Get Started | RPAS Centre

New to drones? Start here.

1

In Canada, drones over 250 grams need a certificate from Transport Canada (the government department that regulates aviation).

2

There are different certificates for different kinds of flying. The right one depends on what you're doing and where.

3

Answer three quick questions and we'll match you to the right pathway — and walk you through every step from there.

No drone yet? That's fine — we'll cover that too.

Question 1 of 3

What's the plan?

Don't overthink — pick what you'll do most.

🎮

Fly for fun

Hobby flights at parks, the cottage, your backyard.

💼

Make money

Real estate, surveying, public safety, commercial work.

🔀

Both

A mix — some hobby, some paid work down the line.

Question 2 of 3

Where will you be flying?

Different places have different rules.

🌾

Open areas

Fields, parks, cottages — places without crowds or airports nearby.

🏙

Built-up areas or near airports

Cities, neighborhoods, close to runways or busy public places.

🤔

I'm not sure yet

Still figuring out where I'll fly.

Why does this matter?

Flying near people, buildings, or airports adds risk — so Transport Canada requires a higher-level certificate. Wide-open areas have looser rules; controlled airspace (around airports and cities) has stricter ones.

Question 3 of 3

How complex will your flights be?

Pick the closest match.

👁

I'll always keep my drone in sight

Standard recreational or commercial flying within line of sight.

👥

I'll use a visual observer for more complex missions

A second person watches the drone so I can extend range or focus on the controls.

🚁

I'll plan beyond-line-of-sight missions with special procedures

Fully unobserved BVLOS — the drone flies past where anyone can see it.