Canada Drone Laws | For Non Canadians

[@pilotpetejetfly986]

Great videos including this one👍🏻 I’m a resident of Canada and currently a basic drone pilot certificate holder and let me tell you nothing about the process was easy. I am going to be completing my Advanced certification shortly which includes a flight test. Have not yet requested a SFOC for anything as of yet but if I do I will let you know how it goes. Keep up the great work!

[@RalphErvin]

Very informative! I love visiting Canada and definitely don't want to violate any laws. Thanks for sharing!

[@JeffGreeneChannel]

Definitely don't need a $1000 fine.

[@JeffGreeneChannel]

Let me know in the comments if you have any tips for getting an SFOC approved to fly in Canada. ***Update: 8 hours after posting this video, I DID receive a response back from Transport Canada “RPAS - Centre of Excellence".*** Basically asking if I wanted to cancel my request or postpone my drone flight for another date. If I need to postpone for another date in the future I need to re-submit my SFOC request form (with new dates), AND provide all of the additional required info in the attached checklist. I've copy/paste below the additional info being requested: 1. Completed, properly filled out and signed. B - General Requirements for Basic and Advanced Operations. 2. Provide copy of a valid Passport (of the persons detailed on the SFOC application form). 3. Provide proof of completion of TP15263 training from a self-declared Canadian training provider 4. Provide proof of registration from the originating Civil Aviation Authority or confirmation the RPAS is not registered internationally. 5. Confirmation that CARs 900.06 and 901.01 - 901.59 have been read, reviewed, and are understood. 6. As per 903.02 (f), confirm the RPAS has not been modified from the manufacturer original design. If not or if the RPA is ‘Home-Built’, provide the manufacturer and model of the system, including three-view drawings or photographs of the aircraft and a complete description of the aircraft, including performance, operating limitations and equipment. 7. As per 903.02 (g), confirm the Site Survey/Safety Plan process is in place and will be completed prior to each flight, as specified in 901.27. 8. As per 903.02 (h), confirm there is an emergency contingency plan in place, an emergency response plan, etc. 9. As per 903.02 (i) and (n), confirm there are normal and emergency procedures in place as per 901.23. 10. As per 903.02 (j), provide names, certificates, licenses, permits and qualifications of additional crew members, if applicable. 11. AS per 903.02 (k), confirm RPAS maintenance and serviceability will be as per 901.29 and 901.48(1)(b). 12. As per 903.02 (l), confirm the RPAS will be operated in weather conditions that are in accordance to 901.34. 13. As per 903.02 (m), confirm the RPAS will be operated with regard to separation and collision avoidance as per 901.15, 901.16, 901.17, and 901.18.

[@DonJoyce]

Um, in my humble opinion, they have really over-rotated with this response. Item 3 (TP15263) is the requirements for both Basic and Advanced Exams...and how/why would you have training from a Canadian training provider when you are a visitor (and my KZbin training material, while seen by virtually every certified Canadian pilot (really!), is not qualified. Items 7-13 could be achieved by using the Drone Pilot Canada mobile app.

[@JeffGreeneChannel]

@@DonJoyce Yep, i was looking at 3-4 and thinking that would be pretty much impossible. If you provide proof that you are certified to fly in another country(one of the original questions), why do you need to take additional training in Canada. Also, I actually read that you can't register as a non-Citizen, yet #4 says you need to provide proof of registration.

[@DonJoyce]

@@JeffGreeneChannel Well if you think THAT'S bad, I asked them what the procedure should be in the event of a fly-away into controlled airspace. The answer was "you need to fill out a form to enter controlled airspace" !!!! (and BTW, after THAT silliness was resolved, they still haven't provided an answer!)

[@JeffGreeneChannel]

@@DonJoyce 😂 😂 That is so funny! You're not allowed to have fly-aways in controlled airspace unless you have form authorization 🤔

[@EugenBrinzoiu]

Jeff Greene This is absolutely ridiculous. I’m so sad.

[@skymotionaerialphotography1902]

I am a Transport Canada advanced pilot and I own an aerial media company in Alberta, Canada. I fill out the SFOC's on a regular basis. The longest I have waited for approval is 2 days. This being said, I really wish Canada would get with the times and have the LAANC system or something like it for approval to fly. We really are behind the USA when it comes to our drone laws. I flew my drone in the USA recently on a vacation, and all I had to do to fly was register my drone, and that was it. Super simple! Sorry you had such an issue in Canada.

[@JeffGreeneChannel]

Hi thanks for the comments. 2 days is not bad, you can work with that. Mavic mini perhaps at 249g?

[@skymotionaerialphotography1902]

@@JeffGreeneChannel yes, that would be your ticket if you want to fly without jumping through the hoops

[@KateMurray]

Super interesting video, I didn't realize there are so many hoops to jump through just to film from/fly a drone!

[@JeffGreeneChannel]

Isn't that odd Kate. It went from paying $10 and a short multiple choice test to something way bigger, getting gov't organizations involved just to approve a random 10 min drone flight to snap a couple pics of the surrounding landscape.

[@AdrianMateoDrones]

Wow great and amazing video Jeff. I really appreciate all the information, updates rules in Canada. Thanks for sharing this great video with us. Thanks sooo much. I really appreciate all the love and support. Thanks for all you do and please keep flying.

[@JeffGreeneChannel]

Thanks Adrian, i appreciate the thumbs up!

[@AdrianMateoDrones]

You are very welcome my Drone brother. It was my pleasure giving you the thumbs up. Great informative video. Thanks for all you do and please keep flying.

[@kylequinn1963]

Even if you are Canadian, the laws are so restrictive and confusing that basically, no matter what you do, it's illegal. Almost all towns and cities are controlled airspace, the Basic license doesn't allow you to fly with ANYTHING near you, so you'll want advanced, which requires the online test as well as an in person flight review. Even with the Advanced license, you need an SFOC for business use, and you have to apply every time, 20 days in advance. Based on what you've shown there isn't even an option on the SFOC registration for business use which further complicates things. I bought a Fimi x8 se 2020, love the drone, got my basic, working on the advanced and then found out that even with the advanced, I'll still be breaking the law and facing $25,000 fines for my business. Looks like I'll be selling my Fimi in the coming months which is disappointing since I just got it.

[@BWoodPhotography]

Very informative. Thanks for sharing what you learned.

[@JeffGreeneChannel]

Thank you!

[@myway3221]

I went for exactly the same process just now. Coz I'm gonna have a short trip to Vancouver so want to take a drone there. I thought the drone rules are as simple as the states but no there is $25 you pay to get the pilot certificate and need to pass the exam also...

[@DonJoyce]

Sadly, you are correct and followed the correct process. The guidelines state 30 working days in advance for an SFOC....that's 6 human weeks! I'm a Canadian and know the Canadian drone regulations inside out. I have many instructional videos on my channel.

[@JeffGreeneChannel]

Sometimes i hate it when i am right. Thanks for confirming Don. I'll check out your channel too. In this case, i didn't even know i was going to Canada 30 days in advance. Hopefully this is only temporary 👍

[@TheunfamousflyCoUk]

Interesting, worth keeping in mind. By the way try buying a simple freshwater fishing licence as a foreign visitor in Virginia. Life is too short, an exercise in futility.

[@JeffGreeneChannel]

Ha ha, i never thought about fishing in VA. Probably too close to all the washington politics :)

[@TheunfamousflyCoUk]

@@JeffGreeneChannel A badly thought about application process that doesnt take into account simple realities like having a UK postal Code ( zip code). Wasted an hour of my life in the Orvis store in Roanoake ( and that of their staff too trying to do it. An endless loop of website form stupid. We gave up!

[@Sky1]

If you have a FAA register drone for the United States why would you need to do anything for another country that doesn't even make sense if you are a pilot flying A real plane registered in the US it's not like you're going to go register your plane and every country you going to visit right?

[@JeffGreeneChannel]

Hi Sky1, yeah seems kind of odd to me for something that is essentially just another camera. I don't really have a problem with registering for a small fee, as long as it is really an option. Currently, it doesn't appear that you can register your drone to fly in Canada, unless you are Canadian.

[@Nicodemous17]

You can fly a Mavic Mini in Canada if you're foreign.

[@EpicRealEstate]

I'll keep this in mind for when I visit Canada. How long did it take to get the license?

[@JeffGreeneChannel]

Unfortunately they responded after my trip was over.

[@jofisjose1235]

@@JeffGreeneChannel so did you got the permission to fly it? What did they tell?

[@DonJoyce]

Hey Jeff, let me know if you ever do hear back on your SFOC. Many people have asked me how to do exactly what you have done, and I have yet to hear whether anyone has received approval or not, or how long it really took. Thanks in advance. Hope you enjoy your visit, drone or not.

[@JeffGreeneChannel]

Sure thing Don, will do. I am curious to see their response as well. Whether it would be approved with the info i provided, or if they require further information etc. Always nice to visit Winnipeg...in the summer :)

[@JeffGreeneChannel]

Hi Don, as luck would have it, i just heard back from Transport Canada. I have posted their response in the Pin'd comment above.

[@DonJoyce]

@@JeffGreeneChannel "What a coincidence", or not. As per my comments on your pinned comment, they seem to have over-rotated, especially if you have your part 107.

[@minirunt]

Good video. Wow, what a bureaucracy! Glad I am not Canadian...example of government out of control.

[@JeffGreeneChannel]

Thanks Richard C!

[@BlackBirdieGolf]

What is the likely-hood of being caught flying your drone for 15 to 20 mins? I flew mines on the vegas strip and nothing happened. Your not suppose to fly it there.

[@bofancai4026]

Still need SFOC to fly a drone under 250g in Canada? I'm not a Canadian citizen

[@dba99985]

I went through exactly the same process today There is probably no way to fly a drone legally for none Canadian citizen What about mavic mini 2?

[@ammaarvelous]

Hello, have you been able to find an answer to this question? Would appreciate it immensely if you could share your experience

[@wobblyrod779]

I'm looking ahead to visiting Vancouver in the summer of 2023 and I've been trying to find the "application for special flight operations certificate" but so far I have failed... is it still a requirement or has it changed its name? ( does anyone have a link please?)

[@funkyboogiee]

does being faa part 107 certified help in Canada or any other countries as far as getting permits?

[@StanCook]

All I can say is that is very sad. I have heard that Canadians have similar problems flying in their own country. Hopefully, it will change when smart brains get involved.

[@JeffGreeneChannel]

Hey Stan, good to hear from you! Yep, hopefully this will get sorted soon. Others have commented on similar situations with various hobbies in the U.S....like trying to get a fishing license for example when you are not a U.S. citizen. All it takes is a zipcode that is longer than 5 digits and things go off the rails. Shouldn't have these kinds of problems in 2019 🤔Have a great weekend!

[@LinoPR-ds2ke]

What a shame, it’s probably coming to USA, and when it does I’m done with the hobby

[@JeffGreeneChannel]

Hopefully that doesn't happen in the U.S. I see the U.S becoming less restrictive in many ways. However, I do wonder if the commercial drone industry will end up making it more restrictive for hobbyist as a result.

[@ririlan2137]

I live in Canada. The only thing I can say is : What a shame on our Transport Minister Garneau!!! And I don't think the USA will go down that road. Just look at the new LAANC rules (or permission), so convenient.

[@wizbang99]

Good Morning &Thank You Jeff. Have a week long fishing trip in North Canada 🇨🇦 coming up in a month. To YELLOW KNIFE. Hopeing to fly 🦅🦅🦅 🎥 the beautiful area. Have 107 & up to date with US Rules. Thanks Have to start working on this ASAP. THANKS FOR THE HEADS UP 👍

[@JeffGreeneChannel]

Good luck, that sounds like a really fun trip!

[@timdks]

Gosh Jeff Greene, it's hard to believe that Canada, our "neighbor" to the north, doesn't appear to like drones in their country. Why is that? Anyway, it appears that you've thrown down the gauntlet, so even though I'm not planning on going to Canada soon where it would be great to take out my drone and fly it without breaking any of their rules, or for that matter, any USA laws, this paperwork thing appears to be a challenge. I'll keep you posted on the results. Might even take a look at what it takes to fly a drone in Canada if you are a Canadian citizen. Bet Don Joyce has some stories about that subject?

[@JeffGreeneChannel]

Thanks timdks, hopefully this is just temporary until drones become even more common. I guess for now, i'll just throw my gopro up on the air and hope to capture something interesting😀

[@kylequinn1963]

From a Canadian who's trying to do the drone thing legally, I can tell you it's just our Government is really lazy and negligent. They don't take the time to investigate anything prior to passing legislation, they just do whatever they believe to buy them votes from the majority to stay in power. It's also why they take our tax dollars and instead of using them to create programs for Canadians that make sense, send it to other countries in the UN to look good.

[@ririlan2137]

Any respond so far? :)

[@JeffGreeneChannel]

Hi Ririlan, I got a response from them the day i posted this video(i put the details in the description). Basically a laundry list of training requirements that would pretty much be impossible for a non-citizen to meet if they were in country only for a couple days. Oh well, i'll have to fly vicariously through others that are allowed to fly in Canada...for now.

[@russella5296]

Shame on Canadian government and mocking drone laws. They are simply making fun of us, especially with log books, maintenance requirements, etc. I understand there should be rules that make sense and these rules were in place and people followed them. But these new rules - come on....... total disrespect to hobbyists loving to fly their little drones.

[@tna2me197]

A LOT of Canadians have started selling their drones and even giving them away because of the ridiculous regulations that they are putting in place. It’s going the wrong direction up there right now. Hopefully the US doesn’t follow suit.

[@JeffGreeneChannel]

I hope not TNA2Me. I tend to think of these restrictions like a pendulum. Rules are put in place that go too far, then realize that there is really very little to worry about. Hopefully less restrictive rules will follow. I see the U.S becoming less restrictive in many ways. 👍

[@frankkolic9743]

The restrictions aren't as bad if your a Canadian citizen, all you need is a basic licence which isn't that hard to get and to register your bird. What is stupid is if your an actual pilot you still need to get a drone licence.

[@tazzthedoodle7861]

Canadian Gov sucks. If you have a license from your own country that license should be valid here same as your drivers license. What are the rules for us Canadians to fly in the USA?

[@JeffGreeneChannel]

Hi David, it's pretty easy really. From the www.faa.gov website: * Visiting foreign nationals must register their drone or UAS upon arrival in the United States (online registration serves as a certificate of ownership).

[@tazzthedoodle7861]

@@JeffGreeneChannel thank you!! I travel down south lots and was planning to bring my drone next visit.

[@TheunfamousflyCoUk]

Being from Scotland, when I visited US last year, registration of my drone was fairly easy though trying to work out what form of registration I needed was far from clear, via the FAA- As i recall there was one for model aircraft hobbyists ( and by extension-drones) and one for- I can't recall the name was it FAA107 holders- something like that? I think that is the equivalent of what we call PFCO (Permission to fly commercial operations issued by the CAA here). The Simple registration was $5 I think but stated you should be a member of a flying club, clearly I wasn't but as a foreign visitor what else can you do? The big problem I realised when I arrived in the US was finding somewhere to fly legally. The 5 Mile rule is so broad that I only encountered one place that was not designated as being within 5 miles of an "airport". I was using the FAA app. It said you could fly with airport permission and though it showed the location of the "airfields"- often rooftop landing pads for hospitals) I had no way of getting permission- no contact details. That was on a journey of 1800 miles from DC to Miami. Waste of time in US too IMO unless you are in the wilderness probably.

[@EugenBrinzoiu]

You don’t want to take the exam. It’s absolutely crazy what kind of knowledge you need. It’s almost nothing related to drones. Tough exam......and I think the rules are exaggerated. You can’t fly anywhere

[@JeffGreeneChannel]

That is a bummer😔

[@JerodBeeson]

I took it on a whim and passed with an 82%. I scored higher than I expected. I am Part 107 certificated though. But it wasn't that bad. The SFOC is the real issue.