‘Basic’ Drone License Information

If you meet all 5 of these conditions, you’re conducting basic operations:

• You fly it in uncontrolled airspace
• You fly it more than 30 metres (100 feet) horizontally from bystanders
• You never fly it over bystanders
• You fly it more than 3 nautical miles from a certified airport or a military aerodrome
• You fly it more than 1 nautical mile from a certified heliport

If you do not meet any 1 of these 5 conditions, you are conducting advanced operations. For example, let’s say you fly your drone more than 30 metres (100 feet) horizontally from bystanders but in controlled airspace. This operation is advanced because you’re flying in controlled airspace even if you’re more than 30 metres (100 feet) horizontally from bystanders. For basic operations, here are some of the rules you must follow:

• Register your drone   with Transport Canada before you fly it for the first time
• Mark your drone with its registration number
• Pass the Small Basic Exam  
• Be able to show your Pilot Certificate – Basic Operations and proof of registration when you fly

‘Advanced’ Drone License Information

If you meet any 1 of these conditions, you are conducting advanced operations:

• You want to fly in controlled airspace
• You want to fly over bystanders
• You want to fly within 30 metres (100 feet) of bystanders (measured horizontally)
• You want to fly less than 3 nautical miles from a certified airport or a military aerodrome
• You want to fly less than 1 nautical mile from a certified heliport

For advanced operations, here are some of the rules you must follow:

• Register your drone   with Transport Canada before you fly it for the first time
• Mark your drone with its registration number
• Have a drone with the appropriate Safety declaration for the intended operation
• Pass the Small Advanced Exam  
• Pass a flight review with a flight reviewer
• Be able to show your Pilot Certificate – Advanced Operations and proof of registration when you fly your drone
• Seek permission from air traffic control (NAV CANADA or the Department of National Defence) to fly in controlled airspace (request an RPAS Flight Authorization   from NAV CANADA)
• Fly within the operational limits of your drone

You can only use drones that meet the safety requirements for the operation you want to conduct. See tips on choosing the right drone   before you fly. If you have a Pilot Certificate – Advanced Operations, you do not need a Pilot Certificate – Basic Operations to conduct basic operations.