TurnTech's Agricultural Drone Division Soars to New Heights as Independent Company, SkyAG Solutions
Drone Pilot Certification in Canada

Drone Pilot Certification in Canada

Get ready to fly your drone.

SkyAG Solutions takes pride in helping you learn to safely and legally operate your new drone within Canada.

SkyAG Solutions - Agriculture Drones for sale in Langley, BC, Canada. Drones for farming and greenhouse maintenance services
Coastal Drone Co. - Training Courses for Drone Pilots in Canada. Based in Langley, BC.

SkyAG Solutions Inc. has forged a valuable partnership with Coastal Drone Co., Canada’s leading drone training company. This partnership provides a straightforward path to flying your drone safely and legally. Coastal Drone Co. offers a comprehensive blend of online and in-person courses, ensuring you gain the skills and certifications required to operate drones.

Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) Pilot Requirements

Transport Canada has specific regulations for all aircraft, including drones. These training components from Coastal Drone satisfy and exceed the requirements for flying your drone professionally in Canada. Complete the step 1 through 6 to gain your drone pilot certification and get your drone flying.

If your drone weighs less than 25kg, register it with Transport Canada (CAD $5.00) and mark it with its registration number. If it weighs more than 25kg, you will require an SFOC (see below).

Enroll in Coastal Drone Co’s Advanced Course. This online or in-person course offers a deep dive into advanced drone operations, preparing you for any mission.

Complete the Transport Canada Advanced Exam Online (CAD $10.00). This exam will allow you to fly basic operations and practice your flying skills before your Flight Review (Step 5).

Optional – Complete the RPAS Restricted Radio Operators License (ROC-A) online or in person. (while this is not currently a requirement, it can be a nice-to-have)

*Drone operators may monitor radio communications with an approved radio but are currently not permitted to transmit radio communication to ATC

Complete your Flight Review with Coastal Drone Co.’s experienced flight reviewers. Flight reviews are conducted in person to ensure you are ready to fly safely and legally, and is the last step in obtaining your Advanced License.

If you want permission for specific drone flight operations, such as spraying and spreading operations, and/or your drone weighs over 25kg, you will need to apply for a Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC)* for a Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS).

*An SFOC-RPAS permits you to operate your drone for specific purposes under special conditions. See below for more information on SFOCs.

Step 1: Register & Mark Your Drone (25kg & Under)

Register your drone and manage registration here.

It only takes a few minutes and $5 to register your drone. You will need:

  • The purchase date of your drone (if applicable)
  • The make, model, serial number, weight, and type of drone
  • Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Interac card.

By registering your drone, you not only comply with Transport Canada regulations but also ensure your safety and the safety of others. Plus, in the unfortunate event of losing your drone, registration may help in its recovery. It’s a small step that can make a big difference.

After completing your online registration, you will receive a registration number, which must be promptly marked and clearly visible on your drone. You may use a permanent marker, label, or engraving.

Mark & Register Your Drone with Transport Canada

Steps 2-4: Complete Advanced Drone Pilot Certification Courses

We are pleased to partner with Coastal Drone Co, a highly qualified RPAS Training provider with extensive experience in the field. They have a suite of courses conducted by commercial drone (RPAS) pilots with a wealth of flight experience

Advanced Operations Online Training

Coastal Drone Co’s Advanced Course imparts knowledge of the regulations governing drone flight in Canada, supplemented by industry insights from instructors with expertise in many fields of RPAS operations. After the course (approximately 20 hours online), you will be ready for the Transport Canada Advanced drone pilot license exam, flight review, and any missions you plan to embark upon. The course is accessible through Coastal Drone Co’s Website.

Restricted Operators Certificate with Aeronautical Qualification (ROC-A) *Optional

The ROC-A study guide is accessible on the Government of Canada website. Students must take the exam after studying. Expect written, practical or oral exercises from your instructor, with whom you must book an exam.

Step 5: Complete In-Person Certification

Upon passing your Advanced Certification from Transport Canada, you can schedule your Flight Review with a Coastal Drone reviewer. This service is available across Canada. Once you successfully pass the Flight Review, you will receive your full Advanced Drone License from Transport Canada, allowing you to conduct basic and advanced RPAS operations within Canada. Advanced operations can include flying in controlled airspaces and near or over people.

Step 6: Complete Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC)

An SFOC permits you to operate your drone outside the rules for a specific purpose. This certificate is mandatory if your mission includes non-standard aspects of a basic or advanced operation.

You will need an SFOC-RPAS certificate to fly your drone beyond basic or advanced operations rules. For usual SkyAg customers, this could include flying a drone weighing over 25 kg, flying beyond visual line-of-sight, flying above 122 meters (400 ft), and spraying or spreading drone operations. More reasons to obtain an SFOC can be found on Transport Canada’s website.

Contact SkyAG for any further questions regarding SFOCs.

Completed Steps 1-6? Congratulations! You've completed all the necessary steps, and you're now a fully certified drone pilot. Happy flying!

About Coastal Drone Co.

From coast to coast, Coastal Drone has a Transport Canada approved RPAS Flight Reviewer in nearly every major centre of Canada. They maintain a high standard of reviewers and all are active within the industry with either extensive traditional aviation experience, or RPAS experience operating commercially (many from prior to 2019).

Coastal Drone’s reviewers and instructors are professional and courteous and are happy to accommodate and assist in your growth as an Advanced Drone Pilot. To book a flight review or drone pilot training session, find out more here.

Coastal Drone Co. - Training Courses for Drone Pilots in Canada. Based in Langley, BC.