Articles on: 5. TC Exams & Regulations

Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC) Explained

An SFOC is required when your planned operation falls outside what your standard pilot certificate covers.

SFOC Complexity Levels:

Very Low Complexity:

  • Foreign pilot flying for recreational purposes

Low Complexity:

  • Flying at advertised events (concerts, festivals, sports — including microdrones)

Medium Complexity:

  • Foreign pilot flying for hire or reward
  • Flying large drones (over 150kg)
  • Flying above 400ft AGL in uncontrolled airspace (except near buildings per CAR 901.25(1)(b))
  • Operating more than 5 RPAS at once within VLOS
  • Operating more than 1 RPAS at once in BVLOS

High Complexity:

  • BVLOS in densely populated areas
  • BVLOS in controlled airspace
  • Operations in adverse weather
  • Person(s) on board the RPAS
  • Restricted payloads as per CAR 901.43(1)

How to apply: Apply through Transport Canada. Details at tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/drone-safety.

Note: Medium and large drones also require a Standard 922 – RPAS Safety Declaration.

Updated on: 06/03/2026