Academy / Drone Piloting: Advanced Techniques

Drone Regulations: Understanding Legal Challenges and Certifications

Drone Regulations in Canada

Regulatory Body: Transport Canada

Basic vs. Advanced Operations

Canada divides drone operations into two categories:

Basic Operations:

• Fly in uncontrolled airspace.
• Must remain 30 meters away from bystanders.
• No special flight review required, but you need to pass an online knowledge test for a Basic Pilot Certificate.

Advanced Operations:

• Flying in controlled airspace or near people (but not over them).
• Requires an Advanced Pilot Certificate, which involves passing both a written exam and a flight review.

General Requirements:

1. Age Requirement: Must be 14+ for Basic and 16+ for Advanced operations.
2. Registration: Drones weighing 250g to 25kg must be registered.
3. Maximum Altitude: 400 feet above ground level.
4. Line of Sight: Must keep the drone in your visual line of sight at all times.

Example:

A real estate drone photographer flying over urban areas in Canada would need an Advanced Pilot Certificate due to proximity to buildings and people, along with drone registration.