Where Can I Fly My Drone? Top Things to Remember and Take into Account – from an Advanced Drone Pilot

August 30, 2025

Oftentimes there is a lot of confusion regarding the Transport Canada RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft System) Regulations. Some people don’t know where to find the information or are just confused on how to follow it. The drone rules from Transport Canada are incredibly important, as it aims to protect other aircraft (whether it’s a drone or plane, or even a hot air balloon), people or even animals. This is a quick overview on some of the simple regulations, but is not a full legal guide. For the exact wording, go to Transport Canada’s website here: Part IX Canadian Aviation Regulations – RPAS

Drone Categories

There are three (technically four) categories of drones. Each with different regulations. The fourth category is “Large Drones” which weigh over 150 kg, but you will most likely never fly a drone with that weight, those are often flown by governments or the military for example.

Microdrones

Small Drones

Medium Drones

Weigh under 250 grams.
Does not require a license to fly.
Has the loosest regulations attached to them, although still strict.

Weigh at least 250 grams but no more than 25 kg.
Requires a basic or advanced drone license.
Needs to be registered with Transport Canada, and must be marked with certificate number.

Weigh more than 25 kg but no more than 150 kg.
Requires advanced drone license
Requires a Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC).
Needs to be registered with Transport Canada, and must be marked with certificate number.

Certifications & Requirements

There are two “licenses” you can obtain regarding drones in Canada. There is a basic and advanced drone/RPAS pilot certificate. To obtain these licenses you must accomplish the following.

Basic

Pass the exam with a minimum of 65% on the Drone Management Portal.
Must be a minimum of 14 years old.
90 minute, 35 question, multiple choice exam
$10 exam fee.
For every 24 months you have your license, you must complete a recency test.

Advanced

Pass the exam with a minimum of 80% on the Drone Management Portal and complete an in-person flight review.
Must be a minimum of 16 years old.
60 minute, 50 question, multiple choice exam with airplane pilot-type questions, they are difficult!
$10 exam fee and flight review fee (varies from $200).
For every 24 months you have your license, you must complete a recency test.

Where Can I Fly My Drone?

It depends on whether it’s a microdrone, basic, or advanced operation. The most reliable sources for where you can fly are the Drone Site Selection Tool and NAV Drone. Before you decide to fly in anywhere, consider these rules or you may be fined heavily.

You MUST at all times have visual line of sight (VLOS) of the drone.
Below 400 feet above ground level (AGL).
Follow CARs section 900.06, “No person shall operate a remotely piloted aircraft system in such a reckless or negligent manner as to endanger or be likely to endanger aviation safety or the safety of any person.” This is one of the most important rules that applies to any size drone.
Away from bystanders, at a minimum horizontal distance of 30 meters for basic operations.
Never fly over bystanders.
Away from emergency operations.
Away from advertised events (unless you have an SFOC).
Avoid forest fires.
A minimum of 5.6 kilometers away from airports.
A minimum of 1.9 kilometers away from heliports.
Only operate in Class “G” uncontrolled airspace, and out of controlled airspace (for basic operations).
Far away from any other aircraft, whether that’s other drones, airplanes or helicopters.

Example of What the Airspace Looks Like in Winnipeg – Basic License

This image is an example of what a pilot with only a basic drone license can operate in. You may not fly in any of the red or yellow (for the most part) highlighted areas. This means you are okay to fly your drone above 250 grams as a basic license holder in areas that are not shaded with any colour.

Example of What the Airspace Looks Like in Winnipeg – Advanced License

This image is an example of what a pilot with the advanced drone license can operate in. You may fly in the highlighted circles but you must get permission from NAV Canada. This means before any operation that takes place in these zones, you must go to NAV Drone and submit a flight plan for it to get accepted.

FAQ

Are drones allowed to fly over houses or private property?

Yes and no. It is a courtesy to ask the private property owner whether you can fly over their property or not. Without permission, you may be fined for privacy infringement if there is a reasonable case. People do not own the airspace above them, it is all managed and “owned” by Transport Canada.

What weather conditions can you fly your drone in?

Read your drone’s manual, if you operate outside of the wind and/or temperature range, if you have insurance for your drone it will be void. It is allowed to fly in -10°C to 40°C and in winds not exceeding 38.52 kph with the DJI Mini 4 Pro, but check your drone’s manual beforehand. You also should NOT fly when it is snowing or raining. It can destroy the electronics in the drone and cause it to breakdown, and if the drone is in the air at the same time it breaks down, that is not a very good situation to be in.

Is Drone Winnipeg fully equipped with Drone Licenses?

Yes we have the Advanced Drone License and follow all of the Canadian Aviation Regulations and have a good standing with NAV Canada. If you work with us, you will have the comfort that everything we do is legal and not frowned upon.

Are you allowed to fly in downtown Winnipeg?

Yes! If you have your Advanced Drone License you may request clearance to operate in that airspace. We have the authority to request airspace in those areas, so that is 100% a possibility.

Do drones capture video and audio?

For 99% of drones, it will only capture video and in very rare cases there are drones that capture audio but are very unlikely.

How do you make sure your drone flights are safe?

Create a flight plan with detailed pre-flight, flight, post-flight and emergency checklists. Make sure there are no bystanders near and know what airspace you are flying in, along with knowing how low aircraft will be in the area. Bring a visual observer (VO) to ensure flights are even safer.

Conclusion

This is just a brief explanation of the drone rules in Canada. We have not explained everything that is enforced in Canada so check out Part IX Canadian Aviation Regulations – RPAS for full clarification. If you have any questions about Drone Winnipeg or the drone regulations we are following, or things you are unsure of, leave a comment, or contact us! Want high-quality, regulation-compliant drone footage without the stress? We’ve got you covered, we handle the airspace, regulations, flying, and knowledge so you don’t have to. Work with us today!

Text: 204-951-4294 or fill out contact form on our site to get in touch.