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
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Below 122m (400 ft) altitude
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Far from people
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Not in controlled airspace
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Must pass Basic RPAS exam
🟣 Advanced Category
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Close to or over people
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Near airports
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In controlled airspace
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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
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Required for all drones over 250g
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Done on Transport Canada website
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Costs $5 per drone
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You’ll get a registration number to stick on the drone
✅ Pilot Certificate
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Basic Certificate: 10-question online exam
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Advanced Certificate: 50-question exam + in-person flight review
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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:
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Within 5.6 km of airports
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National parks
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Emergency zones (wildfires, police)
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Events with large crowds
✅ You Can Fly:
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In open, unobstructed areas
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30m away from people (basic)
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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
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Minimum age: 14 (basic), 16 (advanced)
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Max speed: 100 km/h
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Max altitude: 122m
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Must yield to other aircraft
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Night flying: Only allowed with proper lighting
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Insurance: Not required, but strongly recommended
📎 6. What If You Break the Rules?
Transport Canada can issue:
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Fines up to $15,000
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Confiscation of your drone
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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:
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Real examples of paid drone work
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What gear beginners can start with
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Insurance and safety
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Sample rate sheets
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How to build your drone portfolio
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