A drone, or Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS), is an unmanned aircraft that can be controlled remotely or fly autonomously according to a pre-programmed flight plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
General
Drones have many applications and are therefore very versatile. They are found primarily, but not exclusively, in the following areas: aerial photography and videography, infrastructure inspection, precision agriculture, mapping, surveillance and search and rescue operations.
No. If the weight of your drone is less than 250 grams, it falls into the category called "microdrones". Therefore, you are not required to have certification. However, if the weight of your drone is 250 grams or more, you must have a basic operation certificate and your drone must be registered with Transport Canada.
We suggest you follow our training, even for microdrone pilots. Indeed, it will allow you to understand your environment (weather, restrictive zones, etc.) in addition to giving you the tools and knowledge to operate in complete safety.
We invite you to consult our FAQ regarding the difference between a basic, advanced and level 1 complex operation certificate to better guide you towards what best suits your needs.
Do not hesitate to contact us for more information.
» Complément d'information
Visit the Transport Canada websiteIf you operate a drone weighing 250 grams or more without pilot certification, you risk significant fines! In fact, these fines can reach up to $5,000 for an individual and up to $25,000 for a legal entity.
Since June 2019, whether flying for recreational purposes or for commercial activities, operating a drone weighing 250 g or more requires a drone pilot certificate and registration of the aircraft.
The regulations apply based on where you fly and the minimum distances that must be maintained from bystanders, rather than on the purpose of the flight. In other words, the rules are determined by the operational environment, not whether the activity is recreational or commercial.
Furthermore, a pilot may use a drone for commercial purposes with any level of drone pilot certificate, basic, advanced, or complex, provided they operate within the limitations and privileges associated with their certificate.
Your pilot certificate does not need to be renewed.
However, you must be able to demonstrate that you have completed a refresher training activity every 24 months from the date you obtained your certificate.
Transport Canada accepts several refresher courses. Whether you have a basic or advanced certificate, you must choose one of these options:
- Pass either the basic or advanced operations exam;
- Complete an in-flight review;
- Attend a Transport Canada Civil Aviation safety seminar;
- Attend a drone training program offered by a drone flight school; or
- Follow a Transport Canada-approved self-training program.
We recommend the Transport Canada self-training program (number 5), because it's the easiest option, and it's free!
Once you've completed the refresher course, be sure to print out the proof and keep it with you. This proof must be immediately accessible when you're flying your drone.
About the trainings
If your objective is to fly a drone in controlled airspace, near people, conduct sheltered operations or perform Extended Visual Line of Sight (EVLOS) operations.
We mainly use DJI brand SATPs (drones), as these are the most widely used on the market today. However, our training courses prepare you to use any brand of SATP (drone).
Training is essential to fly a drone safely and legally. It will allow you to understand the regulations in force, piloting techniques and best practices. Training is not mandatory to obtain the certificate but is strongly recommended.
Generally, invoices are paid by electronic (Interac) transfer. We also accept credit cards for a small administrative fee.
None at all! Whether you're already familiar with SATP (drones) industry or are new to it, our training courses are designed so that anyone can take them, regardless of their previous knowledge. Many of our customers have never touched a SATP (drone) before, and finish our training with all the equipment they need to enter the professional market.
Our theoretical course to obtain the advanced operations pilot certificate is generally given over a period of 3 to 4 weeks with a mix of time in class (or by videoconference) and personal study. This training includes more or less 20 hours of lessons with an instructor and approximately 30 hours of personal study at your own pace. Our advanced certification combo also includes the 2-day practical course and flight review. The planning of these varies depending on weather conditions.
We cover all the topics required by Transport Canada's TP15263. Namely:
- Air law,
- Air traffic rules and procedures,
- Human factors,
- Flight theory,
- Meteorology,
- RPAS engines and systems,
- Navigation,
- Radiotelephony,
- Flight operations.
Of course, we can adapt a training course to your specific needs based on your goals.
All materials are available on our course platform. Courses can contain presentations, manuals, videos and/or exercises for you to practice.
About Koptr Image
Transport Canada's Advanced Operations Certification Examination consists of 50 questions to be answered in 60 minutes, with a pass mark of 80%. This exam requires a thorough knowledge of aeronautical concepts, and represents a major challenge. Our training covers all the essential notions to pass this exam, as well as providing you with a complete manual that you can use as a reference during your preparation. With our training, you'll also have access to mini-tests for each section, as well as a practice exam to test yourself before taking the Transport Canada exam.
Our proven methodology allows you to take the exam more efficiently than if you were studying on your own. What's more, the KoptR Image team is with you every step of the way to ensure you're optimally prepared.
We offer the training by videoconference cross Canada and have a practice field in Laval and one in Beloeil, but we can travel anywhere in Quebec and even Canada.
It all depends on the complexity of the mission but we can generally schedule an operation within weeks of the request.
Rules
All drones weighing more than 250 g must be registered. To operate a small drone weighing more than 250 g and up to 25 kg, it is mandatory to hold either a basic or an advanced pilot certificate. To operate a medium drone weighing more than 25 kg and up to 150 kg, an advanced pilot certificate is required.
Certain specific exceptions to the general limits set out in part IX of the Canadian aviation regulations may be possible with the issuance of a special flight operations certificate (SFOC).
You must successfully complete the online “Advanced Operations Pilot Certificate” exam administered by Transport Canada, as well as a flight review conducted by a person qualified as a flight reviewer under subsection 901.175(1) of the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs). You must then apply for your pilot certificate. It is essential to use an RPAS that has been declared compliant by the manufacturer for the specific advanced operations you intend to conduct. Pilot recency requirements must be maintained every 24 months. Drone registration is mandatory and can be completed through the Transport Canada website at a cost of $10.