Flying your drone at an advertised event - CARs reference - section overview

In plain language

This document outlines the requirements, application procedures, and penalties for operating drones (including microdrones) at advertised events in Canada, referencing specific Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs).

Requirement as structured

This document outlines the requirements, application procedures, and penalties for operating drones (including microdrones) at advertised events in Canada, referencing specific Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs).

Original regulatory text

VLOS operation near people , at a distance of less than 30 m (100 ft) but more than 5 m (16.4 ft) from any person not involved in the operation 922.05 Declaration 901.69 (b) VLOS operation over people , at a distance of less than 5 meters (16.4 ft) from any person not involved in the operation 922.06 Declaration 901.69(c) See list of drones with safety assurance declaration. Penalties You could face serious penalties, including fines and/or jail time, if you break the rules. Fines for individuals - up to $1,000 for flying a microdrone (less than 250 g) at an advertised event - up to $3,000 for flying a drone (250 g and above) at an advertised event - up to $1,000 for flying without the required drone safety assurance declaration Fines for corporations - up to $5,000 for flying a microdrone (less than 250 g) at an advertised event - up to $15,000 for flying a drone (250 g and above) at an advertised event - up to $5,000 for flying without the required drone safety assurance declaration Background Since 2019, drone pilots wanting to operate a drone weighing 250 g or more at an advertised event have been required to obtain a lower-risk Special Flight Operations Certificate for a Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (SFOC-RPAS). As of April 1, 2025, this requirement was extended to include microdrones (drones weighing less than 250 g). Effective November 4th, 2025, anyone applying for an SFOC-RPAS will need to pay a fee, except for government organizations involved with emergency response. How to apply To get your SFOC-RPAS, you will need to: - have a drone Pilot Certificate for advanced operations (for drones weighing 250 g and above) - have your drone registered (for drones weighing 250 g and above) - provide the drone manufacturer and model - provide the event organizer and landowner’s permission - complete an Application for a Special Flight Operations Certificate form (PDF, 1.2 MB) - see Advisory Circular (AC) 903-002 - Application Guidelines for an SFOC-RPAS - send us your SFOC-RPAS application form and documents by email to: TC.RPASCentre-CentreSATP.TC@tc.gc.ca After you apply - an inspector will review your application - an invoice will be sent if the SFOC request meets the low-complexity criteria - once payment has been received, we will start the process to issue the SFOC-RPAS. Fees and service standards Actual processing times can vary depending on the complexity and completeness of the request, as well as the applicant’s ability to respond to requests for additional information in a timely manner. Accepted SFOC-RPAS applications will be processed in the order received. Service Fee

Applies when

country

Canada

regulatory category

General