowed
• up to $3,000 for putting aircraft and people at risk

• up to $5,000 for flying without a drone pilot certificate
• up to $5,000 for flying unregistered or unmarked drones
• up to $5,000 for flying where you are not allowed
• up to $15,000 for putting aircraft and people at risk

If you break more than one rule, you could receive multiple penalties.

We use the term “drone” on these pages to refer to any type of  Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS). There are several different  terms for this technology. In Part IX of the Canadian Aviation Regulations, we use the term Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems to align with our international partners.

Visual-line-of-sight means always keeping your device in sight  without visual aid (for example, binoculars or video feed). This means  not flying into clouds or fog, or behind trees, buildings or other (even  partial) obstructions.

Bystander refers to anyone that is not directly associated with the operation. Among others, this excludes the pilot and crew.

• Register your drone
• Find your category of drone operation
• Choosing the right drone
• Getting a drone pilot certificate
• Where to fly your drone

   Date modified: 2023-03-16