Drone operation categories and pilot certificates: Overview

On this page

• Understand the rules
• Drone size classification
• Finding your category of operation

Understand the rules

The rules for flying a drone depend on

• what you fly (the weight and safety features of your drone)
• how you fly (the distance you fly from any person, visual line-of-sight)
• where you fly (airspace rules, proximity to airports or critical infrastructure)
• when you fly (events, other flight operations)
• who will fly the drone (age, citizenship)

You will need to understand your category of drone operation to know what drone pilot certificate you need and the rules you need to follow.

Drone pilots must follow specific rules for each type of operation, along with the basic safety rules that apply to all drones.

Where you can fly and what you can do with your drone will depend on the pilot certificate you hold and the capabilities of the drone you fly.

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 and above)
• Medium drones weigh over 25 kg but not more than 150 kg (Advanced and above)
• Large drones weigh over 150 kg (Special operations)

Finding your category of operation

Pilot certificates reflect the category of operation and each level grants you more privileges.

Microdrones have their own set of rules. There is no associated pilot certification.

Flying at an advertised event is considered a special operation. Regardless of the size of your drone, you will need to get permission.

Operations with large drones are also special operations and require permission.

* The drone must meet safety feature requirements for the specific advanced operation you want to fly.