Become an RPAS Pilot - Quick Reference Guide
Fast-track your path to become a certified drone pilot in Canada
Learning
Where to study:
- Transport Canada's drone safety pages: the rules and what each exam covers.
- TC Drone Management Portal: register your drone and write your exam online.
- NAV CANADA drone flight planning tool: check airspace before you fly.
Links to all three are on the Learning Resources page.
RPAS Selection
Choose by Use Case:
- Beginner
DJI Mini series
- Photography/Video:
DJI Mavic series
- Enterprise:
DJI Matrice
- Racing/Sport: FPV custom builds
Training
What you need to know:
- Basic Certificate: drones 250 g to 25 kg in uncontrolled airspace, kept at least 30 m from bystanders. Online exam, minimum age 14.
- Advanced Certificate: needed for controlled airspace or flying near or over people. Online exam plus an in-person flight review, minimum age 16.
- Level 1 Complex: beyond visual line of sight in lower-risk areas. Age 18+, ground school and the Level 1 Complex exam.
- Where to train: TC-recognized flight schools, online courses, or self-study.
TC Regulations
Current requirements (checked October 2026):
- Pilot certificate: required for every drone from 250 g to 25 kg, recreational or commercial.
- Registration: every drone from 250 g to 25 kg, through the TC Drone Management Portal. Under 250 g needs neither.
- Basic operations: at least 30 m from bystanders, 5.6 km from airports and 1.9 km from heliports.
- Altitude: 122 m (400 ft) above ground maximum.
- Insurance: liability coverage recommended, and expected by most commercial clients.