Santa Brought you a new Drone - Let's Go Flying

krdroneworks
Jan 1
5 min read

By: Colonel (ret) Bernie Derbach, KR Droneworks, 01 Jan 26

Congratulations on your new drone! Receiving a high-tech flyer for Christmas is an incredible way to start the new year, but before you head to the park to test those rotors, you need to navigate the regulatory landscape.

In Canada, drones are considered aircraft. Whether you are flying a tiny "toy" or a professional-grade cinema rig, you are sharing the sky with helicopters and planes. As of January 2026, Transport Canada has updated several rules (specifically Part IX of the Canadian Aviation Regulations) that every pilot must know.

This guide will walk you through the legal requirements, registration steps, and safety protocols to ensure your first flight is both spectacular and legal.

1. Identify Your Category: Is Your Drone "Micro" or "Small"?

The very first thing you must do is weigh your drone (including the battery and any attachments like leg extensions or filters). Your legal obligations depend entirely on this number.

The Micro-Drone (< 250 g)

If your drone weighs 249 grams or less (like the DJI Mini series), you are in the "Micro" category.

Registration: Not required.
Pilot Certificate: Not required.
The Golden Rule: You must fly in a way that does not "endanger aviation safety or the safety of any person." This is governed by CAR 900.06.

The Small Drone (250 g to 25 kg)

If your drone weighs 250 grams or more, you are flying a "Small Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS)." You must register the drone and pass an exam before your first flight.

2. Step-by-Step: The Pre-Flight Checklist

If your new gift is 250g or heavier, follow these three essential steps before you power on the controller.

Step A: Register Your Drone

You must register your drone with Transport Canada.

Visit the Drone Management Portal: Log in using a GCKey or a Sign-In Partner (like your bank).
Provide Info: You’ll need the make, model, and serial number.
Pay the Fee: As of April 2025, the registration fee is $10.00 CAD.
Mark Your Drone: Once registered, you will receive a unique registration number. This must be clearly visible on the drone's body (not inside the battery compartment). You can use a permanent marker, a label, or an engraving.

Step B: Get Your Pilot Certificate

You cannot fly a drone over 250g without a certificate. There are two main levels for recreational/basic use:

Basic Operations: For flying in uncontrolled airspace, at least 30m away from bystanders, and far from airports.
- Requirement: Pass the "Small Basic" online exam (35 questions, 60% to pass).
- Age: Must be 14 years or older.
Advanced Operations: For flying in controlled airspace or within 30m of bystanders.
- Requirement: Pass the "Small Advanced" exam and an in-person Flight Review.
- Age: Must be 16 years or older.

Step C: Download the Right Apps

Never guess if it is safe to fly. Use these official tools to check for "No-Fly Zones":

NAV Drone (by NAV CANADA): This is the gold standard. It shows you exactly where you are allowed to fly and allows Advanced pilots to request instant authorization in controlled zones.
NRC Drone Site Selection Tool: An interactive map provided by the National Research Council to help you identify restricted areas, national parks, and airports.

3. NEW: Level 1 Complex Operations & BVLOS

As of late 2025, Transport Canada introduced the Level 1 Complex Operations category. This is a game-changer for pilots who want to move beyond recreational flying into high-level commercial or industrial work.

What are Complex Operations?

Level 1 Complex Operations allow you to perform "lower-risk" Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) missions. This means you can fly your drone where you can no longer see it with your own eyes—essential for long-range inspections, search and rescue, or large-scale mapping.

Requirements for Level 1 Complex / BVLOS:

Pilot Certification: You must hold a "Pilot Certificate – Level 1 Complex Operations." This requires passing a specialized $50 online exam and a specific Flight Review.
Ground School: You are required to complete at least 20 hours of ground school through a recognized provider.
RPAS Operator Certificate (RPOC): Unlike Basic or Advanced flying, Complex operations require you (or your company) to hold an RPOC. This certificate proves you have the professional infrastructure—like safety manuals and emergency procedures—to manage higher-risk flights.

Professional Support: KR Droneworks

Navigating the transition to Complex Operations is a major hurdle. To meet the legal requirements for an RPOC, you need rigorous documentation.

Training & Manuals: For those ready to level up, we recommend reaching out to KR Droneworks. They provide specialized Level 1 Complex Ground School and an "RPOC Suite of Documents"—pre-developed manuals (Operations, Maintenance, and Training) that are essential for Transport Canada compliance.
Contact: You can reach them at kr.droneworks@gmail.com to get the study guides and manuals needed to turn your new hobby into a certified professional operation.

4.Where You CANNOT Fly (The "No-Go" Zones)

Even with a certificate, certain areas are strictly off-limits unless you have special permission:

Airports and Heliports: For Basic pilots, stay at least 5.6 km (3 nautical miles) from certified airports and 1.9 km (1 nautical mile) from certified heliports.
National Parks: Flying in a National Park (like Banff or Algonquin) is prohibited for recreational use. Fines can reach $25,000.
Emergency Sites: Never fly near forest fires, car accidents, or police perimeters. This is a federal offense.
Advertised Events: As of 2025, you cannot fly over outdoor concerts, parades, or sporting events without a Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC), even if your drone is a micro-drone.

5. Operational Rules for Every Flight

Once you are at a legal flight location, follow these standard operating procedures:

Visual Line of Sight (VLOS): You must be able to see your drone with your own eyes at all times. Using goggles (FPV) or looking only at your screen is not enough—you need a "visual observer" next to you if you are using goggles.
Maximum Altitude: Do not fly higher than 122 meters (400 feet) above ground level.
Bystander Safety: For Basic operations, keep a horizontal distance of 30 meters (100 feet) from anyone not involved in your flight.
Weather Conditions: Drones and cold Canadian winters don't always mix. Batteries drain significantly faster in sub-zero temperatures. CAR 901.35 prohibits flying with any ice or snow on the aircraft.

6. Privacy and Etiquette

While Transport Canada handles the "airspace," the Office of the Privacy Commissioner handles the "data."

Respect Privacy: Do not film people in their backyards or through windows.
Provincial/Municipal Laws: Some cities have bylaws preventing drones from taking off in city parks. Always check local signage.
Insurance: While not legally required for Basic recreational flyers, it is highly recommended to have third-party liability insurance (often included in memberships with organizations like MAAC).

Summary Table for Quick Reference

Requirement	Micro-Drone (< 250g)	Small Drone (250g - 25kg)
Registration	Not Required	Required ($10)
Pilot Certificate	Not Required	Required (Basic or Advanced)
Marking on Drone	Not Required	Required (Reg #)
Age Limit	No Limit	14+ (Basic) / 16+ (Advanced)
Max Altitude	400 ft (Recommended)	400 ft (Law)
Distance from People	"Don't be a hazard"	30m Horizontal (Basic)