Do You Need a Drone Licence for a Drone Under 250 g in Canada?
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Short answer
No. Transport Canada says pilots of microdrones (operating weight under 250 g) do not need a drone pilot certificate and do not need to register the drone. You must still never fly recklessly, stay away from emergency sites, stay out of restricted airspace without permission, and get an SFOC-RPAS to fly at an advertised event. If anything you attach brings the drone to 250 g or more, the full Basic or Advanced rules apply.
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Transport Canada defines a microdrone as a drone with an operating weight of less than 250 g. The remote control is not counted, but anything attached to or carried by the drone is: an optional camera, a safety cage, a payload or an accessory all count towards the operating weight.
That is the trap with small consumer drones. A model that weighs in just under 250 g out of the box can cross the line once you add accessories. Transport Canada's registration page says a drone under 250 g does not need to be registered unless something attached to it brings its weight to 250 g or more. Weigh the drone exactly as you will fly it, on a kitchen scale, before deciding which rules apply.
| Under 250 g (microdrone) | 250 g to 25 kg (small drone) | |
|---|---|---|
| Drone pilot certificate | Not required | Basic or Advanced certificate required |
| Registration and marking | Not required | Required, number marked on the drone |
| Minimum pilot age | No certificate age applies | 14 (Basic), 16 (Advanced) |
| Advertised events | SFOC-RPAS required | SFOC-RPAS required |
| Restricted airspace | Not without permission | Not without permission |
The rules that still apply under 250 g
Transport Canada's microdrone page sets out what you must do: never operate in a reckless or negligent manner that endangers aviation safety or anyone's safety, stay away from emergency sites such as house fires, traffic accidents, floods and wildfires, and do not enter restricted airspace without permission, because every drone is an aircraft under the Aeronautics Act and the Canadian Aviation Regulations.
Flying at an advertised event needs a Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC-RPAS), even with a microdrone. You must also respect trespassing laws and other people's privacy.
Transport Canada also lists recommended practices for microdrone pilots: keep the drone where you can see it, stay below 400 feet, keep a safe distance from people, stay far away from airports, heliports and water aerodromes, avoid critical infrastructure such as utilities, towers and bridges, stay clear of all aircraft, do a pre-flight inspection and stay within range of your controller.
Fines for microdrone pilots
No certificate does not mean no penalties. Transport Canada can investigate unsafe flying and may involve local police if other laws are broken. If you break more than one rule, you could receive multiple penalties.
| Offence (microdrone) | Individuals | Corporations |
|---|---|---|
| Flying where you are not allowed | Up to $3,000 | Up to $15,000 |
| Putting aircraft and people at risk | Up to $3,000 | Up to $15,000 |
| Flying at an advertised event (no SFOC) | Up to $1,000 | Up to $15,000 |
National parks are a separate rule
Weight does not matter in national parks. Parks Canada says all Parks Canada places are no-drone zones for recreational use, and flying without park or site approval can bring a fine of up to $25,000. Non-recreational flights need permission from the Field Unit Superintendent and must also meet Transport Canada's requirements. Provincial parks and municipalities may have their own rules, so check before you fly.
When it is worth getting certified anyway
If you plan to fly a drone of 250 g or more, or your microdrone ends up over the limit with accessories, you need at least a Basic certificate. The Small Basic online exam has 35 multiple-choice questions, 90 minutes and a 65% pass mark. Flying a small drone without a certificate can bring a fine of up to $1,000 for an individual, and flying an unregistered or unmarked drone up to $5,000.
Studying for the Basic exam is also the quickest way to learn airspace, weather and right-of-way rules that keep microdrone flights safe. Try our free drone pilot practice test to see where you stand before you book the Transport Canada exam.
Questions people ask
Do I need to register a DJI Mini or other sub-250 g drone in Canada?
Not if its operating weight, including anything attached to it, stays under 250 g. Transport Canada says drones under 250 g do not need to be registered unless an attachment brings the weight to 250 g or more. Weigh it as you will fly it.
Does the remote control count towards the 250 g?
No. Transport Canada says the remote control is not counted, but anything attached to or carried by the drone, such as an optional camera or safety cage, is part of the operating weight.
Can I fly a microdrone near an airport?
Transport Canada recommends that microdrone pilots stay far away from aerodromes, airports, heliports and water aerodromes, and all drones are prohibited from entering restricted airspace without permission. You must never endanger aviation safety.
Can I fly a drone under 250 g in a national park?
Not for recreation. Parks Canada says all Parks Canada places are no-drone zones for recreational use, whatever the drone's weight. Other uses need park or site approval.
Is there a minimum age to fly a microdrone?
Transport Canada's age limits apply to pilot certificates (14 for Basic, 16 for Advanced, 18 for Level 1 Complex). Microdrone pilots don't need a certificate, but the microdrone rules still apply to whoever is flying.
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