Canada's drone operation rules change on November 4, 2025.
Pilot licensing and drone registration are now based on the new rules, but you still must follow the current operating rules until then.
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Why use a drone flight school
Drone flight schools offer courses to help you prepare for online exams and flight reviews. We recommend taking a course before attempting an online exam.
For a Pilot Certificate - Level 1 Complex Operations, you need to complete 20 hours of ground school.
In-person flight review
You will need to pass an in-person flight review to receive your Pilot Certificate – Advanced Operations or your Pilot Certificate – Level 1 Complex Operations. You can book a flight review by contacting a drone flight school near you.
Foreign pilots
Before the flight review, foreign pilots looking to conduct Advanced or Level 1 Complex Operations need to successfully pass the applicable exam and then receive their SFOC-RPAS before undertaking the flight review. Processing of an SFOC-RPAS application for foreign pilots may take up to 30 working days.
Learn more about how to get permission to fly a drone as a foreign pilot or operator.
What you can expect
Training is specific to how you’ll use your drone. Topics may include:
- airspace classification and structure
- weather and notice to airmen (NOTAM) reporting services
- aeronautical charts and the Canada Flight Supplement
- relevant sections of the Canadian Aviation Regulations
For more information on what you may learn, read the Knowledge Requirements for Pilots of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems.
You may be charged a fee to complete a drone course or a flight review. Fees are set by the drone flight schools or the flight reviewer.
Find a drone flight school near you
These schools have self-declared that they provide training in line with the Knowledge Requirements for Pilots of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems.
External links are not subject to official languages, privacy and accessibility requirements.
Should you wish to self-declare as a Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) training provider, please send an email to TC.RPASInfo-InfoSATP.TC@tc.gc.ca.
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