082. How to Fly your Drone in Canada

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As of June 1, 2019, anyone looking to fly a drone in Canada is regulated by Part IX of the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs).

The quick and dirty on the changes are:

Everyone must register their drones if they weigh 250g or more. Everyone must obtain either a basic or advanced pilot certificate. You must be at least 14 years of age to obtain a pilot certificate. You must keep your drone within line of sight when flying. You are permitted to fly to a max altitude of 400′ above ground. Foreign pilots are required to obtain a SFOC before flying in Canada. How to Fly your Drone in Canada Here is a summary of the key changes that affect both domestic and international pilots that are looking to fly their drones in Canada.

Rules for Drone Flight in CanadaPilot Certificates – Section 901.53

All drone pilots are now required to obtain either a basic or advanced pilot certificate. You must be at least 14 years of age to obtain a pilots certificate, and those under 14 can still fly as long as they are supervised by a person that is at least 14 and possesses a pilot certificate.

Basic Pilot Certificate – Section 901.55

Basic pilot certificates allow pilots to operate in uncontrolled Class G airspace. In the basic category, all operations must be at least 14 years of age, and pass the basic exam. The basic category is great if you’re looking at flying outside of controlled airspace, at least 3nm from airports and 1nm from heliport, and 3nm away from DND aerodromes.

The basic pilot certificate is perfect for this that want to fly in the countryside, and away from people and controlled airspace. The basic permit allows you to operate as close to 100′ laterally (30m) from people not involved in the operation.

Advanced Pilot Certificate – Section 901.62

The advanced pilot certificate is for those 16 years old or older, that wish to fly in more complex environments, including controlled airspace, near airports/heliports/aerodromes, or near/over people. Like the basic certificate, the advanced requires passing an online exam and then an in-person flight review with a Transport Canada delegated Flight Reviewer. Remember the old SFOC applications? The flight review is like conducting a SFOC application in person, and then proving your flight skills.

While the advanced exam is standardized, the RPAS system that you operate will determine which category you can operate within. Transport Canada publishes a list of approved RPAS systems, and the three categories of operation are:

In controlled airspace. Near people – not less than 16.4′ (5m) laterally from another person, and at any altitude. Over people – at a distance of less than 16.4′ (5m) laterally from another person, and at any altitude.

Even with an advanced certificate and a drone that is allowed to operate in controlled airspace, you are still required to obtain permission from the airspace controlling agency (Nav Canada) prior to flying in that airspace. Failure to do so can result in a hefty fine.

Regardless if you’re in the basic or advanced category, you’ll need to carry your pilot certificate with you during all flight operations.

Drone Registration in Canada – Section 901.02

In order to be able to fly your drone, you must register your drone with Transport Canada. This applies to all drones above 250g, and the registration number must be clearly visible on the drone. Registration costs $5, and requires you to provide the purchase date, make, model, serial number, weight and type of drone. Once you have registered, you’ll immediately receive a download link to obtain your registration. Print that off and keep it with your drone as it’s required to be with your drone during all flight.

Flying your Drone in Controlled Airspace

Drone Site Selection Tool

In order you fly your drone in controlled airspace, you are required to obtain approval from the controlling agency. Nav Canada has created a RPAS Flight Authorization Request form that needs to be submitted and approved before you are allowed to fly. In addition to this tool, the National Research Council Canada has published a Drone Site Selection Tool to help you determine what kind of flight operations may be permitted. In addition this tool, I highly recommend a copy of the Canadian Flight Supplement, and ForeFlight or paper VNC maps so that you can most accurately determine which airspace you are in.

Visual Line-of-Sight Operations – Section 901.11

All drone flights must be conducted with either the pilot or visual observer maintaining visual line of sight at all times. Looking through FPV goggles or...