Where Can't I Fly My Drone?

Even with a valid certificate, there are places and conditions where flying is restricted or prohibited.

Always prohibited without special authorization:

• National or Provincial Parks — requires authorization from the Park Superintendent
• Within 5NM of a forest fire or restricting NOTAM (Aeronautics Act 5.1)

Requires permission or caution:

• Class F CYA (Advisory) airspace — check DAH and NOTAMs for active times before flying
• Class F CYR (Restricted) airspace — must contact the user agency in DAH for permission
• Within 3NM of REG aerodromes — do not interfere with aircraft traffic patterns (CAR 901.47(1))
• Controlled airspace — requires NAV CANADA permission (Advanced/L1C cert holders only)

Operations requiring an SFOC:

• Flying at advertised events (even with microdrones)
• Foreign pilots (recreational or commercial)
• Flying large drones (over 150kg)
• Flying above 400ft AGL in uncontrolled airspace
• BVLOS in densely populated areas or controlled airspace
• Flying more than 5 RPAS at once in VLOS
• Adverse weather operations

Always check before flying: Use the RPAS WILCO app to verify airspace, NOTAMs, and restrictions before every flight. Download free at rpaswilco.com.

Updated on: 06/03/2026