RPAS – Remotely Piloted Aircraft System

What is RPAS?

RPAS stands for remotely piloted aircraft system. Other common term for RPAS is a drone or unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).

In Canada, All pilots of RPAS with a maximum take-off weight of 250g up to and including 25Kg must take an online exam.

Micro-drones are RPAS with a maximum take-off weight of less than 250g.

Find Your Drone Category

RPAS operations are split into basic operation and advanced operations.

Basic Operations

If you meet all 5 of these conditions, you are conducting basic operations;

• You fly in uncontrolled airspace
• You fly more than 30m horizontally from bystanders
• You never fly over top of bystanders
• You fly more than 3 nautical miles away from any certified airport
• You fly it more than 1 nautical mile away from certified heliport.

If you fail to meet any 1 of these requirements, you are conducting advanced operations.

Basic Operation Requirements

To operate under basic operations you must meet these requirements;

• Register your drone with Transport Canada before you fly it
• Mark your drone with its registration number
• Pass the small basic exam
• While flying you must be able to provide your registration and Pilot Certificate – Basic Operations

Advanced Operations

If you meet any 1 of the following conditions, you are conducting advanced operations;

• You want to fly in controlled airspace
• You want to over bystanders
• You want to fly within 30m horizontally of bystanders
• You want to fly less than 3 nautical miles horizontally from a certified airport
• You want to fly less than 1 nautical mile horizontally from a certified heliport

Advanced Operation Requirements

To operate under basic operations you must meet these requirements;

• Register your drone with Transport Canada before you fly it
• Mark your drone with its registration number
• Operate a drone that meets the appropriate safety declaration for the intended operation
• Pass the small advanced exam
• Pass a flight review with a flight reviewer
• While flying you must be able to provide your registration and Pilot Certificate – Advanced Operations
• If you wish to fly in controlled airspace you require a RPAS flight authorization from NAV CANADA
• At all times, fly within the operational limits of your drone’s specified limitations.

Microdrones

Micro drones include all drones that have a maximum take-off weight of less than 250g. Micro-drones do not require a drone pilot certificate or registration. Micro-drones do not have the same limitations but you cannot operate your drone in a neglect or reckless manner that may danger aviation or public safety.

Drones More Than 25Kg

All drones that have a maximum take-off weight more than 25Kg require special permission from Transport Canada prior to operating.

Penalties

Failing to meet these requirements can result in fines up to;

• $1000 for individual users
• $5000 for commercial users

Before you fly your drone always check what airspace you will be operating and educate yourself in all the drone requirements the apply to your type of operation. It is vital you avoid disruption in aviation and public safety while operating your drone.

Canadian Flight Trainers

Our Private Pilot and Commercial Pilot Ground School courses are not very well suited to the average drone operator. However, when it comes to navigation and meteorology, the material is all the same.