Restrictions on Bringing Drones to Canada for Photography

1. Drone Registration: All drones weighing between 250 grams and 25 kilograms must be registered with Transport Canada before they can be flown legally in Canada. This registration includes drones used for recreational purposes as well as for commercial photography.

2. Pilot Certification: Drone pilots in Canada must hold a valid drone pilot certificate issued by Transport Canada. There are two types of certificates available - Basic and Advanced. Basic certificates are required for drones weighing between 250 grams and 25 kilograms, while advanced certificates are necessary for drones weighing over 25 kilograms or those flown in controlled airspace.

3. Drone Classes: Drones in Canada are classified into two categories: Basic and Advanced. Basic drones are typically used for recreational purposes and carry a lower regulatory burden, while Advanced drones are operated for specific purposes such as aerial photography and require additional certification and stricter operational requirements.

4. Restricted and Controlled Airspace: Certain areas of Canadian airspace are considered restricted or controlled, and flying a drone in these areas without proper authorization is prohibited. Before flying a drone for photography, it is essential to check the airspace restrictions using tools such as Transport Canada's interactive map or apps like Nav Canada.

5. Airport and Aircraft Safety: Drones must be flown with caution near airports and aircraft. Transport Canada regulations state that drones should not be flown within a radius of 5.6 kilometers (3 nautical miles) from airports or heliports. Additionally, drones should maintain a safe distance from aircraft and should never interfere with their operations.

6. Privacy and Personal Information: When using drones for photography, it is crucial to respect privacy and personal information laws. Drones should not invade others' privacy by capturing images or videos in areas where an individual has a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as private properties or through windows. It is important to be aware of local privacy legislation and regulations when operating drones for photography purposes.

7. Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC): Certain situations may require a special flight operations certificate, even for recreational drone use. This is typically the case when flying drones for commercial purposes, in controlled airspace, or near people or events. An SFOC is obtained from Transport Canada and ensures adherence to additional safety measures and regulations.

Stay informed about any travel restrictions or travel rules in place, as they may vary depending on your destination within the country.