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License & Registration

When it comes to flying any type of Drone, whether it be a Multi-Rotor Drone such as the DJI Mini 3 or the DJI Avata 2, the pilot must ensure what the weight of the Drone is. If the weight of the Drone is 249g or less it does not need to be registered with Transport Canada, but also keeping in mind that any accessories which you decide to put on the drone such as, landing gear, strobe light for night time flying or anything else. Even though these are small items, they will still increase the weight of the Drone and will most likely go over the 249g mark. 

Drones that weigh between 250g and 25kg must be registered with Transport Canada, and also will require the pilot to get a Drone License. More on the Registration and Licensing types below. 

Registration with Transport Canada

As mentioned above, any Drone weighing 249g or less does not require it to be registered with Transport Canada. On the other hand if the Drone weighs between 250g and 25kg it must be registered with Transport Canada. 

If the Drone Weighs more than 25kg is does not have to be registered with Transport Canada but instead will be require a special flight operations certificate

The registration cost is $5 CAD and will require you to create an account. Click Here to go to the site

​Once the drone is registered you will be provided with a unique registration number for your Drone which must also be clearly marked on your Drone. 

In order to register your Drone you will need: Purchase Date (if applicable), make/model/serial number/weight & type of Drone, Visa/Mastercard/American Express (to make the $5 CAD payment)

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*Disclaimer: All links provided for registration and getting your Drone Certificate (Drone License) are sites for Canadian pilots. At the bottom of this page you will find links for the United States, if you reside in a different country you will need to find the information for that country specifically  

Penalties

As a Drone Pilot you can also be charged with penalties if you do not meet the requirements listed above. The fines for a recreational user is $1,000 CAD, and $5,000 CAD for commercial users

Benefits of Registration

If you happen to loose your Drone, and if it is registered it may help with getting the Drone returned back to you if it is found

Another benefit is, that if there is ever a recall on the Drone Model which you own, Transport Canada will be able to notify you via E-Mail, Phone, or the contact information which they have on file for you

Drone Management Portal

Once you have created an account with Transport Canada you will be brought to your personal Drone Management Portal. This is where you can: 

  • Manage your Drones, including registering a Drone, deregistering a Drone, transferring ownership, and viewing any certificates of registration issued 

  • You can also book and take your online exams to obtain your Drone License and also view results 

  • Access your flight review results from your flight reviewer

  • Apply for and access your Drone pilot certificate 

  • Update your address and contact information 

  • Businesses may also manage their Drones and share their accounts with Staff

Drone Pilot Licensing

There are two types of Drone Pilot Certificates which you can get, and must be carried by the Drone Pilot at all times, this can be printed version or an electronic version on your smartphone. Both versions listed below do not expire but pilots are expected to keep their skills up-to-date

  • Basic Operations â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹

    • $10 CAD fee, and for any additional attempts​

    • 35 multiple choice questions 

    • 90 minutes to complete the exam 

    • Score of 65% or higher is considered a pass 

    • You may retake the exam if you do not pass on the first attempt, but will be required to wait 24 hours before trying again, and you can retake the exam as many times as you want 

  • Advanced Operations 

    • $10 CAD fee, and for any additional attempts

    • You must pass the exam for this, and flight review (this is where your ability to fly a drone safely will be tested) to get the Advanced Certificate ​

    • 50 multiple choice​

    • 60 minutes to complete the exam 

    • Score of 80% or higher is considered a pass 

    • You may retake the exam if you do not pass on the first attempt, but will be required to wait 24 hours before trying again, and you can retake the exam as many times as you want 

    • You will want to find a Drone Flight School near you in order to get the flight review part of the test done. Click Here to Find more information 

Basic Operations

5 Conditions for Basic Operations: 

  • You fly the Drone in uncontrolled airspace â€‹

  • You fly the Drone more than 30 meters (100 feet) horizontally from bystanders 

  • You never fly the Drone over bystanders 

  • You fly the Drone more than 3 nautical miles from a certified airport or military aerodome 

  • You fly the Drone more than 1 nautical mile from a certified heliport 

Advanced Operations

5 Conditions for Advanced Operations: 

  • You want to fly in controlled airspace 

  • You want to fly over bystanders 

  • You want to fly within 30 meters (100 feet) of bystanders (measured horizontally) 

  • You want to fly less than 3 nautical miles from a certified airport or military aerodome 

  • You want to fly less than 1 nautical mile from a certified heliport

Drone Pilot Study Resources

The links below are some resources which can be used to study and prepare for both the Drone Certificates: 

Drone Registration with FAA in United States of America 

  • If you are located in the United States of America you must register your Drone with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Click Here to Make an account and register Drone

  • Part 107 registration is $5 USD per Drone and is valid for 3 years. More Information on Part 107 Here. 

  • The blue link above also goes through the process of becoming FAA-Certified (i.e. Getting your Drone License in the United States of America) 

  • You must also mark your Drone clearly with the Registration Number provided after registering your Drone with the FAA 

  • Drones that weigh less than 0.55 pounds or less than 250g do not have to be registered with the FAA but all rules still apply to those Drone pilots operating these Drones. Anything above 250g must be registered 

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