Licensing for Your First Drone – Do You Even Need It? (Drones Intro #6/6)

By: Teddy Nedelcu

Do you actually need a license for your first drone in Canada?

That depends on what you plan to do—and if you're cool with risking a $3,000 to $15,000 CAD fine.

In our previous articles, we explored why your first drone should be a microdrone (under 250g). One big perk? In Canada, you don’t need a license to fly one—if you operate it safely and legally.

But here’s the catch: the moment your drone leaves the ground, you’re under the authority of Transport Canada. That’s the same regulatory body that governs every jet taking off from YVR, Micro or not.

Microdrones are exempt from licensing but not from responsibility.

According to Transport Canada’s official drone safety guidelines, but you must follow these safety parameters—unless you have explicit authorization to do otherwise:

• Stay out of controlled airspace. In cities like Vancouver there is YVR, harbour seaplanes, and the helicopter pads used by hospitals and fire halls, and more. It’s an extremely active and complex airspace.
• Respect privacy. Avoid flying over people or private property without consent.
• Do not take off or land in municipal parks. Most cities prohibit drone operations in public parks unless special permits are granted.
• No reckless flying. This includes stunts, flying too high, or operating under the influence.
• Stay within visual line of sight. Always be able to see your drone during flight.
• Maximum altitude: 400 feet (120m)

Going Beyond Canada?

If you're traveling or flying abroad, rules vary widely. Use drone-laws.com for a quick check before you lift off.

Flying micro means fewer legal headaches—but don’t skip the homework.

Lucian Nedelcu (Teddy), IT consultant
📧 teddyn@teddytech.net
📱 Signal (secure): @teddy.59
🔗 Linkedin: teddynedelcu

#Drones #Drone Licensing #Canadian Laws #Microdrones #TeddyTech #Teddy #Transport Canada #Drone Safety