Transport Canada RPAS Resources
RPAS stands for Remotely Piloted Aircraft System. This includes all radio controlled model airplanes, helicopters and drones. All RPAS weighing more than 250 grams and less than 35 kilograms must be registered with Transport Canada and the pilot flying the aircraft must have a valid Transport Canada Small RPAS Basic or Advanced Pilot Certificate. You must be 14 years of age or older to acquire an RPAS pilot's certificate.
To aid club members in registering their aircraft or acquiring their RPAS pilot's certificate, here are some useful links:
To Register Your RPAS:
cost is $10.00 for each aircraft
Small RPAS Pilot's Certificate:
cost is $10.00 each time you try the Basic exam, $25 for each time you try the Advanced exam.
To maintain the validity of your small RPAS basic pilot certificate in Canada, you must complete one approved recency activity every 24 months. Your certificate itself does not expire, but you must be able to provide proof of a recent activity to legally fly.
You can choose from one of the following Transport Canada-approved activities:
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Retake and pass either the Small Basic Exam or the Small Advanced Exam.
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Successfully complete a flight review with an authorized flight reviewer.
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Attend a Transport Canada aviation safety seminar.
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Complete the Transport Canada self-paced study program (an online questionnaire).
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Complete a recurrent training program by an approved drone flight school.
Once you complete an activity, the 24-month period restarts from that date. You must keep proof of the completed activity (in paper or digital format) and have it available whenever you operate your rc aircraft.
Most activities can be managed through the Transport Canada Drone Management Portal, which is also where you can access your certificate and exam results.