YES, if the RPAS you are operating has a maximum take off weight between 250 g and 25 kg. As of June 1, 2019, all drone operators in Canada need to obtain Transport Canada certification before they fly.

Please note that this does not apply to RPAS operations conducted indoors or underground.

RPAS pilot certificates are divided into two classes: Basic and Advanced. Take our quiz here to find out which is best for you!

A Basic Pilot Certificate – RPAS enables operators to fly within visual line of sight (VLOS), in uncontrolled airspace (Class G), and no closer than 30 meters horizontal distance from bystanders. An Advanced Pilot Certificate – RPAS allows operators to fly within visual line of sight, in controlled airspace (Class C, D, or E) – pending necessary approvals – and to fly less than 30 meters from, or over, bystanders if the manufacturer of the RPAS in operation has declared that it is safe to do so. All RPAS operations conducted at events, with an RPAS over 25 kg, above 122 meters (400 feet), or beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) require a Special Flight Operator’s Certificate.

For more info, please consult Transport Canada’s RPAS homepage.

Transport Canada has very stringent requirements for accredited ground school status. The key difference between our ground school and our e-learning courses is length and cost. Ground school students must attend 2-day seminar (in person or virtual as appropriate), which will cover all Transport Canada Advanced RPAS knowledge requirements in detail. Please see our Live Ground School and Live Full Advanced Package for more information.

Our e-learning exam prep courses are designed as independent study guides, allowing students to cover all exam knowledge requirements remotely and at their own pace. Please see our Advanced Exam Prep, Basic Exam Prep, and Full Advanced Package for more information.

Transport Canada recency requirements mandate that all Advanced Pilot Certificate – RPAS operators do one of the following every two years:

• attend a safety seminar endorsed by Transport Canada Aviation;

• complete an RPAS recurrent training program designed to update pilot knowledge, which includes, human factors, environmental factors, route planning, operations near aerodromes/airports, and applicable regulations, rules and procedures; or

• complete a Transport Canada endorsed self-paced study program, which is designed to update pilot knowledge

We have found the second option to be the most popular among our students, as the recency requirements can be met by re-taking a Flight Review.

Under the Transport Canada RPAS regulations effective June 1, 2019, RPAS operators no longer need a ROC-A licence. However, knowledge of aviation radio communication standards remains a knowledge requirement on Transport Canada RPAS exams.