You must have and be able to show your Pilot Certificate – Level 1 Complex Operations and proof of drone registration when you fly. Pilots must fly under an RPAS Operator Certificate (RPOC).
You can only use drones that meet the safety requirements for the Level 1 Complex operation you want to conduct. See tips on choosing the right drone before you fly.
The Level 1 Complex Operations certificate builds upon the Advanced Operations certificate to allow you to fly Lower-risk beyond the visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations.
Fly within the operational limits of your drone and respect weather requirements for the operation. Always survey the area where you will fly.
Lower-risk BVLOS operations
For lower-risk BVLOS operations, you can:
- fly a small or medium RPA with a BVLOS declaration over unpopulated areas (more than 1km away from populated areas
- fly a small RPA with pre-validated BVLOS declaration over sparsely populated areas
All lower-risk BVLOS operations must:
- remain in uncontrolled airspace,
- fly at 400 feet above ground level (AGL) or below
- fly more than 9.3 km (five nautical miles) away from the center of aerodromes listed in the Canadian Flight Supplement or Water Aerodrome Supplement.
Map for where you can fly Lower-risk BVLOS
The National Research Council has created an interactive map showing you where you can fly BVLOS. The map helps drone operators understand airspace and find out where to fly. It is for your convenience only.
| Drone weight class | Operation | Standards requiring declaration | Type of Declaration Required | CARs reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small | BVLOS operation away from a populated area, in uncontrolled airspace and at a distance of not less than 1km from a populated area | 922.08 (1, 2), 922.09, 922.10*, 922.11, |
Declaration | 901.87(a) |
| Medium | BVLOS operation away from a populated area, in uncontrolled airspace and at a distance of not less than 1km from a populated area | 922.08 (3, 4, 5, 6), 922.09, 922.10*, 922.11, |
Declaration | 901.87(a) |
| Small | BVLOS operation over a sparsely populated area in uncontrolled airspace and over a sparsely populated area, or at a distance of less than 1km from a populated area. | 922.07, 922.09, 922.10*, 922.11, 922.12 |
Pre-Validated Declaration | 901.87(b) |
* When an operation is performed in atypical airspace as defined in AC 903-001, or if an operation is performed in accordance with Standard 923 – Vision Based DAA (as per CAR 901.97(2)), then a declaration against standard 922.10 is not required.
See list of drones with safety assurance declarations.
Useful terms to know
Populated area means an area with more than 5 people per square kilometer.
Sparsely populated area means an area with more than 5 but not more than 25 people per square kilometer.
Getting a drone Pilot Certificate – Level 1 Complex Operations
You need to be 18 years old to get a Level 1 Complex certificate.
To get your Level 1 Complex Operations certificate, you need to:
- pass the online exam for Advanced Operations
- complete at least 20 hours of ground school through a flight school
- pass the online exam for Level 1 Complex Operations
- pass a flight review for Level 1 Complex Operations
- apply for a Pilot Certificate – Level 1 Complex Operations
About the Pilot Certificate – Level 1 Complex Operations
Drone pilots who hold a Pilot Certificate – Level 1 Complex Operations can conduct basic and advanced operations. For complex operations, pilots must also fly under an RPAS Operator Certificate (RPOC).
Once the $125.00 fee is paid when you apply, you will be issued a Pilot Certificate – Level 1 Complex Operations.
Your pilot certificate does not expire, but you need to keep your skills up-to-date.