Drones are aircraft—which makes you a pilot. When you fly your drone, you’re sharing the skies with other drones and aircraft. Before you fly, understand the rules you must follow and review our safety tips.
On this page
Understand the rules
The rules for flying a drone depend on
- what you fly
- how you fly
- where you fly
- who will fly the drone
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.
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.
Legal requirements when flying drones
You must never operate your drone in a reckless or negligent manner as to endanger or be likely to endanger aviation safety or the safety of anyone.
Survey the area where you will fly. Take note of any obstacles, such as buildings and power lines.
You must stay away from emergency sites such as traffic accidents and wildfires.
Drone pilots must follow the rules in the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs). Part IX – Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems contains most of the rules that apply to drones. You should read these regulations in full before you fly your drone for the first time.
Register and mark your drone
You must register and mark your drone.
If you are flying a drone that is less than 250 grams, you do not need to register or mark the drone, but you still must follow the rules for microdrones.
Carry a valid drone pilot certificate
Drone pilots must always carry a valid drone pilot certificate while operating their drone. A valid drone pilot certificate is a printed or electronic document issued by Transport Canada. No other form of certification will be accepted.
Find your category of drone operation to know what drone pilot certificate you need and the rules you need to follow.
If you are flying a drone that is less than 250 grams, you do not need a drone pilot certificate, but you still must follow the rules for microdrones.
Respect all other laws
You must respect all other laws when flying your drone.
You must respect trespassing laws.
You must respect the privacy rights of others when you fly.
Insurance
Insurance is not required for standard operation categories but is recommended.
Proof of insurance may be required for operations that need a Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC-RPAS).
Who can fly
You need to be
- 14 years old to get a Basic certificate
- 16 years old to get an Advanced certificate
- 18 years old to get a Level 1 Complex certificate
Certified pilots can supervise people without a licence when they fly for training. This includes clubs, camps and other youth groups.
People without a licence can fly, but must be supervised by someone with a licence. This includes clubs, camps and other youth groups.
Foreign operators need to get permission.
Penalties
You could face serious penalties, including fines and/or jail time, if you break the rules.
We also investigate reports of unsafe flying. We may involve local police if you break other laws.
Fines for individuals
- up to $1,000 for flying without a drone pilot certificate
- up to $3,000 for flying where you are not allowed
- up to $3,000 for putting aircraft and people at risk
- up to $5,000 for flying unregistered or unmarked drones
Fines for corporations
- up to $5,000 for flying without a drone pilot certificate
- up to $15,000 for flying where you are not allowed
- up to $15,000 for putting aircraft and people at risk
- up to $25,000 for flying unregistered or unmarked drones
If you break more than one rule, you could receive multiple penalties.