On this page
- What you fly, how you fly, where you fly
- Drone size classification
- Finding your category of operation
What you fly, how you fly, where you fly
The rules for flying a drone depend on the weight and safety features of your drone, the distance you fly from any person, and airspace rules define your category of drone operation. Drone pilot certificates are based on these categories.
Drone pilots must follow specific rules for each category of operation, along with the safety rules that apply to all drones.
Drone size classification
The weight of the remote control is not factored into the weight calculation of the aircraft, but the weight of anything attached or carried, such as optional cameras or safety cages, is considered part of the operating weight.
- Microdrones weigh under 250 g
- Small drones weigh at least 250 g but not more than 25 kg (Basic operations and above)
- Medium drones weigh over 25 kg but not more than 150 kg (Advanced operations and above)
- Large drones weigh over 150 kg (Special operations)
Finding your category of operation
Pilot certificates reflect the category of operation. Each level grants you more privileges.
| Empty cell | Basic | Advanced | Level 1 Complex | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age minimum for certification |
14 |
16 |
18 |
||
| Fly in visual line-of-sight | Yes | Yes | Yes | ||
| Closer to or over people | No | Yes* | Yes* | ||
| Small drones | Yes | Yes | Yes | ||
| Medium drones | No | Yes* | Yes* | ||
| Controlled airspace (with permission from air traffic control) | No | Yes* | Yes* | ||
| Sheltered operations | No | Yes | Yes | ||
| Extended visual line-of-sight | No | Yes | Yes | ||
| Beyond visual line-of-sight | No | No | Yes* | ||
* The drone must meet safety feature requirements for the specific advanced operation you want to fly. |
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