Regulations — Transport Canada Part IX
Verify before relying
Figures below reflect CARs Part IX including the 2025 amendments. Rules change — confirm against Transport Canada's site and your operations manual. Last reviewed: September 2026.
Our category: Advanced Operations
OPS operates the DJI Mini 5 Pro (>250 g, registered small RPAS) under Advanced Operations. This category is required when you fly in controlled airspace, near people, or near aerodromes — typical for emergency-scene work.
To fly Advanced you must:
- Hold a valid Pilot Certificate — Advanced Operations (online exam + in-person flight review) and carry it.
- Meet recency requirements and keep the certificate current.
- Fly a drone declared safe for the intended advanced operation (check it’s on Transport Canada’s eligible-drone list).
- Register the aircraft and display its registration number; carry proof.
Core operating limits (quick facts)
| Rule | Limit |
|---|---|
| Maximum altitude | 122 m (400 ft) AGL unless otherwise authorized |
| Visual line-of-sight | Maintain VLOS at all times (Advanced, standard) |
| Distance from bystanders | Basic: ≥30 m. Advanced: 30–5 m needs a 922.05 declaration; <5 m or over people needs 922.06 |
| Controlled airspace | Authorization required (NAV CANADA / NAV Drone) |
| Aerodromes | Advanced: may fly <3 NM (5.6 km) from a certified airport or <1 NM (1.9 km) from a certified heliport, with ATC authorization or following TC established procedures. Military aerodromes: DND authorization within 3 NM |
| Populated area | >5 people per km² |
| Sparsely populated | >5 to ≤25 people per km² |
Emergency-scene & public-safety rules
- Do not interfere with other emergency services operating on scene.
- Yield right of way to all manned aircraft (helicopters / medevac) — descend/land to deconflict.
- Coordinate with incident command before and during flight.
- Flying at or near active emergency scenes carries special obligations — confirm authority to operate.
Reporting obligations
- Flyaway: report to NAV CANADA; advise nearest ATC of last position, heading, altitude, endurance.
- Occurrences (CARs 901.49): stop flying after an injury, contact with a person, damage affecting flight, leaving boundaries or altitude limits, collision risk, or a flyaway. Resume only after the cause is analysed and corrective action taken. Keep records 12 months.
- Records: maintain flight, maintenance and training records per CARs.