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 userFew readersTransport Canada Drone Exams — What to Expect
All Transport Canada drone exams are taken online through the Drone Management Portal: tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/drone-safety/drone-management-portal
Basic Exam (Small Basic):
35 multiple-choice questions
90-minute time limit
Pass mark: 65% (23 out of 35)
Topics: Based on TP 15263 — air law, RPAS systems, human factors, meteorology, navigation, theory of flight, flight operations, radiotelephony
Advanced Exam (Small Advanced):
50 multiple-choice questions
60-minute time limitFew readersCan I Fly? — Certificate Comparison Chart
This chart shows what each Transport Canada certificate allows you to do.
Drone Sizes:
Operations:Few readersSpecial 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 901.25Few readers