Drones have made it easy to capture mind-blowing photos, videos, and cinematic scenes. Moreover, they gather a wide variety of data from the air. Time-intensive jobs that once demanded manual labour now take a fraction of the time.
Because these devices leverage sophisticated technology, they have revolutionized creative potential, mapping precision, and search and rescue capabilities across sectors. Indeed, the potential for drones is unlimited.
But before anything can happen in the air, you’ll need to register your drone first.
Therefore, let’s delve into everything you need to know about Canada’s drone registration requirements.
Who Needs to Register Their Drone?
In Canada, the law obliges you to register any drone weighing between 250 grams and 25 kg. That includes store-bought models, custom builds, and kit assemblies. As the primary operator, you must register your drone correctly.
If your unmanned aircraft weighs less than 250 grams, you don’t have to register it with the aviation authorities. However, if you modify it and push the weight to 250 grams or above, registration becomes necessary.
If your drone weighs over 25 kg, you don’t register it. Instead, you will need a special flight operations certificate to operate it. Operating a drone over 25 kg without proper certification can bring legal consequences. Therefore, understand the regulations for heavier drones and avoid potential issues or risks.
As a responsible drone operator, you have enough to focus on. Consequently, registering your drone before its first flight is one less thing to worry about.
To register your drone, you need to do the following:
- Create an account at the Drone Management Portal.
- Input the drone’s type, make, model, serial number, and weight.
- Have the drone’s purchase date handy, just in case you need to input it.
- Pay $5 using either your Visa, Mastercard, or American Express.
Registration is quick, and it ends with a number issued to you.
Mark that registration number on the drone with a permanent marker, a permanent label, or an engraving. However you do it, the number must be plain to see and clearly legible. In short, it serves as a unique identifier for your drone.
Why Do I Need to Register My Drone?
Make no mistake: drones are aircraft, and drone operators are pilots. As such, monitoring activity and implementing control measures preserves the integrity of Canadian airspace and protects the public.
How much importance does Transport Canada place on registration? Consider this: registered owners must also deregister equipment whenever they lose or sell it.
Drone ownership comes with several responsibilities. By registering your drone, you demonstrate your commitment to responsible ownership. Furthermore, it’s one of the easiest ways to show you take those responsibilities seriously.
How Do I Register My Drone?
To register your drone in Canada, as a Canadian pilot, you need to do the following:
- Create an account at the Drone Management Portal.
- Input the drone’s type, make, model, serial number, and weight.
- Have the drone’s purchase date handy (just in case you need to input it).
- Pay $5 using either your Visa, Mastercard, or American Express.
Once you complete those steps successfully, Transport Canada issues your registration number.
Mark that number on your aircraft right away, since it uniquely identifies your drone.
If you are a foreigner, you cannot register a drone in Canada without a Special Flight Operations Certificate for Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (SFOC-RPAS).
Transport Canada issues the SFOC-RPAS so a foreigner who has passed the relevant exams and holds a valid drone pilot certificate can fly.
What Are the Consequences of Not Registering My Drone?
Marking applicable drones with a registration number is a straightforward way to comply with Transport Canada’s rules. Moreover, proper registration can save you from a fine.
For instance, flying an unregistered or unmarked drone can bring fines up to $1,000 for individuals and $5,000 for corporations. Authorities can even confiscate your property if they find your drone unregistered.
What Are the Rules for Recreational Drone Operators?
Just because you fly for fun doesn’t mean no rules apply.
As mentioned, a drone weighing between 250 g and 25 kg requires registration. In addition, you need a licence, also called a pilot certificate, to operate it.
Whether you need a Basic Operations or an Advanced Operations Pilot Certificate depends on your flying location and operational needs.
All Canadian citizens are eligible for licensing, depending on their age. Read more about this below.
A.Small Basic Exam (Basic Operations)
You must be at least 14 years old to enroll for this test, which costs $10. Furthermore, you get 90 minutes to complete the 35 multiple-choice questions.
To pass, you need a score higher than 65%. However, if you fall short, you must wait 24 hours before retaking the Small Basic Exam. In addition, each attempt costs $10 regardless of the outcome.
You get a Pilot Certificate – Basic Operations when you pass this test.
B. Small Advanced Exam (Advanced Operations)
Once you pass the Small Basic Exam, you become eligible for the next one: the Small Advanced Exam. Participants must be at least 16 years old.
The pay structure for the written portion is the same.
However, this exam is more extensive and allows less time. The test has 50 multiple-choice questions, and you should finish within 60 minutes. If you score above 80%, you pass. Otherwise, you can take it again after 24 hours.
You can check the results through the Drone Management Portal. Subsequently, you will receive your Pilot Certificate – Advanced Operations.
Generally speaking, novice flyers and hobby pilots should follow the rules and guidelines below.
- Familiarize yourself with the drone you are using (read the instruction manual thoroughly)
- Maintain a visual line of sight of your drone at all times while it is in the air
- Never fly in windy, rainy conditions
- Keep your maneuvers below 122 metres (400 feet)
- Maintain a distance of at least 30 metres from any bystanders
- Avoid crowded areas (parades, outdoor concerts, busy parks, etc.)
- Avoid flying around emergency situations (car accidents, forest fires, police calls)
- Avoid areas with other aircraft or multiple drones flying about
- Respect people’s property and privacy
Any deviation from the rules above requires advanced pilot certification and special permissions. Moreover, non-compliance could bring monetary fines or even criminal charges!
When in doubt, reference Transport Canada’s recommendationsfor flying your drone safely and legally. Furthermore, if you want maximum enjoyment from your drone, sign up for a proper instruction course to get your drone flying days startedon the right foot.
What Are the Rules for Commercial Drone Operators?
Whether you consider yourself a hobbyist or a professional drone specialist, Transport Canada’s terms and conditions apply to everyone equally.
When using your drones for commercial applications, there will be additional considerations as laid out by the Aeronautics Act and Canadian Aviation Regulations.
The specific rules about commercial usage will vary depending on the company and the drone’s intended usage.
Given the dollar investment in professional drones, operators will want insurance. Specifically, it covers them and their business against potential losses.
What Are the Benefits of Drone Registration?
Aside from drone registration being the law, other practical reasons could prove beneficial to you.
- If your drone is ever lost, a registration number may prove helpful in seeing that you get your property back.
- In the event of a safety recall from the manufacturer, you increase your chances of being notified about any issues.
- Should your drone ever be involved in a serious incident, authorities and law enforcement will likely request this number for reference to help in their investigation.
Conclusion
Coastal Drone provides structured and customized training programs. Consequently, you improve your chances of passing the mandatory tests while complying with Transport Canada regulations.