If you want to get permission for specific drone flight operations, you will need to apply for a Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC) for a remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS).
An SFOC-RPAS gives you permission to operate your drone for a specific purpose under special conditions. You need an SFOC-RPAS if you want to fly your drone beyond the rules for basic and advanced operations.
Foreign pilots
If you are a foreign pilot or operator (not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident), you need to apply for an SFOC-RPAS. Some exceptions apply.
Apply for a foreign pilot or operator SFOC-RPAS
Advertised events
Fly a drone at an advertised event (including microdrones)
Apply for an advertised event SFOC-RPAS
Medium and high-complexity operations
Medium-complexity operations
- Flying a drone more than 150 kg
- Flying above 122 meters (400 feet)
- Flying more than 5 drones within VLOS or more than 1 drone BVLOS
High-complexity operations
- Flying BVLOS other than sheltered operations, extended VLOS (EVLOS), and lower-risk BVLOS operations under the new Level 1 Complex regime
- Flying a drone with dangerous or hazardous payloads
- Flying BVLOS in an aerodrome environment
- Flying a medium-sized drone within VLOS or BVLOS in adverse weather or poor visibility
- Flying with a person on board
Special aviation events
An SFOC for a special aviation event is required when a pilot is operating a drone as a performer in the event (referred to as an “airshow” or “drone show”).