Pilots of micro drone don’t need to register their drone or get a drone pilot certificate to fly them. Pilots of micro drones are not bound by the same requirements as other drones. However, you must not operate your drone in a reckless or negligent manner as to endanger or be likely to endanger aviation safety or the safety of anyone.
While there are no prescriptive elements of the regulations, there is an expectation that the pilot of a micro drone to use good judgment, identify potential hazards, and take all necessary steps to avoid any risks associated with flying your drone.
As a good practice, you should always:
- maintain the drone in direct line of sight
- do not fly your drone above 400 feet in the air
- keep a safe distance between your drone and any bystanders
- stay far away from aerodromes, airport, heliport and waterdrome
- avoid flying near critical infrastructures
- stay clear of aircrafts, at all time
- do a pre-flight inspection of your drone
- keep the drone close enough to maintain the connection with the remote controller
- avoid advertised events
Follow these guidelines to avoid flying in a negligent or reckless manner and being subject to fines. Enjoy a safe flight and minimize the risk of incidents. Remember: if you feel that your flight is risky, don’t do it.
Micro-drones are considered aircraft under the
Aeronautics Act and
Canadian Aviation Regulations and are therefore prohibited to enter the following zones without the proper authorizations:
- Class F Special Use Restricted Airspace
- Zones where a NOTAM for Forest Fire Aircraft Operating Restrictions has been emitted
- Zones where a 5.1 of the Aeronautics Act restrict the use of airspace to all aircraft has been emitted
