BLOG – Drone License ONTARIO
Drone License Ontario
Flying a drone sounds fun, but you will need a valid drone pilot certificate, among other things. Read our guide for all the information on the exam and the steps involved.
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When you see drones flying at outdoor concerts, you may immediately think about who might be controlling the remotely piloted aircraft system.
While flying drones may seem easy, the reality is very different. To legally fly a drone that weighs more than 250g in Ontario, just like the rest of Canada, you will need a drone pilot certificate. Otherwise, the Canadian aviation regulation prevents drone operations in any airspace.
Moreover, successfully passing drone pilot certification process, through a “flight school” is essential for basic operations and for being regarded as a certified drone pilot. To help you, we have highlighted all our available courses that can help you fly a Canadian drone.
Overview
According to Transport Canada rules, people can fly drones in controlled airspace provided that they satisfy the air law and fulfill the necessary criteria. This is a way to ensure that people have sufficient knowledge about operating drones and can be held responsible by the authorities.
It is easy to feel overwhelmed, and that’s why we at Coastal Drone Co. have several courses to help you ace the Transport Canada exam. Thanks to our online courses, you can enroll today to learn about advanced operations and special flight operations for maneuvering drones over outdoor concerts or events.
In other words, with our safety seminar, you can learn about drone rules during emergency operations to control the aircraft easily.
Moreover, we will prepare you for drone operations in two categories: Basic and Advanced. Note that our expert team has designed online quizzes to ensure that people can prepare for the exam without losing motivation.
Hence, you may be able to become a drone pilot or fly other remotely piloted aircraft after completing our online study course. Rest assured, all the instructions are detailed in a simple manner and our expert trainers instill confidence for a smooth experience.
Drone Pilot Certificate
To fly a drone in Ontario, there are two types of pilot certificate programs that you can choose from, depending on the risk level of the operation you choose.
Taking the pilot certificate basic operations course may come with its fair share of restrictions but clearing the advanced exam allows you to fly in most areas. If you live near a city, we suggest opting for the latter; otherwise, you will struggle to get permission to fly the drone.
Fortunately, we offer both courses for which you need to take an online exam. To know more about drone rules, check out the following training activities:
1. Advanced Operations
Our advanced pilot bundle includes an in-person flight review exam that separates us from any other Canadian drone institute. But that’s not all; our special preparation bundle ensures that you may be able to handle the final in-person interview to pass the exam.
Once you clear the drone training program, exam, and flight review, you will be able to fly within 30 meters of people and closer than 5 km of any airport, with permission. Not to mention, it is possible with an Advanced Pilot Certificate, and a properly equipped drone with safety declaration to fly the drone directly above people, and these skills may come in handy during emergencies.
Additionally, we provide the necessary expertise so that you can sit for the Advanced RPAS Exam conducted by Transport Canada. To know more about the course in detail, read the following points:
A. Ground School
The ground remains operational 24×7 and is most suitable for helping you become an RPAS pilot. Not to toot our horn, but Transport Canada recognizes our courses, and past students have expressed their satisfaction as it complies with all the requirements of a drone pilot.
Moreover, the course includes topics on human factors, radio operations, meteorology, and the latest drone air law. Rest assured, we have everything covered.
B. Online Exam Preparation
With our extensive manual, you can pass the drone pilot certificate test with confidence. People get an idea of the type of questions they can expect, while our additional resources ensure that you learn about the nitty-gritty of drone flying.
What’s more, you can practice for the exam as many times as you like, simulating all the conditions that you can expect from a Transport Canada test. Overall, we have 350 sample questions, making sure that your preparation is spot on.
C. Proper Guidance
To fly a drone safely, you need proper guidance; that’s why we explain the standard operating procedure to future drone pilots and how to work with checklists. For your benefit, we have curated a user-friendly guide so that you can quickly get the hang of it.
D. In-Person Flight Review
The final hurdle is passing the flight review test before becoming a drone pilot and acquiring a certificate. You have to conduct the test in person, and we will prepare you accordingly to study maps and be up-to-speed with the air law regulations.
Plus, thanks to our team of flight reviewers across Canada, you can take the test without any hassle. We also guarantee 100% customer satisfaction and take you through all the steps to enroll for the exam.
2. Basic Operations
Our basic drone license bundle consists of everything needed to prepare for the basic pilot certificate exam, ensuring that we can satisfy consumer demands. You will need this license to fly drones weighing more than 250 grams, provided that you don’t venture too close to people or airports.
To be more accurate, you must maintain a distance of 5km from airports while you can’t fly directly overhead people either, staying 30m away from people at all times. That said, our training program will make you feel safe when flying even a small drone.
Transport Canada
Before we proceed, you must know about the travel restrictions in Canada concerning airspace. As you are already aware, there are two licenses or certificates for drone pilots to be eligible for operating the flight.
You can’t fly a drone within 5.6km of a military airbase or an airport with a basic license. You must also maintain a distance of at least 1.9km from a heliport.
On the other hand, you can fly even in these areas with an advanced pilot certificate, as long as you obtain permission from NAV Canada. But it would help if you steered clear of the Terminal Control Area, a region of high traffic near large airports.
As the number of aircraft is more in these areas, we teach pilots to leave the space clear for air traffic even while conducting advanced operations. This may help Air Traffic Control manage the landing and take-off of flights better while keeping an eye out for drone safety.
Moving on, the Terminal Area usually encompasses a radius of six nautical miles surrounding the airport, but the distance may vary. Not to mention, some of them have weird shapes, which may make it challenging to operate a drone near these spaces.
Ready to fly?
We have covered all the topics related to flying drones and the Transport Canada regulations.
What’s more, our in-depth guide to drone flight will allow you to steer clear of city structures like power lines or even other drones. Long story short, we offer the complete package to help with advanced and basic training, based on your needs.
All you need to do is contact us and register for a suitable program. And we will help you dream big and become a drone pilot.
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.