Canada is a leader in this area and its registration requirements are some of the most stringent in the world 🇨🇦 🌎 ️ !
In this post we’ll review the requirements for drone registration and licensing in Canada!! We’ll explain which drone types need registration who needs a license and how to obtain one 1️⃣ ️. Additionally, we’ll offer some advice on collecting accurate data while flying your drone within Canadian airspace 🍁 🔛.
First and foremost recreational drones used for personal activity in Canada must be registered with Transport Canada 🇨🇦 ®️. The rules differ according to the weight of the drone and other factors . Generally speaking if a drone is over 250 grams and does not have a camera attached it does not require registration 📷 ️. Similarly drones over 25 kg and with a camera attached must be registered ️ 📷 ®️.
Anybody wishing to use a drone for higher than hobby/recreational purposes in Canada must also obtain a special license from Transport Canada 🇨🇦 ️. Commercial drone operators must first obtain a Special Flight Operation Certificate (SFOC) ️. This license is required for any commercial activity that involves drone operation just like aerial photography and videography delivery of goods and surveillance or monitoring of an area .
The applicant must submit a complete application package to Transport Canada in order to get eligible for a SFOC 🇨🇦 📦 ️. This entails an application form a safety plan an operation manual and any permits ️. Approval of the application is determined after it is received .
It is important to note that the SFOC only authorizes the operator to fly the drone for the specific purpose for which the license was applied 🪰. It does not give them the right to fly it over populated areas or in restricted airspace 🪰. Also the license will expire after one year and must be renewed by submitting a new application package 📦 1️⃣ ️ 🆕.
Further to the SFOC commercial drone operators must also obtain a Certificate of Registration (COR) from Transport Canada 🇨🇦 ️. This is a unique number assigned to a drone identifying it as authorized to operate in Canadian airspace 🍁 ️. The COR must be renewed every three years 3️⃣.
It is important to note that commercial drone operators must be knowledgeable of all the pertinent rules and regulations in their region . Transport Canada has created a “Guide to Operating Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems” which outlines the various safety regulations and procedures required for drone operations in Canada 🇨🇦 ️. It is essential for drone operators to familiarize themselves with this material before operating a drone ️.
Furthermore in order to be sure accurate data collection drone operators must have GPS-enabled drones with the ability to return to their home base when needed . The drones should also be equipped with sensors that enable the operator to identify potential obstacles or other aircraft in their vicinity. Finally it is important for operators to record their flight data accurately in order to comply with the regulations and provide evidence that their operations have been conducted in a safe and responsible manner ️.
To conclude Canada has some of the most comprehensive regulations and licensing requirements for drones and unmanned aerial vehicles in the world 🇨🇦 🌍. It is important for operators to familiarize themselves with the pertinent regulations and obtain the needed licenses before operating a drone in Canadian airspace. Furthermore they should ensure that their drones are equipped with the right technology to be sure that accurate data collection and safe operation . . .
📷 1️⃣ 3️⃣ 🔛 🌐 🪰 ®️ 🇨🇦 🆕 📦 🍁 ️
