Canada Transport Canada Drone Rules 2026: Complete Guide

Canada Transport Canada Drone Rules 2026: Complete Guide

Transport Canada regulates drones (referred to as Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems, or RPAS) under the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) Part IX. The framework divides operations into Basic and Advanced categories based on where and how the drone is flown. This guide covers the key requirements for recreational and commercial operators in Canada.

Registration Requirements

All drones weighing between 250g and 25kg must be registered with Transport Canada before flight. Key points:

• Registration is done through the Transport Canada drone registration portal
• The registration number must be marked on the drone
• Drones under 250g are exempt from registration but must still follow safety rules
• Drones over 25kg require special airworthiness certification

Basic vs Advanced Operations

Basic Operations apply when flying:

• In uncontrolled airspace (Class G)
• More than 30m horizontally from bystanders
• Not over bystanders
• Not in a built-up area

Basic operations require: drone registration + Basic Pilot Certificate (online exam, open-book, 35 multiple choice questions, 65% pass mark).

Advanced Operations apply when flying:

• In controlled airspace (Classes A, B, C, D, E, F)
• Over bystanders
• Within 30m of bystanders
• In built-up areas

Advanced operations require: drone registration + Advanced Pilot Certificate (closed-book exam, 50 questions, 80% pass mark + in-person flight review with a Transport Canada approved examiner).

Controlled Airspace Authorization

Advanced pilots flying in controlled airspace must obtain authorization from NAV CANADA before each operation. The NAV CANADA drone flight planning tool provides digital authorization for many controlled airspace areas, similar to the US LAANC system.

Key Operating Restrictions

• Maximum altitude: 122m (400 feet) AGL
• Always within visual line of sight
• Never fly closer than 5.6km from an aerodrome without authorization
• Never fly over moving vehicles on public roads
• Never fly at night without a special flight operations certificate (SFOC)
• Never fly in adverse weather that reduces visibility below 3 statute miles
• Give way to all manned aircraft

National Parks and Protected Areas

Parks Canada prohibits drone operations in all national parks, national historic sites, and national marine conservation areas without a special permit. The restriction applies to takeoff, landing, and flight within park boundaries. Contact the specific park administration for permit information.

Special Flight Operations Certificates (SFOC)

Operations outside the Basic/Advanced framework — such as night flight, beyond visual line of sight, or operations near emergency scenes — require a Special Flight Operations Certificate from Transport Canada. SFOCs are reviewed case-by-case and typically require several weeks of lead time.

Penalties

Fines for non-compliance range from CAD $1,000 for minor violations to CAD $25,000 for serious offenses. Criminal charges can apply for operations that endanger aircraft or people.

For current regulations and updates, see the Transport Canada drone safety hub.

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