A Guide to Drone Certification in Canada: Basic Flight Certificate and Advanced Drone Pilot Certificate

As drones become more popular in various industries and for recreational use, understanding the legal framework surrounding their operation in Canada is essential. The country has established regulations and guidelines that ensure drone pilots operate safely and responsibly, especially in populated or controlled airspace. This article will guide you through the two key certifications required for drone pilots in Canada: the Basic Flight Certificate and the Advanced Drone Pilot Certificate.

The Importance of Drone Certification

In Canada, drone operations are regulated by Transport Canada, the federal body responsible for maintaining safety in the national airspace. Whether you're a hobbyist or a commercial operator, understanding the rules is vital for ensuring that you are not violating any regulations. Failing to comply can result in fines or, in some cases, legal consequences.

Anyone flying a drone weighing between 250 grams and 25 kilograms must be certified unless they are flying in specific areas like parks or controlled airspaces where permissions vary. The two main certifications—Basic Flight Certificate and Advanced Drone Pilot Certificate—enable operators to fly under different circumstances based on the complexity of their intended drone operations.

Basic Flight Certificate

The Basic Flight Certificate is the entry-level certification for most recreational and some commercial drone pilots. This certificate is necessary for anyone flying a drone in less complex environments where the risk is lower. However, obtaining this certificate does not mean unrestricted flying. Here’s what you can and cannot do with a Basic Flight Certificate:

Requirements for the Basic Flight Certificate:

• Drone Weight: Your drone must weigh between 250 grams and 25 kilograms.

• Age: You must be at least 14 years old.

• Exam: To get the certificate, you must pass the Small Basic Exam, a test conducted by Transport Canada that covers essential knowledge on airspace, weather, regulations, and emergency procedures.

• Registration: Your drone must be registered with Transport Canada, and the registration number should be clearly visible on the aircraft.

• Operational Limits: You must fly in uncontrolled airspace, keep your drone at least 30 meters away from bystanders, and maintain a visual line of sight with your drone at all times.

Where Can You Fly with a Basic Flight Certificate?

With a Basic Flight Certificate, you are allowed to fly in less risky, open environments, such as rural areas and uncontrolled airspaces, where there are fewer restrictions on altitude and proximity to people. However, you are not allowed to fly in controlled airspace, near bystanders, or over people, which limits your operations to areas with low population density.

The Basic Flight Certificate is perfect for hobbyists and those conducting basic photography or videography work. But if your needs are more advanced, or if you're operating in urban or high-risk areas, you’ll need to upgrade to the Advanced Drone Pilot Certificate.

Advanced Drone Pilot Certificate

The Advanced Drone Pilot Certificate is required for more complex and high-risk operations, such as flying in controlled airspaces, flying closer to bystanders, or flying within 5 kilometers of an airport. Obtaining this certificate allows greater freedom but also comes with more stringent requirements.

Requirements for the Advanced Drone Pilot Certificate:

• Exam: To get the Advanced Certificate, you must pass the Small Advanced Exam, a more challenging test that covers topics like navigation, emergency protocols, and risk management.

• Flight Review: In addition to passing the exam, you will need to pass an in-person flight review conducted by a Transport Canada-approved reviewer. The flight review assesses your ability to safely operate a drone in real-world conditions.

• Age: You must be at least 16 years old.

• Operational Limits: You can fly in controlled airspace, within 30 meters of bystanders (or even over people with special authorization), and in areas with higher population densities, such as urban centers.

Benefits of the Advanced Drone Pilot Certificate

The Advanced Drone Pilot Certificate gives operators much more flexibility. With it, you can fly in controlled airspace, such as near airports, heliports, and urban environments, provided you follow all the regulations. If your work involves filming for movies, real estate, infrastructure inspection, or conducting drone deliveries, this certificate is essential.

Canadian Guidelines and Best Practices for Drone Operations

When flying drones in Canada, pilots must adhere to a strict set of rules to ensure safety. Here are some critical guidelines to follow:

1. Stay Below 122 meters (400 feet): This is the maximum legal altitude for drone flight in Canada unless special permission is granted by Transport Canada.

2. Stay Clear of Aircraft: Avoid flying near airports, heliports, or aerodromes unless you have an Advanced Drone Pilot Certificate and proper clearance.

3. Maintain Line of Sight: Always keep your drone in sight, and avoid flying in poor weather conditions like fog, high winds, or snow.

4. Respect Privacy: Be aware of privacy laws, especially when flying in populated areas or near private properties.

5. Use Transport Canada’s Tools: Tools like the NAV CANADA Drone Flight Management System (DFMS) and the Drone Pilot Canada App can help you navigate legal airspace and file flight plans.

Conclusion

Whether you’re flying for fun or conducting commercial operations, following Transport Canada’s guidelines is essential for safe and legal drone use. For hobbyists and those flying in open spaces, the Basic Flight Certificate is often sufficient. However, for pilots who need to operate in more complex environments, the Advanced Drone Pilot Certificate provides greater flexibility but requires additional training and testing.

Understanding these certifications ensures that you can operate drones safely and legally in Canada while avoiding fines or other legal consequences. Always stay updated with Transport Canada’s regulations, as they may evolve with technological advancements and increased drone use across the country.