Flying a drone: registration, pilot certificates and airspace

Check the drone's weight, operation category, pilot requirements, airspace, land access, privacy and weather before takeoff.

Adapted from a guide first written for Quebec readers: passages specific to Quebec were removed. Rules in your province may differ.

In Canada, a drone is an aircraft. Calling it a small recreational device does not mean it can fly anywhere. Requirements depend on the drone's take-off weight, the operation, people nearby and the airspace. Check current official rules and maps for the location and time of every flight.

Before takeoff

1. Weigh the ready-to-fly drone. Drones weighing 250 g or more generally need registration and must display the registration number. Rules for microdrones under 250 g are different, but safety, airspace and location restrictions still matter.
2. Identify the operation category. Weight, safety features, proximity to people and the planned operation determine the pilot certificate or authorization required. A certificate does not automatically grant access to controlled or restricted airspace.
3. Check airspace and temporary restrictions. Consult Transport Canada's drone guidance and NAV CANADA resources for the exact place and time. Airports, emergency scenes, events and temporary notices can restrict flights or require prior authorization.
4. Check permission to use the ground site. Parks, private land, municipal property and protected sites may restrict takeoff, landing or drone use even where airspace rules appear to allow flight.
5. Assess conditions. Confirm visibility, wind, battery condition, obstacles, people and a safe emergency landing option. Protect people's privacy and do not record where you lack permission.

Rules and operation categories can change. Use Transport Canada's current drone safety and operating rules and the applicable registration and pilot-certificate pages before flying. Keep required proof available and follow any authorization conditions. If the flight would be near people, an airport, an emergency or restricted airspace, do not rely on a generic checklist.

Sources and limits

Source: Transport Canada, Drone Safety. Verify current federal requirements, airspace restrictions and land-access rules before each flight.

General information based on federal and national rules; provincial rules may differ. Confirm with the official body before acting.