Drone Registration Basics

In Canada, you need to register your drone depending on the circumstances and weight of the drone.

The table below shows when you should register your drone.

To register your drone, you need to do the following:

1. Create an account at the Drone Management Portal.
2. Input the drone’s type, make, model, serial number, and weight.
3. Have the drone’s purchase date handy just in case you need to input it.
4. Pay $5 using either your Visa, Mastercard, or American Express.

After you register your drone successfully, you will get a registration number.

Mark the registration number on the drone because it serves as a unique identifier for your drone. It is just like theSocial Insurance Number (SIN)but for your drone.

So in case of an incident or accident, the authorities and law enforcement will be able to track your drone easily and faster.

Furthermore, marking your drone with the registration number is one way to comply with Transport Canada ’s rules.

For instance, flying an unregistered or unmarked drone can cause the authorities to fine you up to $1,000 for individuals and $5,000 for corporations.

Also, if you are a foreigner, you cannot register a drone in Canada unless you have a Special Flight Operations Certificate for Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (SFOC-RPAS).

Transport Canada issues the SFOC-RPAS to enable a foreigner who has passed all the relevant exams, and has a valid drone pilot certificate to fly a drone.

Drone Pilot Licensing in Canada

Whether you are a citizen or a foreigner, you cannot fly a drone even if you have registered it, if you do not have a license.

So, to get a license, you must pass these two Canadian drone tests:

A.Small Basic Exam

To enroll for this test, you must be at least 14 years old and pay $10. Then you have 90 minutes to complete the 35 multiple-choice questions.

To pass, you need a score higher than 65%. But if you fail to achieve this score, you have to wait 24 hours before you can retake the Small Basic Exam. You also need to pay $10 for every retake.

When you pass this text, you get a Pilot Certificate – Basic Operations.

B. Small Advanced Exam

Once you pass the Small Basic Exam, you are eligible to take the next one–the Small Advanced Exam, if you are at least 16 years old.

You still have to pay $10 for any other retakes you have.
However, this exam is a bit extensive, but with a shorter time to attempt it. The exam has 50 multiple-choice questions, but you should complete it in 60 minutes. If you get a score above 80% then you get a pass, if not, you need to have another attempt after 24 hours.

You can check the results through the Drone Management Portal and if you have passed you get your Pilot Certificate – Advanced Operations.

To give you an added edge and help you pass these exams, enroll with Coastal Drone for our drone pilot course

Take a Drone Pilot Course to Get Your Drone Pilot License

Since the two Canadian drone tests cover a wide range of topics related to drone operation, safety, regulations, and flying techniques, you need to have the necessary skills.

You must achieve a core of at least 65% in 90 minutes. Or 80% in 60 minutes. Given the volume of questions, you’ll need all the assistance you can get, especially from experts like Coastal Drone.

We provide structured and customized training programs that increase the likelihood of passing the tests while complying with Transport Canada-specific regulations and requirements.

Enroll in our drone pilot courses today and let us take you through how to register and fly your drone to unlock a world of possibilities.