Bruce McPherson

The following is a summary of the newly updated regulations. Please note that these Regulations do not come into effect until June 1 2019

You will require an SFOC up until June 1 2019

Single weight class from 250g -25kg for VLOS operations

Single set of regulations for recreational and commercial use, does not matter if you use your drone for fun or for work

The updated Canadian Gazette 2 document is here for download

The Knowledge Requirements for drone pilots is here for download.

Operations fall into two type of operations

• Basic - Uncontrolled airspace (Usually away from cities and towns, out in the country)
• Advanced - Controlled airspace (Usually found where ever there is an airport, or hospital heli pad)

We offer an online course that will help you pass either of these Transport Canada exams

Advanced Knowledge Requirements for Pilots of RPAS 250g up to 25 kg VLOS

Basic Operations and Basic Pilot Permit

• Class G airspace only (uncontrolled airspace)
• 1 nautical mile from heliports, 3 nautical miles from airports
• Aircraft must be registered and marked with registration number from Transport Canada
• Basic online Transport Canada test passed
• Minimum 14 years old or adult supervised
• Operations within built-up areas permitted
• No operations over people, must be minimum 30M distance from anyone
• Maximum altitude 400 feet
• Night operations permitted
• Must be flown within Visual Line of Sight (VLOS)
• No liability insurance required 

Advanced Operations and Advanced Pilot Permit

• Class G, C-F airspace   (controlled airspace)
• Operations near airports with Air Traffic Control (ATC) approval
• Manufacturers must declare their drone has a Safety Assurance (This can be found when you log into your Transport Canada online drone portal account and register your drone.  The site will tell you if your specific drone is Safe Assured and wether it can be used in Controlled Airpsace)
• Aircraft must be registered and marked with registration number from Transport Canada
• Advanced online very comprehensive Transport Canada test must be passed
• Flight Review must be taken and passed
• Minimum 16 years old 
• Operations within built-up areas permitted
• Operations over people with proper safety protocols in place with Safe Assured drone, 0-30M from people
• Maximum altitude 400 feet
• Night operations permitted
• Must be flown within Visual Line of Sight (VLOS)
• No liability insurance required