Partners and Programs:
  • BARS
  • GSIP
  • SKYbrary
  • ASN
  • Contact Us
  • Members' Center
  • Login
  • Support Aviation Safety

  • Industry Updates
  • The Foundation
    • About the Foundation
    • Asia Pacific Centre for Aviation Safety
    • Founders
    • Mission
    • History
    • Leadership
    • Officers and Staff
    • Media/Communications
    • Aviation Award & Scholarship Programs
    • Work with Us
    • Join Us
  • Events
  • AeroSafety World
  • Toolkits & Resources
    • COVID-19 Crisis Resources
    • Fatigue Management
    • Flight Path Monitoring
    • Global Action Plan for the Prevention of Runway Excursions (GAPPRE)
    • Go-Around Project
    • Global Safety Assessment Project
    • Learning From All Operations
    • Past Safety Initiatives
    • Pilot Training and Competency
    • Special Reports
  • Industry Updates
  • The Foundation
    • About the Foundation
    • Asia Pacific Centre for Aviation Safety
    • Founders
    • Mission
    • History
    • Leadership
    • Officers and Staff
    • Media/Communications
    • Aviation Award & Scholarship Programs
    • Work with Us
    • Join Us
  • Events
  • AeroSafety World
  • Toolkits & Resources
    • COVID-19 Crisis Resources
    • Fatigue Management
    • Flight Path Monitoring
    • Global Action Plan for the Prevention of Runway Excursions (GAPPRE)
    • Go-Around Project
    • Global Safety Assessment Project
    • Learning From All Operations
    • Past Safety Initiatives
    • Pilot Training and Competency
    • Special Reports
  • Contact Us
  • Members' Center
  • Login
  • Support Aviation Safety
Partners and Programs:
  • BARS
  • GSIP
  • SKYbrary
  • ASN

FLIGHT SAFETY FOUNDATION HEADQUARTERS

701 N. Fairfax Street, Suite 250,
Alexandria, Virginia 22314

Phone: +1 703 739 6700 Fax: +1 703 739 6708

  • Aviation Safety Experts
  • Industry Updates
  • Canada Introduces New Drone Rules

News, Unmanned Aircraft Systems

Canada Introduces New Drone Rules

Effective June 1, the new rules require drone registration and operator licenses.

by FSF Editorial Staff | January 10, 2019

drone infographic
New rules effective June 1, 2019.

Transport Canada (TC) has introduced new rules for drone operators that Transport Minister Marc Garneau says are intended to “balance practicality and the safe use of drones.”

The drone rules, which were announced Wednesday, will take effect June 1 for operators of drones weighing between 250 g (8.8 oz) and 25 kg (55 lb) and operated within the pilot’s visual line of sight. The rules, which will apply regardless of whether the drone is operated for business, research or fun, are directed at two main categories — basic and advanced — that are based on airspace rules and the distance of the drone from bystanders.

Basic operations are conducted in uncontrolled airspace, more than 30 m (100 ft) horizontally from bystanders, and never over bystanders. Operations are considered advanced if they are conducted in controlled airspace, or over bystanders or within 30 m horizontally of bystanders.

The rules were developed after consultations with the industry and residents of Canada, TC said.

Both categories of rules require the operator to:

  • Register the drone and mark it with its registration number;
  • Pass an online exam (either basic or advanced) and obtain a pilot certificate;
  • Be at least 14 years of age to conduct basic operations and at least 16 for advanced operations, unless he or she is flying the drone under the supervision of someone with the required certificates;
  • Remain below 122 m (400 ft) above ground level; and,
  • Stay away from other air traffic.

Pilots who plan to operate a drone outside the rules governing basic and advanced operations must apply for a special flight operations certificate, TC said.

The agency said that it encourages drone operators to review and fully understand the new rules and to take a course provided by a drone flight school before taking an online exam for the drone pilot certificate.

After the rules take effect on June 1, drone operators must have their pilot certificate and proof of registration for their drone available when flying the drone. Until then, recreational drone pilots must comply with rules published in the Interim Order Respecting the Use of Model Aircraft. Pilots using a drone for work or research must comply with the conditions of their special flight operations certificate.

Share:

Print:

Key Safety Issues

  • Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT)
  • Loss of Control–In Flight (LOC-I)
  • Mechanical Issues
  • Runway Safety (approach and landing)
  • Sabotage/Intentional Acts
  • Midair Collisions (MAC)
  • Runway Safety (Conflicts)
  • Wildlife Issues
  • Fatigue
  • Cabin Safety
  • Emerging Safety Issues
    • Lithium Batteries
    • Safety Information Sharing and Protection
    • Unmanned Aircraft Systems

Related Content

737 MAX, COVID-19, News, Unmanned Aircraft

Safety News

A U.S. government oversight agency is faulting the FAA for inadequate plans to integrate drones into the nation’s airspace.

by FSF Editorial Staff

Accident/Incident Investigation, News, Unmanned Aircraft

An Unrecognized Conflict

A small airplane was slightly damaged and a drone was destroyed in a collision near a Toronto airport.

by Linda Werfelman

Accident/Incident Investigation, Flight Ops, News, Safety Management

Safety News

The ATSB says 10 instances of fatigue cracks occurred in Boeing 737 flap mechanisms from 2017 to 2022.

by FSF Editorial Staff

Read more articles

701 N. Fairfax Street, Suite 250, Alexandria, Virginia 22314

Phone: +1 703 739 6700 Fax: +1 703 739 6708

Flight Safety Foundation on Twitter

Stop by the @Boeing booth and drop off your business card for a chance to win this 777-9 model! The drawing is on… https://t.co/iZfKWRtYpI

March 22, 2023

Follow @flightsafety

Projects & Partners

  • Basic Aviation Risk Standard
  • Global Safety Information Project
  • SKYbrary
  • Aviation Safety Network
  • Donate
  • Advertise on our website
  • Sponsor & Exhibit at our Events
  • Work with Us
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Privacy

© 2023 Flight Safety Foundation

Join our group on LinkedIn