Drone Amateurs

🧑‍⚖️ EPISODE 13 — Drone Laws Made Easy (Canada Edition)

🧑‍⚖️ EPISODE 13 — Drone Laws Made Easy (Canada Edition)

Series: Learn Drones From Zero → Pro
By SpeedyDrone Canada

🛫 1. Do Canadian Drone Laws Apply to You?

If your drone weighs 250 grams or more, Transport Canada rules definitely apply.

If your drone is under 250g, rules are more relaxed — but you still must fly responsibly.

✅ Most DJI Mini series are under 250g, but accessories may push it over.


📋 2. The 2 Main Drone Categories (Canada)

Transport Canada separates drones into:

🔵 Basic Category

  • Below 122m (400 ft) altitude

  • Far from people

  • Not in controlled airspace

  • Must pass Basic RPAS exam


🟣 Advanced Category

  • Close to or over people

  • Near airports

  • In controlled airspace

  • Must pass Advanced RPAS exam + Flight Review

🚨 You can’t fly in advanced conditions with a basic license — and vice versa.


🧪 3. How to Register and Get Licensed

✅ Registration

  • Required for all drones over 250g

  • Done on Transport Canada website

  • Costs $5 per drone

  • You’ll get a registration number to stick on the drone


✅ Pilot Certificate

  • Basic Certificate: 10-question online exam

  • Advanced Certificate: 50-question exam + in-person flight review

  • Use the Drone Management Portal to register + certify

📎 Keep digital + printed copies of your certificate with you when flying.


🗺️ 4. Where Can You Fly?

❌ No-Fly Zones:

  • Within 5.6 km of airports

  • National parks

  • Emergency zones (wildfires, police)

  • Events with large crowds

✅ You Can Fly:

  • In open, unobstructed areas

  • 30m away from people (basic)

  • With Visual Line of Sight (VLOS)

Use apps like NAV Drone or Drone Pilot Canada to check your flight location.


🧠 5. Special Canadian Rules to Know

  • Minimum age: 14 (basic), 16 (advanced)

  • Max speed: 100 km/h

  • Max altitude: 122m

  • Must yield to other aircraft

  • Night flying: Only allowed with proper lighting

  • Insurance: Not required, but strongly recommended


📎 6. What If You Break the Rules?

Transport Canada can issue:

  • Fines up to $15,000

  • Confiscation of your drone

  • Ban from flying

🤝 But if you register, fly safely, and follow the app guidelines, you’re already ahead of 90% of hobby pilots.


✅ Recap: Flying Smart in Canada

✔️ Register your drone
✔️ Get certified if over 250g
✔️ Use NAV Drone or Drone Pilot Canada apps
✔️ Stay clear of people and airports
✔️ Keep your license and ID when flying


🔜 Coming Next:

Episode 14 — Real Client Jobs: How Beginners Can Get Paid to Fly

We’ll cover:

  • Real examples of paid drone work

  • What gear beginners can start with

  • Insurance and safety

  • Sample rate sheets

  • How to build your drone portfolio


🏷️ SEO Hashtags

#SpeedyDroneCanada #CanadianDroneLaws #RPASCanada #TransportCanadaDroneRules #DroneRegistrationCanada #NAVDroneApp #DronePilotCertificate #BasicRPAS #AdvancedRPAS #DroneSafetyCanada

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