Flying a drone for fun, work, or research
When you operate a drone for any reason, you must follow these rules for where to fly.
Aerodromes
For safety purposes, we recommend you fly at least nine kilometres (five nm) from aerodromes (airports, heliports and seaplane bases) in order to remain clear of manned aircraft and most control zones. All aerodromes should be considered “No Drone Zones” if you do not have permission from Transport Canada.
National parks
Canada limits and controls the use of manned and unmanned aircraft such as drones in our national parks. The Field Unit Superintendent may authorize their use in some special situations. Please contact Parks Canada for more information.
Outside Canada
Rules for drones are not all the same. Cross border flights of drones are not permitted. Always check a country’s aviation regulations before you fly in that country.
Other no drone zones
Without Transport Canada permission, we recommend that you don’t fly your drone over populated areas, moving vehicles, highways, bridges and busy streets. Always follow the basic Do’s and Don’ts for flying your drone safely and legally. Think safety first!
Flying a drone for work or research only: additional rules
When you fly an unmanned air vehicle (UAV) for work or research, the following rules also apply.
Flying indoors
If you want to fly within a structure where people are present (e.g., at a sporting event, trade show, or demonstration), you must apply for a Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC).
You do not need an SFOC to fly indoors when only the UAV crew or people directly participating in the UAV operation (e.g., actors on a movie set) are present. The UAV operator should ensure that everyone present understands any possible hazards or risks.
Before you fly indoors, you also need the property owner’s consent.
Foreign operators
Foreign UAV operators may only operate a UAV in Canada with an approved SFOC. To apply for an SFOC, a foreign UAV operator must already be approved/authorized to perform the intended operation in their home country. The operator must include the country’s approval/authorization as part of their SFOC application.