Drones and UAVs

Drones represent one of the greatest shifts in aviation since the development of the helicopter in 1940. Reckless or negligent drone use endangers crucial airspace.

Transport Canada regulates drone use to keep the public and our airspace safe. You are responsible to fly your aircraft safely and legally. In Canada, you must follow the rules set out in the Canadian Aviation Regulations. In addition, you must respect the Criminal Code as well as all municipal, provincial, and territorial laws related to trespassing and privacy.

There are also important differences in the regulations regarding drones and UAVs, depending on the use (hobby, commercial, research) and the weight and size of the drone. Some applications and users will need a Special Flight Operations Certificate.

Here are some key do’s and don’ts:

DO
• Fly your aircraft during daylight and in good weather (not in clouds or fog).
• Keep your aircraft in sight, where you can see it with your own eyes – not only through an on-board camera, monitor or smartphone.
• Make sure your aircraft is safe for flight before take-off. Ask yourself, for example, are the batteries fully charged? Is it too cold to fly?
• Know if you need permission to fly and when to apply for a Special Flight Operations Certificate.
• Respect the privacy of others – avoid flying over private property or taking photos or videos without permission.

DON’T
• Closer than 9 km from any airport, heliport, or aerodrome.
• Higher than 90 metres from above the ground.
• Closer than 150 metres from people, animals, buildings, structures, or vehicles.
• In populated areas or near large groups of people, including sporting events, concerts, festivals, and firework shows.
• Near moving vehicles, avoid highways, bridges, busy streets or anywhere you could endanger or distract drivers.
• Within restricted airspace, including near or over military bases, prisons, and forest fires.
• Anywhere you may interfere with first responders.

Let’s do our part to keep our skies safe.

We encourage you to read more at tc.gc.ca/safetyfirst