If you just unboxed your first drone, you might be wondering whether you need a certificate to fly it legally in Canada. The answer depends on weight.
According to Transport Canada, anyone flying a drone weighing between 250 grams and 25 kilograms must hold a valid drone pilot certificate. Drones under 250 grams are exempt, but everything heavier falls under Canadian aviation regulations — even for hobby flights.
Two Types of Certificates
Drone pilots must choose between two certifications: Basic Operations and Advanced Operations.
Basic Operations are for low-risk flights — far from airports, outside controlled airspace, and away from people.
Advanced Operations are required if you plan to fly near people, over populated areas, or in controlled airspace, including near major airports.
To qualify, you must be at least 14 years old for the Basic certificate or 16 for the Advanced certificate.
Online Testing and Costs
Both certificates begin with an online exam available through Transport Canada’s Drone Management Portal.
The Basic Operations exam has 35 multiple-choice questions, a 90-minute time limit, and requires a score of at least 65 percent to pass.
The Advanced Operations exam has 50 questions, a 60-minute limit, and a passing grade of 80 percent.
Flight Review for Advanced Exam Pilots
Passing the Advanced exam is only part of the process. Pilots must also complete an in-person flight review with a Transport Canada–approved reviewer. This practical test confirms that you can safely plan, execute, and log a flight.
During the review, you can expect:
1. Pre-Flight Preparation
You’ll be evaluated on whether you can safely plan a flight:
Conducting site surveys (checking for obstacles, airspace restrictions, weather, and potential hazards).
Reviewing NOTAMs (Notices to Air Missions) and airspace charts.
Demonstrating a pre-flight inspection of the drone (battery check, propellers, sensors).
Setting a clear flight plan and safety procedures.
2. Operational Knowledge
Before flying, the reviewer may ask you questions to confirm your knowledge of:
Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) related to drones.
Emergency procedures (lost-link, flyaway, battery failure).
Communication with others.
3. Flight Demonstration
You’ll need to show you can control the drone competently by:
Takeoff & landing in a controlled and safe way.
Hovering steadily at different altitudes.
Flying precise patterns (straight lines, figure-eights, square patterns).
Maintaining visual line of sight (VLOS) at all times.
Situational awareness — looking out for people, other aircraft, or obstacles.
4. Emergency Procedures
You’ll be asked to demonstrate or explain what you’d do in:
Lost-link situations (drone loses signal).
Low-battery warnings.
Unexpected intrusions (birds, manned aircraft).
GPS failure.
5. Post-Flight Procedures
Proper landing and shutdown.
Post-flight inspection for damage.
Logging the flight in a flight record
https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/publications/flight-reviewer-s-guide-pilots-remotely-piloted-aircraft-systems
Where to Take the Flight Review
The Canadian Drone Institute
AlteX Academy
Roverwiz
FlightPhoto Canada
Bramption Flight Centre
Fees for the flight review vary by school
There is no penalty in failing, just have to re-take it on another day.
With drone use continuing to grow across Canada, Transport Canada’s certification program is designed to keep the skies safe — for both pilots and the public. So if your drone weighs more than 250 grams, get certified before you take off.
Reference
https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/drone-safety/learn-rules-you-fly-your-drone/where-fly-your-drone#map
https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/drone-safety/drone-pilot-licensing/getting-drone-pilot-certificate
https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/drone-safety/learn-rules-you-fly-your-drone/choosing-right-drone-advanced-operations