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Drone License Canada
Wondering how to get a valid drone pilot license? Then check out our certification courses that will help you get one.
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If you love photography or travelling (or both), then chances are you would want to operate a drone sooner rather than later.
The good news is that according to the Canadian aviation regulations of Transport Canada Civil Aviation (the national aviation authority), flying drones is a legal activity. However, flying drones that weigh between 250 grams and 25 kilograms requires a valid drone pilot certificate. Likewise, all such drones must be registered with Transport Canada and be marked with their respective registration numbers.
Now all this may sound overwhelming for first-time flyers, which is where we come into the picture. We at Coastal Drone Co. offer Basic and Advanced drone pilot certification courses to prepare you to reach the sky.
Here, we should mention that there are two types of drone exams- the small basic exam for people aged 14 years and above and the small advanced exam for people aged 16 years and above.
Coastal Drone Co. Online Drone Courses
1. Basic Pilot Certificate
Our basic online bundle is suitable for anyone looking to obtain a license for basic operations of drone-flying in uncontrolled airspace in Canada. Since flying a drone requires pilots to pass an online exam, this online study course aims to prepare you for that while teaching everything about safe and legal ways to fly your drone.
What’s Included In This Course?
This online course is a two-hour-long module that gives you a detailed overview of the essential skill and abilities to become a drone pilot. Not only that, but it also includes high-definition videos and animations to replicate in-person training activities.
Besides, our module is taught by one of the most experienced drone pilots in the country. Once the module is over, move on to the exam prep, which will give you an idea about the types of questions you should expect in the actual test.
The best part is that you can take this test as many times as required to feel completely comfortable and confident. Lastly, we have also included an easy-to-understand SOP (Standard Operating Procedures) guide that will help create a checklist according to the specific requirements of your drone operation.
Whether it’s for commercial or recreational purposes, our basic pilot certificate course is ideal for anyone who wants to get a basic license by passing the RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft System) exam.
Keep in mind that the basic license will only allow drone pilots to fly the drone at least 5.6 kilometres away from the airport and 30 metres away from people (measured horizontally). Likewise, they can’t fly it over people. But if you don’t want to limit your drone operation with such regulations, then our advanced pilot certificate course is the way to go.
2. Advanced Pilot Certificate
Our advanced pilot certificate bundle course includes everything from an in-person flight review to an extensive preparation guide. It’s more suitable for potential drone pilots who plan on conducting advanced operations in drone flying. As such, you should take this course if you want to fly drones:
- within 5 kilometres of airports
- less than 30 metres away from people (measured horizontally)
- inside controlled airspace
- over people (when properly equipped with a parachute and safety declaration)
What’s Included In This Course?
The advanced pilot certificate course is a 20-hour long, on-demand online ground school module that will help you become a trained RPAS pilot. Moreover, all of our ground school courses are compliant with TP15263, which is the formal document containing the Transport Canada knowledge requirements for becoming a drone pilot.
This course will cover everything that will help you fly your drone safely in controlled airspace by following legal regulations. From meteorology, radio operations, NAV Canada air traffic to the RPAS laws and safety tips – our expert faculty will cover all the bases.
So, even if you’re a novice, rest assured that successfully passing the Transport Canada exam will be possible if you apply yourself and study and use all the resources available in our course. At the same time, our high-end video content will minutely stimulate the experience of classroom teaching from the comfort of your home.
Furthermore, our exam prep feature comes with over 350 sample questions to help you prepare for everything that the exam may throw at you.
Here again, you can take the mock test multiple times. What’s more, we will help you understand why the right answer is right, which is fundamental for strengthening the basics of an advanced drone flight operation. And our SOP guide will simplify the checklist for your flight operation.
You will also be glad to know that our certification courses are highly recommended and have been attended by persons from Transport Canada itself.
3. In-Person Flight Review Prep Course
Since obtaining an advanced pilot certificate requires you to pass a “flight review,” our team at Coastal Drone Co. maintains a network of flight reviewers and test sites located all across the country. This in-person test is essential to determine your knowledge about drone flight techniques, aviation laws, and related practical skills like map reading.
You can easily pay the fee on our website to book the test according to your convenience. Plus, you will receive a complimentary online course to help you prepare to successfully pass the test.
4. 24-Month RPAS Recency Training
Even if you’re certified for basic or advanced drone operation, Transport Canada mandated undergoing “recency training” every 24 months to stay updated with the recent regulations and technologies. And our recency training is approved by Transport Canada, which is why we back it with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Contact Us
Simply click on the “contact us” section located at the top right corner of the website and fill a short e-form with your name, email address, and a short message. One of our customer service representatives will get back to you.
Alternatively, you can click on the chat box icon (at the bottom right corner of the screen) and type in your query. You can also call us on the given number at our office at Langley (BC).
Become a Drone Pilot
If you’re ready to take the next step, jump over to our course selection page for more information about becoming a certified drone pilot.
FAQs
1. What Are The General Rules For Operating Drones In Canada?
The guidelines for flying drones in the Canadian airspace will largely depend on the type of operation (basic or advanced). Other than that, pilots should ensure that the drone:
- Can be seen at all times while in air
- Flies below 122 metres in the air
- Is away from any aircraft, helicopters, or other drones
- Doesn’t fly above or near forest fires, concerts, or parades
- Doesn’t fly near any emergency sites
Pilots should also ensure that they respect the privacy of the people in and around the area where they plan to operate the drone. Similarly, it may be a good idea to survey the area beforehand to get an idea about any obstacles, like buildings and powerlines, which may get in the way of the flight.
And don’t forget to carry your drone pilot certificate and registration proof of the drone, as you may have to produce them during sudden inspections.
2. Can You Fly Your Drone Anywhere In The Country?
Certain sites like the airspace surrounding airports and airfields, busy or populated areas, national parks, and border crossings may prohibit drone operations. Hence, you should always check the regulations and seek necessary permissions from Transport Canada to fly drones in these areas.
Furthermore, there are specific guidelines for flying drones in different Canadian cities, the details of which are available on our website under the “flying your drone in Canadian cities” section.
3. Do You Need A Certificate To Fly A Drone On Your Property?
No matter where you want to fly the drone, a basic or advanced certificate is required to operate it in the permissible Canadian airspace if the drone weighs more than 250 grams.