Categories of Drones

In Canada, we have different categories of drones. Each category, typically organize by weight and/or capabilities, has its own set of regulations that pilots must abide by.

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Micro-Drone Operations

Is a drone that is under 250 grams
Does not require a license to fly
Can be flown anywhere, except Class F airspace, so long as:
- Keep the drone in a direct line of sight
- Keep drone close enough to
  controller signal
- Keep it below 400 feet in the air
- Is at a safe distance from bystanders
- Does not interfere with flight zones, aircraft operations, infrastructure, or advertised events
- Perform pre-flight inspection of drone

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Basic Operations

Is a drone that is between 250 grams to 25 kilograms
Drone must be registered with Transport Canada, and will be marked with a registration number.
14 years old (or supervised by a certified pilot).
Must obtain, and keep with you a Basic Operations Pilot Certificate and Proof of registration. This consists of an exam. Renewed every 2 years.
Must follow the following conditions:
- Flown in uncontrolled airspace
- Must be 30 metres away, horizontally, from bystanders, and not flown over them
- Must be 3 nautical miles from an airport or military aerodrome

Must be 1 nautical mile from a certified heliport

Advanced Operations

A drone that is between 250 grams to 25 kilograms
Drone must be registered with Transport Canada, and will be marked with a registration number. 16 years of age (or supervised by a certified pilot).
Must obtain, and keep with you an Advanced Operations Pilot Certificate (renew in 2 years) and Proof of registration. This consists of an exam and flight review. You must also file a flight plan request with NAV Canada.
Flight Plans/requests include: date, time, duration, area, hazards, pilot/aircraft registration, time needed to terminate operation, emergency procedures, type of aircraft
If you are doing one of the following, it is an Advanced Operation:
- Flying in controlled airspace
- Are not 30 metres away, horizontally, from and are over bystanders
- Are not 3 nautical miles from an airport or military aerodrome
- Are not 1 nautical mile from a certified heliport

Some drones may share some overlapping rules and regulations, with the exception of Special Flight Operations.

For Basic and Advanced Operations:

Must be fit to fly: no alcohol in one’s system for 12 hours, and must not be fatigued (also applies for other operations)
Must maintain a line of sight with your drone at all times
Night flying is allowed if your drone has visible lights
First Person Viewing goggles are only allowed if a visual observer is with you.

Special Flight Operations

Same requirements as an Advanced Operation, but differs in the following ways:
- A drone that is likely over 25 kg
- Requires a Special Flight Operations Certificate (requires an application form); is for the following:
  - Foreign operators
  - Flying at a special aviation or advertised event
  - Flying close to a military airport
  - Flying at higher altitudes
  - Carrying dangerous or hazardous payloads (chemicals)
  - Want to fly more than five drones at the same time
  - Does not require a visual line of sight