Drones used to conduct advanced operations must be declared as able to perform certain advanced operations safely.
If you build or modify Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), or “drones”, you can make a declaration to Transport Canada identifying the capabilities of the system.
Anyone who builds or modifies a drone must be able to prove that the drone complies with Canadian Aviation Regulations Standard 922 and Canadian Aviation Regulations 901.76 if it is to be used for advanced operations.
If a drone model does not have an RPAS Safety Assurance declaration, drone pilots cannot use that drone for advanced operations. For more information on how an RPAS safety assurance affects how pilots can fly a drone, see choosing the right drone for you.
Pilots might also need to use drones with a Safety Assurance if they want to apply for a Special Flight Operations Certificate.
Who can submit a declaration
- The designer and/or manufacturer of a drone
- Third-party drone modifiers
- Individuals who design and build “home-built” drones
About the RPAS safety assurance declaration
You can declare that your RPAS can safely conduct any or all of the following operations so pilots can register their drones for advanced operations:
- Operations in controlled airspace
- Operations near people: less than 30 meters (100 feet) but more than 5 meters (16.4 feet) horizontally
- Operations over people: less than 5 meters (16.4 feet) horizontally
How to comply
Adding safety features to a drone, such as a deployable parachute, can help it meet the safety requirements for advanced operations.
Advisory Circular AC 922-001: Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems Safety Assurance provides guidance on complying with the regulations and standards.
If your drone complies with the regulations and standards, submit a declaration for new or modified drones.
Penalties
We may fine you if you falsely declare to meet the technical requirements set out in Standard 922 — RPAS Safety Assurance. You may be fined $3,000 for a person and $15,000 for a corporation for each registered system.
What you need to know before you apply
You do not need to submit the results of the AC 922-001 Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems Safety Assurance verification tests along with your declaration of RPAS Safety Assurance. However, you may be asked to produce the results of verification tests at a later date. Failure to produce the results of verification tests when requested may impact the declaration status of your RPAS.
After you apply
Once you submit your declaration, it will be reviewed and we will contact you if more information is needed or if the declaration is accepted. It may take 5 business days or more following acceptance of your declaration for it to appear in the list of drones eligible for advanced operations. You are responsible for ensuring all contact information remains current and valid. Invalid contact information may result in the declaration being considered invalid.