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.

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.

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.

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:

1. Pass either the basic or advanced operations exam;
2. Complete an in-flight review;
3. Attend a Transport Canada Civil Aviation safety seminar;
4. Attend a drone training program offered by a drone flight school; or
5. 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.

If 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.

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.

Generally, invoices are paid by electronic (Interac) transfer. We also accept credit cards for a small administrative fee.

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).

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).

It all depends on the complexity of the mission but we can generally schedule an operation within weeks of the request.