Regulatory Overview

Canada’s remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) regulations took effect on June 1, 2019, as amendments to the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs), Part IX. The framework replaced earlier ad-hoc guidance and created two distinct operational categories: Basic and Advanced. The category that applies to a specific flight depends on several factors, including the weight of the drone, where the flight takes place, and whether the flight path passes over people.

Transport Canada administers the certification system through its online portal. Drone operators must complete the relevant exam, achieve the required passing score, and in the Advanced case, pass an in-person flight review with a Transport Canada-approved assessor.

The regulations apply to drones weighing between 250 grams and 25 kilograms. Drones below 250 grams fall outside the registration and certification system, though other rules—such as avoiding flights near emergency scenes or over people—still apply.

Drone Registration

Any drone between 250 g and 25 kg must be registered with Transport Canada before its first flight in Canada. Registration is completed online and costs a one-time fee. Upon completion, the operator receives a registration number that must be displayed on the outside of the drone in a location that is visible during flight.

Registration is tied to the owner, not the drone itself. A single registration covers one aircraft. If an operator has multiple drones, each must be registered separately. The registration does not expire unless ownership changes, at which point the new owner must re-register the aircraft.

Transport Canada requires the registration mark to be legible from at least 30 centimetres away when the drone is stationary on a flat surface.

Commercial operators and organizations should note that drones owned by a corporation or institution must still be registered under the entity, and the pilot flying the drone must hold appropriate certification.

Basic Pilot Certificate

The Basic Pilot Certificate is designed for recreational and lower-risk operations. To obtain it, the applicant must pass an online multiple-choice exam administered through Transport Canada’s Drone Management Portal. The exam covers aviation safety, airspace rules, operational requirements, and emergency procedures.

A passing score of 65% or higher is required. The exam can be retaken after a 24-hour waiting period. There is no in-person component for the Basic certificate.

With a Basic certificate, an operator may:

  • Fly in uncontrolled (Class G) airspace.
  • Maintain a horizontal distance of at least 30 metres from bystanders.
  • Fly during daylight hours, within visual line of sight.

The Basic certificate does not allow flight over people, in controlled airspace, or in restricted zones without additional authorization.

Note: Controlled airspace begins at the surface around many Canadian airports. Before any flight, check the NRC Drone Management Portal and the NAV CANADA Drone Tool to confirm the airspace class at your planned location.

Advanced Pilot Certificate

The Advanced Pilot Certificate permits more complex operations that carry greater risk—such as flying closer to or over people, operating in controlled airspace, or conducting operations that come within certain distances of aerodromes.

Obtaining an Advanced certificate requires two steps:

  1. Pass the online written exam with a score of 80% or higher.
  2. Complete an in-person flight review with a Transport Canada-approved drone assessor.

The flight review tests practical competency in a range of manoeuvres, pre-flight checks, emergency procedures, and airspace awareness. Assessors are authorized flight reviewers listed in Transport Canada’s registry. Flight reviews must be conducted on a category of aircraft that the applicant intends to fly commercially or recreationally in advanced operations.

With an Advanced certificate, an operator may fly over people (subject to drone manufacturer’s declarations), in controlled airspace with prior authorization, and within the restricted zones that require Advanced certification.

Exemptions and Special Cases

Transport Canada has issued several standing exemptions that cover specific scenarios. For example, certain public safety organizations (police, fire departments, and search-and-rescue groups) operate under modified rules when conducting emergency operations. Journalists and filmmakers working within specific parameters may also access exemptions under certain circumstances.

Researchers, universities, and manufacturers testing new equipment may apply for special flight operations certificates (SFOCs), which are assessed on a case-by-case basis. SFOCs can authorize beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) flights, flights in restricted airspace, or other operations not covered by the standard framework.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Operating a drone without proper registration or certification in Canada is a federal offence under the Aeronautics Act. Penalties range from administrative monetary penalties of up to $3,000 for individuals to criminal prosecution with fines reaching $25,000. Flights that endanger aircraft or persons can trigger the higher end of the penalty scale.

Transport Canada enforcement officers and NAV CANADA both have reporting mechanisms. The RCMP and local police can also respond to complaints about unsafe drone operations.

Official Resources