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# 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.