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Let's chart your flight plan.

Three quick questions. We'll point you to the right certificate — in plain English.

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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.

Why does this matter?
Hobby and commercial flying use the same Transport Canada certificates, but the right level depends on how you'll fly. Recreational flights in open areas can start with Basic, while commercial work — especially near people, buildings, or airports — typically requires Advanced. Picking your primary use steers you to the right starting point.
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 flying where the pilot can see the drone throughout the flight.

👥

I'll fly EVLOS or sheltered operations

Limited out-of-sight flying under Advanced rules: EVLOS uses a qualified observer watching the airspace; sheltered operations stay close to a building or structure.

🚁

I'll plan BVLOS missions with special procedures

For flights beyond sight that are not covered by the Advanced EVLOS or sheltered pathways. These require Level 1 Complex planning, procedures, approvals, and operating limits.

Why does this matter?
EVLOS and sheltered operations are Advanced options for limited out-of-sight flying: EVLOS uses a qualified observer watching the operating airspace, while sheltered keeps the drone close to a structure. BVLOS is the next step up — it may still use observers, but it requires Level 1 Complex planning, equipment/operator approvals, crew procedures, and stricter procedures that can allow further BVLOS flight.
Analyzing your answers…
Matching the right pathway…
Building your flight plan.